650 Nighthawk Question

M

Mitch W.

Joined
Aug 11, 2010
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I found this at a junk store today and noticed something odd about it.

2011-10-04_23-26-47_912.jpg


How many times do you see the words "Patent Pending" on a knife? Does that mean this is an early Nighthawk? How difficult should it be to get the correct sheath for it (it didn't come with one)?

2011-10-04_23-26-38_159.jpg
 
You could snag a nylon sheath off the Bay to at least have some sheath for it... Then figure out if that is proper or not.
At least in the interim you would have a sheath.
 
Here is a picture of the sheath you will be needing. I purchased my "pat pend" 650 Nighthawk new so I know it is correct. It was the second Buck knife I ever owned. The first was a 422.

IMG_1883Buck650.jpg
 
OK, does anyone know what the patented feature was? Buck had already done rubber handles with the Kraton handled knives.
 
Don't know, but nice score. Mine says Pat Pending as well. I don't know the difference, but mine has BUCK 650\ instead of the reverse "C" like your new acquisition.
Must be a date code.
 
The \ is date code for 1994
The backward C is date code for 1996

Mine is a regular C for 1995 and also says Pat Pend

It must have taken Buck a while to get the patent on these.

Nice Grab Mitch!
 
Last edited:
Yes, once applied for a patent can take over a year. Two years is easily within the time frame. The work load at that office is usually large creating lag time. So, those stamped patent pending are those built prior to the patent being awarded. ie. the first models. This is not Buck's only model stamped as such. You can find others bearing the same wording. DM
 
I still think Pat P was the gal on the line doing the stamping.

The Snap sisters (Gret and Lack) were on the QC line.



Where's Goose when we need him? I think he knew those sisters personally. :D
 
Mitch, another sign of early one is that the handle is all black as the later ones are black and green.
 
My 650 is a 1994, 651 is a 2007, 653 is a 1997 and 655 is a 2004. Not sure on the date of the change over.

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I am very happy to shed some light on this issue, and might depress anyone without the / 94 model. In the early 90's the usmc needed a new knife. Many companys submitted their best based on specs reqd by u.s. gov. The 650\ is the 1st civilian release of the rejected knife. I believe the winner was phrobis. Not saying the new ones are bad, but avoid the newest ones with holes in them and other various branding gimmicks. Ive even seen pics of a polished 650 with no marks. Im betting that was the original miltary release.
 
Yes, correct. It was submitted, rejected and the Phrobis got it. Buck later made a lot of Phrobis as well. A beast of a knife. I see bikers carrying them. DM
 
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