80's Buck Handles Changing Color

[Memphis Tiger]

I've had a couple Buck 300 series long pulls from the 80's that have had the Delrin handles discolor. Its happened to one in a display case which made me think it was related to sunlight but it also happened to another one that I was using. I suppose it did have some window light exposure when not in use. Thoughts on this? How to repair if possible, how to prevent. Thanks.

 

[Delgadonine]

I lost my Buck 301. It and my Buck 121 were the first two knives I ever bought.

I don't think you can stop 'environmental factors'. Natural hand releases such as oils or sweat. Sunlight. Use of the knife.

Let it happen, it gives the knife character. However, to answer your question. Clean your knives. Then, keep your knives in their box and store it in a cool dark place when not being carried/used.

That's what I do with my collection.

 

[Just Tom.]

I've had a couple Buck 300 series long pulls from the 80's that have had the Delrin handles discolor. Its happened to one in a display case which made me think it was related to sunlight but it also happened to another one that I was using. I suppose it did have some window light exposure when not in use. Thoughts on this? How to repair if possible, how to prevent. Thanks.

A few years ago my dad gave me an old forgotten 301 he said he found in an a coffee can filled with nails and junk in his shed. The scales had faded to a pale gray. Soaking the whole thing in mineral oil returned them to black, and they haven’t faded again since. It has only gotten occasional use, though.

 

[knarfeng]

If you search the Buck Forum (to which I have moved this thread) you will find at least one thread discussion discoloration of the old Camillus-Buck Delrin handles. I remember posting in it.

 

[riversidedep]

I too was going to suggest mineral oil, but someone beat me to it. Also, if the scales are developing that white-ish film they sometimes do, use some metal polish first, such as Flitz, and then give it the mineral oil soak.

 

[Larry Oden]

I have had very good success using ArmorAll on the black composition models that have turned grayish. Sometimes, they need to soak for more than 24 hours to turn black. Also, a good cleaning with a soft toothbrush and a light oil will help before using the ArmorAll. I have never tried mineral oil, but it sounds like a good idea also.

 

[Old Hunter]

Delrin off-gasses over time - all synthetics do to one extent or another. The Case Knife below is a 1976 made 6318SS with Delrin handles that is one of my favorites. I misplaced it in my truck toolbox for about six months a few years ago and the top picture is how it looked when I finally located it. The second picture below is what it looked like after I scrubbed it using a red shop rag soaked in Ballistol. I have used Ballistol for years to clean the similar white mold that grows on leather - doesn’t hurt leather or Delrin. OH

 

[boykinlp]

Delrin off-gasses over time - all synthetics do to one extent or another. The Case Knife below is a 1976 made 6318SS with Delrin handles that is one of my favorites. I misplaced it in my truck toolbox for about six months a few years ago and the top picture is how it looked when I finally located it. The second picture below is what it looked like after I scrubbed it using a red shop rag soaked in Ballistol. I have used Ballistol for years to clean the similar white mold that grows on leather - doesn’t hurt leather or Delrin. OH

Wow, that was quite a change. I never would’ve imagined that it looked like that originally!

 

[DirtDawg]

A few years ago my dad gave me an old forgotten 301 he said he found in an a coffee can filled with nails and junk in his shed. The scales had faded to a pale gray. Soaking the whole thing in mineral oil returned them to black, and they haven’t faded again since. It has only gotten occasional use, though.

Definitely a classic Tom. I recently pulled my old Camillus built 303 out of the knife roll only to find that white haze all over the scales. A bit of mineral oil made quick work or that situation. All of my other black-scaled Bucks were just fine though. Hmmm?