Buck 112, 1972, Category 1, Version 1 !!

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OneStoneFly

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Mar 1, 2009
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Thought you might like to see what I believe to be a first model 112 Category 1, Version 1 (per Joe Houser's time line). This knife has a left-side, inverted BUCK usa blade stamp, no nail nick, and a brass spring holder. However, it has ebony inlays, so I assume that it might have been a special build of some sort. A Cat. 1 Ver. 1 was supposed to have micarta inlays. The brass bolsters show a lovely patina to them. Comments and clarifications are welcomed.
 

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Three additional pix.
 

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My guess, and that's all it is, is that the knife has been rehandled because the back spring rivet just does not look quite right.
 
Stone, The over-all look I'd say yes its a V1 var1 . But someone put different slabs on it as you stated . Then the choil on your model looks different then on my V1 var1 but does look like my V1 var2 . So, its hard to say what happened there when the proverbial exchange was taking place . Its definately V1 var1 frame beyond that I'll concede that its an attractive, unique, early 112 . Can you verify that someone at Buck did the handle replacement and I'll have to agree w/ Sue on the spring rivet ? I'm glad you obtained it and thanks for the nice photos . DM
 
First of all, I got this knife from someone in southern California, maybe a Buck employee while they were there. Beyond that, I have no knowledge of the knife's history. However, I am going to ask.

As to the back spring rivet, do you mean the pivot rivet? It does seem large, but I'm not that familiar with the early 112's to say. As to the knife's use, I'd say 'never cut anything.'
 
The rocker rivet looks a little battered.

That would indicate that the re-handling was rough and maybe unprofessional.

Or maybe it's just some odd reflections on the photo?

Anyway, it's a grand old knife, that's for sure.
 
I would hope that if someone re slabbed it that they would have done a better job as you can see a very poor fit of the scale on the back of the knife. In the "lite" thread the clear handle has pins that appear to have been peened as this one. But still I would have liked to seen buck do a better fit of the scale, even if it is a run of the mill knife.
 
Hi OSF,

I think your knife is very nice as is. As for the scale fit, I have a few of the older factory knives with scale fit issues. The pin can be filed and polished if you think it needs it...i don't.
jb4570
 
jb4570 said:
Hi OSF,

I think your knife is very nice as is. As for the scale fit, I have a few of the older factory knives with scale fit issues. The pin can be filed and polished if you think it needs it...i don't.
jb4570
Click to expand...

I'm fine with the pins being hammered especially if this is what Buck had intended but the gap is pretty dissapointing.
DSCN0926.jpg
 
The battered rocker rivet is just a clue.......maybe it tells a story, maybe not.

I have my doubts that Buck re-scaled this, I'd guess it was done later by a hobbyist.....but who knows?

Even in the old days some odd things happened. I don't doubt a bit that some knives that didn't quite make the grade ended up in lunch boxes.
 
BG42EDGE said:
I don't doubt a bit that some knives that didn't quite make the grade ended up in lunch boxes.
Click to expand...

Yep....just ask ITE!

Look when the 112 first came out, I did not like the cheap look of the plastic handle. I'm sure I was not the only one and I bet there were more than just a few others who felt the same and as a result of that old school view more than just one of these were changed or made with wood shoes.
jb4570

PS I now like that cheap plastic look, I still need to find a 112 three line with Martica scales;).
 
I like them with either handle material . Perhaps a light tan shedua wood is my most favorite attire for the 112 . This sure makes for a nice, dressy looking 112 and macassar ebony such as this one has . DM
 
st8yd said:
I would hope that if someone re slabbed it that they would have done a better job as you can see a very poor fit of the scale on the back of the knife. In the "lite" thread the clear handle has pins that appear to have been peened as this one. But still I would have liked to seen buck do a better fit of the scale, even if it is a run of the mill knife.
Click to expand...

I have other, newer 110's and 112's which also have fit 'mismatches' at the bolsters, so the 'mismatch' on this knife may not have been a re-do. I'll also add that I have other, older knives with perfect fits. So who can tell now.
 
From what I have heard about the 'early' days a employee could/would take a standard knife/frame walk it across the floor and have it done the way they wanted..It is a cool, rare 112 for sure! I would think it might be re-slabed under warranty,maybe???
 
bucksway said:
From what I have heard about the 'early' days a employee could/would take a standard knife/frame walk it across the floor and have it done the way they wanted..It is a cool, rare 112 for sure! I would think it might be re-slabed under warranty,maybe???
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'Government' jobs like you describe go on everywhere, so you might be right. I've contacted the previous owner to learn what I can of the knife's history. As for re-scale it, I don't think so. Best as it is.
 
Government jobs?

:confused:

And, some people like to restore old knives......others think it best to leave them the way they are.

All to the owner's preference.

:)
 
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