The latest Buck Stealth Run model has managed to sneak past our defenses. The 12th model in this ongoing series of limited edition special pieces is something that Buck calls the 117 Mini, a snazzed up variant of one of Buck’s classic fixed blades.
The longer a knife sticks around, the more gnarled and complicated becomes its family tree. The standard 117 is also known as the “Mini 119” because, although it is in no way a small knife, it’s about 2 inches shorter than the 119 Special, Buck’s flagship fixed blade and, in that way, a companion piece to their eternal 110 Folding Hunter. The 117’s blade length is 4.5 inches long, so it’s plenty big enough for full-time outdoors carry – and, despite the “Mini” in its name, this Stealth Run version maintains the same blade length.
One of this experimental piece’s most notable features is something that might not be apparent at a casual glance. While the 117 Brahma blade is here much as it is in the main production iteration, the handle is borrowed wholesale from another model entirely, the 102 Woodsman. Compared to the 117’s usual grip, the Woodsman handle tapers much more dramatically at the butt end, with a much smaller pommel. The 117 Mini, with its skinnier handle, is about significantly lighter than its predecessor, tipping the scales at 3.1 oz. compared to the 117 Brahma’s 4.9 oz.
Of course, the materials are tweaked as well. The Micarta on the 117 Mini’s handle is a deep, rich maroon color; it runs completely around the tang of the knife and is capped by an aluminum finger guard. The blade steel, this being a premium model, is MagnaCut, cooked to perfection with a Paul Bos heat treat. A black leather sheath and certificate of authenticity are included with each 117 Mini.
There are only 500 of these available, so act quick if you’re interested!
Knife in Featured Image: Buck Stealth Run #12 117 Mini
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