Buck 103 Steel Help

hughd

hughd

Joined
Feb 18, 2014
Messages
558
I need some help determining if my 103 is 440C or 425M.
It is a three line/four black spacer. 1973-1986
It is my understanding Buck went to 425M in 1981.
I am also confused about the grind.
I have both sheath types an not sure which came with this one.
 
Can you post photos? The Black spacers came around 1986 and may be 4. Then it would have a year date stamp. If it has a year date stamp it will have 425M steel. What about the grind? Sheath type: the snoopy style or flap over? DM
 
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No date stamp. 1973-1986
I took a look at my sheaths and the snoopy definitely goes with my 1995 103. So, it has a flap style sheath with BUCK on the snap. Not sure about the grind, it seems "flat with a convex edge"?
 
IF it has no year date, with 4 spacer, the spacers should be maroon micarta. Group 2, 1973-80. The grind would be a semi-hollow
grind with a thick convex edge. Which would have a 440C blade and the sheath would be a flap over. DM
 
Are you guys looking at the close up image? No date stamp and under a glass the spacers look black as well with a slight texture. Could maroon Micarta be confused with black?
 
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Not sure what your question is. The handle construction (4 spacers) is the defining feature that can help narrow down the age more than just the tang stamp alone. Spacer color can vary due to different supply lots and is irrelevant to the age question. In 1981 the spacer under the guard was removed (3 spacers) and from about 1982 onward there are only 2 spacers.

Again.... what David said in response #4 .... :D
 
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My last question was "Could maroon Micarta spacers be confused with black?" If the answer is yes, I guess I have a pre-1981 440C. Thanks for the help. :thumbsup:
 
The knife should have a flap over sheath, like David said. As for the color of the spacers, some maroon can be so dark as to look black. Take it out in the bright sun and look at it through a magnifying lens.
 
That's 440c steel for sure.they love a convex edge and will hold it forever if you just use it for skinning .
 
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