600 series discussion

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Midnight Rider

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Mar 4, 2023
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I just recently found out that this series existed. I'm referring to the 602 and so on that share blades with the 100 series knives. Attached is a photo with my newest Buck knives, a 602 and a 619. Both are ca. 1988. For comparison I put in my 102 and 119 (both 2019 and newer). Are the blade shapes different mostly because of the Era they were made in? Or is it something specific to the 600 series? Also, I'm working on a list of models but I keep finding conflicting info. My list is:
602 Woodsmate
603 Kraton skinner
605 Pathmate
619 Fieldmate
620 Campmate
639 ?

The 619 and 639 come in two colors, the black and olive drab, correct? Does the 639 come with different mods on the blade? Or is it strictly a Rambo-style with filiework and serrations? Are there any other models that go in this series? Thanks.20230629_195122.jpg
 
Forgot, I also have a question regarding sheaths. My 602 came with a nylon sheath, but I'm not sure its original as it doesn't mention Buck anywhere on it. My 619 came in a cheap leather sheath with a broken snap. I've found that the 619 fits like a glove in my leather 119 sheath, so I've ordered one for it. The 602 is far too "thick" to ever fit in a 102 sheath. The one I have for it is ok, but I would like something more Buck-style. Will any other current buck sheaths fit?
 
Love the 600 series. I’ve got the green handled 619, 620 and the 639. Pretty sure all the 639 models have the serrations and saw teeth except some customized versions that have been re-handled and the blades reworked.

Correction, my 620 is black handled not green.
 
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Badhammer said:
Love the 600 series. I’ve got the green handled 619, 620 and the 639. Pretty sure all the 639 models have the serrations and saw teeth except some customized versions that have been re-handled and the blades reworked.
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I'm loving them too, so far. The look of the 100 series in black phenolic handles is classic, and my all time favorites. But the 600 series handles seem like they would be great for slippery work (I'm thinking of using one outside in this heat wave) and they also look good. So the 620 comes in green as well? I would love to see a photo or two, when you have time.
 
Pack Rat said:
There is a 650, a 651, and an elusive 890650 build out.
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I knew of the 650 Nighthawk, it's definitely on my radar. Seems like I remember seeing those in stores back in the 90s. Wish I had bought a few then lol. I'll check out the 651 and 655 also, thanks!
 
I have some 600's with custom handles:
651 Pigsticker with polished blade and Bubinga wood
890/650 Strider with polished blade and Burl Oak (I heard only 10 of these blades were made)
650 Nighthawk (TOPS) with Elk Antler
650 Nighthawk with Brown Micarta/Brass
655 Nighthawk with Stacked Leather Micarta
639 Fieldmate with Black Zytel 188 and Mini-Guard/Pins
639 Fieldmate with Cherrywood (supposed to be a custom one-off when previous owner sent in for warranty work on Kraton handle)
639 Fieldmate with Black Phenolic
639 Fieldmate with Elk Horn

EDIT: I guess this does not help the OP with what handle materials the 600 series came with from the factory.

20230630_185744_50%.jpg
 
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The handles are Kraton rubber. Developed by DuPont in the '50's.
The sheaths are nylon, black with black handles, camo with the olive drab handles.
The final run of 639's were without the saw spine as tooling was wearing out. Box labeled "No Broach".
Very rare are the 619's in other colors, prototype samples only. Brown, Green, Gray, and Orange. Never seen one.

602 TrailMate (102 Woodsman)
603 Kraton Skinner (103 Skinner)
605 PathMate (105 Pathfinder)
619 WoodsMate (black 119 Special)
619PM Woodsmate for Purina Mills, 1995-97, about 700 made
619OD GameMate (olive drab 119 Special) 1986, 1,000 made
620 CampMate (120 General)
639 FieldMate (black)
639OD FieldMate (olive drab)
639 FieldMate (no broach) scarce?

Kraton.600 series.jpg
 
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DeSotoSky said:
The handles are Kraton rubber. Developed by DuPont in the '50's.
The sheaths are unmarked nylon, black with black handles, camo with the olive drab handles.
The final run of 639's were without the saw spine as tooling was wearing out. Box labeled "No Broach".

602 TrailMate (102 Woodsman)
603 Kraton Skinner (103 Skinner)
605 PathMate (105 Pathfinder)
619 WoodsMate (black 119 Special)
619 GameMate (olive drab 119 Special) scarce?
620 CampMate (120 General)
639 FieldMate (black)
639 FieldMate (olive drab)
639 Fieldmate (no broach) scarce?

View attachment 2236835
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Thank you! This was exactly the information I was looking for. I had the names all kinds of mixed up, I appreciate you clarifying. Are these knives in the picture part of your collection?
 
Midnight Rider said:
Thank you! This was exactly the information I was looking for. I had the names all kinds of mixed up, I appreciate you clarifying. Are these knives in the picture part of your collection?
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Yes, old low resolution picture. Have added a few since but never seem to get around to updating.
I always found it odd they had a "Mate" name for every one except the 603 Skinner and that they used the WoodsMate name for the 619 and not the 602 (102 Woodsman)
 
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