- Joined
- Jul 4, 2017
- Messages
- 1,907
A couple of hours ago I bought this Buck 501. I knew enough to realize the Old English script put it pre-1986 (or maybe pre-1985?). After coming home to do some research, it appears that the maroon micarta makes it pre-1982 or thereabouts. I realize that being more precise with the dating is difficult (or impossible). But I see one other feature of interest: the blade profile is the "fat behind the edge" profile just like my two dot 112 and 110. (In fact, my 110, which I have dated to 1974, is really fat behind the edge.) Wondering if this might be late 1970s, perhaps? And really hoping that it's 440C. Not sure it's ever been sharpened until today (and it sharpened up really nicely on E-Z Lap diamonds).
Oh, one other thing. I tried to lightly polish the bolsters with Case Paste (like Flitz) and I did not get any black residue the way I expect with nickel silver. Perhaps these are stainless steel?
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Old English script
Maroon micarta
Two rivets
"Fat" edge
Stainless steel?
UPDATE: Ok, more searching turned up this post from ten years ago. Looks like 78-80, linen micarta, 440C, stainless steel bolsters. Oh, man, am I happy with my new Esquire!
Oh, one other thing. I tried to lightly polish the bolsters with Case Paste (like Flitz) and I did not get any black residue the way I expect with nickel silver. Perhaps these are stainless steel?
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Old English script
Maroon micarta
Two rivets
"Fat" edge
Stainless steel?
UPDATE: Ok, more searching turned up this post from ten years ago. Looks like 78-80, linen micarta, 440C, stainless steel bolsters. Oh, man, am I happy with my new Esquire!


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