Any possible way to purchase a Buck fixed blade blank?

Fixall

Brian
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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I'm just wondering if any one knows if there is a way to purchase a blank from Buck or one of their distributors? I'm guessing not, but I figured I'd throw it out there in case someone had a definite answer.

There are several models that I would like to make handles for (like an S30V/redwood burl 113 and a 20CV/african blackwood 117), and I just can't bring myself to destroy the handles Buck puts on them in the factory.
 
I'm just wondering if any one knows if there is a way to purchase a blank from Buck or one of their distributors? I'm guessing not, but I figured I'd throw it out there in case someone had a definite answer.

There are several models that I would like to make handles for (like an S30V/redwood burl 113 and a 20CV/african blackwood 117), and I just can't bring myself to destroy the handles Buck puts on them in the factory.
Where/ when was there a 117 in 20cv ? All I’ve ever seen were 420hc. I’d like to get a 117 in a premium stainless blade like S35vn or 20cv or s30v.
 
I'm just wondering if any one knows if there is a way to purchase a blank from Buck or one of their distributors? I'm guessing not, but I figured I'd throw it out there in case someone had a definite answer.

There are several models that I would like to make handles for (like an S30V/redwood burl 113 and a 20CV/african blackwood 117), and I just can't bring myself to destroy the handles Buck puts on them in the factory.

Sadly, the answer is no. Actually, it's more like NO. :eek:
 
I don't think they sell blade blanks, either.
You could try emailing them.

I probably should have just gone that route first, lol.

Where/ when was there a 117 in 20cv ? All I’ve ever seen were 420hc. I’d like to get a 117 in a premium stainless blade like S35vn or 20cv or s30v.

I haven't actually seen a 117 in premium steel, but I wouldn't be super surprised to see one coming out as a dealer exclusive sometime in the future. Like you, I'd really be down for a 117 in any type of premium steel. The 113 in S30V is at least available in some form. I'm thinking about just having an S30V/Ebony 113 made in the custom shop and calling it a day, but man... I've got some gorgeous scales/blocks on hand I'd love to put to use.

Sadly, the answer is no. Actually, it's more like NO. :eek:

Yea... That's about what I figured.

Finding a high quality knife blank with a great heat treat isn't as easy to do as it used to be since the Spyderco Mules went off the market. :(
 
Just buy the cheapest version you can get. Hack the handle off, then work your magic. Be sure to post your results.
 
This was formally a 501. Mesquite from my farm. Not a wood your going to get at the custom shop.View attachment 1303759
Buck Knives used to offer mesquite in the custom shop back in the late 80's,
This was formally a 501. Mesquite from my farm. Not a wood your going to get at the custom shop.View attachment 1303759
Buck Knives used to offer mesquite in the custom shop in late 80's, I've used it on a 110 and it turned our great. I'm originally from Arizona and have a dinning room table made from mesquite. Did you sand down the rear bolster or did you re-scale a barehead 501?
 
Buck Knives used to offer mesquite in the custom shop back in the late 80's. Did you sand down the rear bolster or did you re-scale a barehead 501?

A piece of mesquite like the one pictured isn't to easy to find. I removed the rear bolster. I'm doing a set of 5 barehead 501's all made from wood I harvested from the farm here in CenTex. I've completed 4. The fifth wood is still TBD. I have them cut..I just can't decide which one. Choices are flame box elder, blackjack or dyed yaupon root.
 
A piece of mesquite like the one pictured isn't to easy to find. I removed the rear bolster. I'm doing a set of 5 barehead 501's all made from wood I harvested from the farm here in CenTex. I've completed 4. The fifth wood is still TBD. I have them cut..I just can't decide which one. Choices are flame box elder, blackjack or dyed yaupon root.
Is that Texas Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa)? Do you have any Texas Ebony(Ebenopsis ebano) on your ranch, that is really beautiful wood with great ranges of color.
 
I'm just wondering if any one knows if there is a way to purchase a blank from Buck or one of their distributors? I'm guessing not, but I figured I'd throw it out there in case someone had a definite answer.

There are several models that I would like to make handles for (like an S30V/redwood burl 113 and a 20CV/african blackwood 117), and I just can't bring myself to destroy the handles Buck puts on them in the factory.

I purchased the PakLite Skinner (without the coating) and put my own handle on it, just finished. It looks fantastic and you can't beat Buck quality.
 
Just curious, do you think Buck sells Yellowhorse knife blanks or does he just remove the handle and add his own?
 
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Just curious, do you think Buck sells Yellowhorse knife blanks or does the remove the handle and add his own?

I don't know about the Yellowhorse situation, but I do know something about Santa Fe Stoneworks. They used to do a lot of custom handles for Buck folders, especially the 300 series. In about 2005 they quit using Buck knives for their work because they no longer could get knives from Buck without scales on them.
 
bertl bertl Seems like a poor reason, they come off easily enough.
I would think the scales are cheap enough they couldn't buy them for much less without them.
 
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bertl bertl Seems like a poor reason, they come off easily enough.
I would think the scales are cheap enough they couldn't buy them for much less without them.

I don't know the details, but that's what Bill Wirtel (SFSW) told me. Maybe something else was involved.
 
I believe Buck sells David Yellowhorse the parts for him to embellish and put together. A few years ago I spoke to Michael Prater from Painted Pony Knives and he told me Buck sells them the parts for him to customize and assemble instead of him buying completed knives, taking them apart, customizing them and than reassembling. Buck doesn't do that for more than a few customers that they have a good history and working relationship with and I'll bet he does the same thing with David Yellowhorse.
 
I'm just wondering if any one knows if there is a way to purchase a blank from Buck or one of their distributors? I'm guessing not, but I figured I'd throw it out there in case someone had a definite answer.

There are several models that I would like to make handles for (like an S30V/redwood burl 113 and a 20CV/african blackwood 117), and I just can't bring myself to destroy the handles Buck puts on them in the factory.

Take the handle off. No guts, no glory!
JLLk5u.jpg
 
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I had Leroy Remer (triple-r-knives(at)cox.net) make me a couple of Model 110 blades in CPM S110V steel. I had to furnish the steel and send it out for heat treat to Peter's Heat Treat (info(at)peter'sheattreat.com) after the blades were made. After heat treat, I sent them back to Leroy for sharpening, polishing, and stamping/marking. Much grumbling was heard, but Leroy did a nice job.
I don't think Leroy is looking to make any more S110V blades, but it doesn't hurt to ask about other materials.View attachment 1548273
 
Of the ones you are interested in, 113 & 117 and you mentioned s30v. Those are newer and you likely won't find one at a knife show. Which you could remove the handle and redo. If Buck won't, then Leroy Remer is you ace in the hole. Good luck. DM
 
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