Age & steel questions - Buck 501

Old Hunter

Old Hunter

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Jul 12, 2012
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I acquired this Buck 501 in a trade early last week. It came with the original box and papers (marked Esquire on the box); knife was wrapped in a heavy dark tan tissue, it contained the Al Buck Tract, and the small, square instruction sheet is marked SH-309. I would like to know the approximate date of manufacture and which steel Buck used for the blade in this knife. I believe the handles are maroon Micarta - a little too much reddish hue in them to be black. Thanks for any information that you may be able to share! OH

Buck_501_1_.jpg
 
That model began mfg. in the factory in late 1974 and shipment to dealers began in early 1975. Your model originally had a lock bar pivot pin exposed and Buck began hiding this in 1977. So, yours is after that. Also, that model's name was changed to Squire in 1985, so, yours is before that date. It features burgundy micarta, polished stainless steel frame and bolsters and blade of 440C also polished. Notice it's stamp is of the old English script a dressy finish for this model. A real classy model and subsequent series that rolled out Buck's doors. Nice photo. DM
 
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David, thank you very much for the great info (and for the compliment on my photo). OH
 
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