1973 Buck 112

[Killdeer]

My Buck 112 was purchased new by me in 1973. About 1980 a colleague broke the blade, and Buck replaced the blade. The replacement blade is marked with three dots (one left and two right). How likely is it that my blade is made of 440C steel, as was the original.

 

[afishhunter]

I "think" Buck went to 425M with the three dots.
NO guarantee I am correct, of course.

 

[bladesmith3]

i am pretty sure this is correct info.

For a Buck 112 with three dots (1981 production), the steel would almost certainly be:
During that era (late 1970s through mid-1980s), Buck used 440C for the 112 Folding Hunter before transitioning to other steels later.

Dot Code	Approx Year

•

1979

••

1980

•••

1981

••••

1982

 

[guy g]

Depending on when in 1980 the blade was replaced , it could go either way. If early.. they could be using stock of 440c. If later, they could be starting on the 425m for 1981.
Also didn't they change the blade grind on the 425m? I saw that while looking for info on my 120 of that time frame.

 

[guy g]

sabe, the early Buck models had semi-hollow ground blades. Thus the thick portion behind the edge. This changed in 1981 with the 3 dots. Those have a fuller hollow ground blade. DM

Just found this.. it may help with the blade steel.

 

[pjsjr]

As per Larry Odin, in his book 'Holding An Edge' "1983, *4 dot(..112..) stamp to indicate switch to 425 modified steel."