118 inverted asterisk?

Joined
Sep 22, 2013
Messages
571
Let me see if I have this correct.

I believe this is a 1967 118 with period correct sheath. No number stamp on back of sheath.

Nice acquisition.

Thought I'd share.

No those aren't my pill packs.:cool:

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I am surprised one of the 100 series experts have not given you the complete rundown on your knife yet. The dot is likely a factory mark to show a design change or change in production run. Something along those lines. 300
 
I'll be the guy, your right, this knife was manufactured in '67. The only year that this mark was used on 100 series knives. The spacers are made of bone hard fiber (not really bone, its just a name) and everything '69 and prior will have these spacers. After '69 Buck changed the spacers to red micarta. The sheath is correct and is original to the knife. Nice knife, you should send it to Buck and they can clean it up nd sharpen it for you.
 
It's worth noting your sheath has 'Buck' stamped on the snap. Not many had that in 1967. I have a 105 with that stamp and it's original sheath. The snap on mine does not have 'Buck' on it. The bone hard fiber spacers (merely wording) is really gasket material. DM
 
The dot is thought to signify an engineering change from forged blades to blanked blades in early 1967. 1967 is a transitional year with 3 different tang stamps.... 'BUCK' to 'BUCK*' to 'BUCK/USA' in quick succession.
 
Nice knife, thanks for sharing.

Your very welcome. Its the least I can do after all the information I have gleaned from all the contributors in this forum.

I am surprised one of the 100 series experts have not given you the complete rundown on your knife yet. The dot is likely a factory mark to show a design change or change in production run. Something along those lines. 300

Well looks like the gangs all here :thumbup:

I'll be the guy, your right, this knife was manufactured in '67. The only year that this mark was used on 100 series knives. The spacers are made of bone hard fiber (not really bone, its just a name) and everything '69 and prior will have these spacers. After '69 Buck changed the spacers to red micarta. The sheath is correct and is original to the knife. Nice knife, you should send it to Buck and they can clean it up nd sharpen it for you.

I learned most of the information I posted in the OP from your many older posts. Thanks again for reconfirming and updating with more info.

It's worth noting your sheath has 'Buck' stamped on the snap. Not many had that in 1967. I have a 105 with that stamp and it's original sheath. The snap on mine does not have 'Buck' on it. The bone hard fiber spacers (merely wording) is really gasket material. DM

I was wondering about Buck being on the snap of an unnumbered sheath and couldn't find any info. Yes you and DeSotoSky gave me an education on the "Bone Hard Fiber" in my last thread awhile back. Thanks again

Really nice find. Are you going to collect it or use it?

It will get set in for a spa treatment and added to the menagerie.

The dot is thought to signify an engineering change from forged blades to blanked blades in early 1967. 1967 is a transitional year with 3 different tang stamps.... 'BUCK' to 'BUCK*' to 'BUCK/USA' in quick succession.

Great historical info. Thanks again.:thumbup:

Big thank you to everyone for sharing your hard earned knowledge. Nice to share in a productive forum.
 
The dot is thought to signify an engineering change from forged blades to blanked blades in early 1967. 1967 is a transitional year with 3 different tang stamps.... 'BUCK' to 'BUCK*' to 'BUCK/USA' in quick succession.
Thanks for this. I had forgotten what the * meant. Probably not too many made this way.

Nice knife 67.
 
Congratulations on your acquisition fatcity67.

A quote taken from page #32 of Tom Ables terrific book The Story of Buck Knives showing one of the first Buck product catalogs after the move to the larger plant on Congress Street.

"Personal: Model #118
This famous Buck combination knife combines the skinning sweep of the wide skinner with the slender blade of a fish and small game knife used and endorsed by Col. Townsend, famous wilderness camper and sports author and illustrated in his book Camping In The Wilderness. $12.00"

It is my understanding that the model 118 is called the "Personal" because it was the Founder's, Hoyt Buck, personal favorite knife.

PS: I was unable to find the Colonel's book. If anyone has it I would be tickled if they could provide the mentioned illustration of Buck's 118 said to be in it? Thank you.
 
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Oregon hope the sailing has been on the calmer side lately.

Thank you for all the in depth information. Very interesting what history old original catalogs will tell you about a knife and or the company.

I have never heard of the 118 being referred to as the "Personal".

Ive had my eye out for Tom Ables book for awhile.

Amazing the collective knowledge contained within this forum.
 
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Thank you kindly.

My new to me Tom Ables book, courtesy of a kind and generous Buck collector, was signed by Chuck Buck! It is a marvel of wonderful gem quality information. You get to see the founders, the present day leaders as youngsters and Leroy Remer as a young fellow.

This forum is encyclopedic. Its members, Buck collectors, Club members and aficionados are among the finest people we will ever know.
 
Thank you kindly.

My new to me Tom Ables book, courtesy of a kind and generous Buck collector, was signed by Chuck Buck! It is a marvel of wonderful gem quality information. You get to see the founders, the present day leaders as youngsters and Leroy Remer as a young fellow.

This forum is encyclopedic. Its members, Buck collectors, Club members and aficionados are among the finest people we will ever know.

Glad to see you back.
 
Wish I had more time to get to knife shows and meet some of you wonderful people, appears like I would have travel out of state to do so. Work, family, two kids in college, first grandchild born a month ago really soaks up the time and energy. Heck might not even get to go Elk Hunting this year.
 
Just to comment on the sheath information given, Buck originally hand made the sheaths prior to incorporating, and after outsourced the sheaths from a trophy shop, until '69 when they brought it back in house. Something people have to realize is that nothing in Buck history is concrete. Buck knives never threw anything away and put together knives from one year with sheaths from another. One can narrow information down to a few years and come pretty close. You have to know what to look for but be flexible.
 
Thank you much for the information.

As with all knife companies they were in the business of selling knives first and foremost.
 
I believe the book Oregon was referencing was written by Col. Townsend Whelen. (35 Whelen)
 
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