Buck 112 bolsters

J

JD Bear

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Aug 4, 2015
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I have Buck 112's and 110's and it seems like the bolsters get a rainbow hue if they come within three feet of the stock leather sheaths. I know that brass and leather have a reaction when they first come in contact, but I have a 110 that wasn't really intended for use and I had it in the sheath for literally 30 seconds and there's discoloration. Anyone else deal with this in such a short amount of time?
 
My one and only 110 has the nasty nylon sheath. I do have a Uncle Henry LB7 (very highly polished brass bolsters) and an Old Timer 7OT (brushed brass bolsters) both with leather sheaths. I have not noticed any discoloration on either. Fingerprints on the LB7 (fingerprint magnet, it is ... the Buck too, for that matter.) but no rainbow hue colors on any.
I've EDC'd all three.
 
Thanks. I don't mind that much, especially on the 112's because they're being used and not just sitting around. It just blew my mind that it happened so easily. If you like the 110, the 112 is really nice and comfortable.
 
Brass will discolor and grow a patina. But it's also possible that your sheath came from a low bid batch that did not use Veg Tanned leather (chemicals can be much cheaper). Other chemicals used in tanning leather will almost always have a negative affect when in contact with metal. That's why it's so important that holsters and sheaths are made with a Vegetable tanned leather.
 
I have four 112's that have been in the factory leather sheath's for a few years now, without that issue. I've seen the problem in other brass & leather combo's - but not my Buck's. FWIW.
 
I bought a 112 and the rainbow patina started forming within a few days and it was never placed in a sheath. It formed from the oils on my hands. The patina can form from any of these scenarios. I rather like the look of it so it does not bother me at all. If it gets to a point where it has started to cause any damage you can polish it back to new or send it in to Buck for a "spa treatment" and they will clean, polish, and sharpen the knife for a very small fee.
 
Thanks guys. I really appreciate the knowledge. I just joined, so this was a cool way to start. I think if my 112 turned purple with yellow polka dots I'd still carry it. Love that thing...
 
Welcome aboard JD Bear! I like the patina and for me it seems to patina slightly faster in the leather sheath. I never store my brass bolster Bucks in either sheath though.
 
Yeah, I've always heard that they should never be stored in a sheath. I was hoping someone could help me with a vantage question as well. I just got one in the mail, and it's really stiff. I've been messing with the pivot, but if I loosen it too much I hit the frame. Basically, do they break in and get a little smoother if I keep some pressure to keep the blade centered?
 
I had a Pro Vantage a while back and regret getting rid of it. If I remember correctly mine took some breaking in but was fine after that.
 
That makes me feel better. I just got an all black Select model. I've been so excited to get it. I was just surprised at how hard it is to open. I would like to acquire more of this series, so I really want them to be smooth. Like a RAT 1 that's made in the USA...
 
You kids never been in the military?

Brass is gonna tarnish.

Get a small can of Brasso. It lasts a long time.

Been lot of talk here about not storing collectable brass in the leather sheaths.
 
I do have discoloration, but nothing severe or that quick. +1 to the brasso. It takes care of tarnish quickly and keeps it looking good.
 
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