12" Micarta 124? Age, name, etc?

NAFix

NAFix

Joined
Jan 23, 2005
Messages
108
Folks,

I'll admit up front I don't know a lot about all Bucks. I've been thru a few folders and have owned a couple fixed blades. About the only literature I have that covers Buck is Levine's, altho I think one I just ordered may have a Buck section.

At any rate, I just picked up this large fixed blade that seems unlike any shown in Levine's and different from any I've seen. Ricasso is stamped Buck/124/U.S.A with the top pf the stamp toward the tip, bottom at the guard. It now measures 11-13/16" and is a full-tang, exposed-tang construction. Blade back (3/16" thick) runs flat from guard to tip. Handle slabs of black Micarta are pinned on. Grip is about 1-1/16" at widest point and slightly finger-grooved. Guard and butt are aluminum with no black spacers. Butt is shaped like today's production knives but with flat/squared corner sides, not rounded at all. Came in flap-strap-type sheath.

I was hoping someone could tell me about this knife. During what period was it made, what they called it, if anything but 124, how long did Buck use Micarta (1st I've seen)??? Is it rare? Any other info folks might have would be greatly appreciated. I've attached a thumbnail link or full-sized pic... I'm never sure what will appear.
Thanx,
NAFix
 

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evil eye earl know most of what you want to know!
i can tell you that it is pre 1986 .. as the lanyard hole was last used in 73 i think..
but i am guessing here..
i have one like this and it makes a fantastic camp knife!
 
NAFix, I think Dave nailed it, 1973. First year for the aluminum guard and pommel and last year for the lanyard hole. Called the Frontiersman....

Best to wait for confirmation from E³ though...
 
I'll throw out what I know whilst we wait for E cubed.
The 124 Frontiersman was first made with a hidden tang and black phenolic handle, not unlike the current 119.
They switched to black micarta in about 1971 and used this material until about 1982. The first ones in 71 and 72 would have the stamp upside down as compared to yours. My best guess is that the lanyard hole went away in 73 as mentioned above.
No if the knife were only stamped BUCK, U.S.A. this answer would have to include a discussion of the 122.....we really dodged a bullet there! :D
I hope this helps.
 
They also made some in maroon micarta, not sure of the #'s though. Joe could probably elaborate more on that. I found one NIB on ebay a few years ago & like yours, has the lanyard hole. IIRC, the paper work is dated 1973.
 
Thanx all for the info... was kinda waiting for Evil Eye Earl to weigh in, since he was mentioned by others. Nice to have it nailed down to the specific year -- 1973.

Thanx, again,
NAFix
 
Everyone nailed the date and stamp correctly.I have been huntin' again:D
Here are some pics of various 73' 124's.
Oh! since Joe mentioned it here are some 122 stamps.1972....earlier 122's were stamped BUCK USA with phenolic handles.
click pic twice to enlarge







 
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