Buck 112 - pawn shop find, advice & opinions requested

rhino

rhino

Joined
Dec 30, 2000
Messages
3,801
Greetings my fellow Buck aficionados!

Recently I saw an older Buck 112 (squared bolsters) in the display case at a local pawn shop with a price of $14.95 on it. Obviously, that's a potential score! Upon examining it, I passed because the blade was more than half gone due to use/sharpening. The frame was in a condition that a little tlc would make it very nice, though.

I'm now thinking, what if I get it and then send it to Buck for a new blade and a buff and fluff spa treatment? Do you think it's worth it, or should I just wait for something in better condition?

Thanks!
 
$15 + $6 (shipping) + $10 (blade)= $31. Thats a no brainer for a user. I like the old ebony so I’ve done that a couple times. best thing is to put 2 or 3 together they will ship for the same $6. Plus it saves Buck on the return shipping.
 
Under 35 bucks for basically a new old style 112 is ok. Plus you could have Buck engrave it too if they will. A shieth is part of the thought process of deciding since I see decent condition older 112's for under 50 fairly often with a good shieth. A new 420 blade will serve you well but S30V is becoming more common and worth searching for.
 
Thanks for all of the responses far with excellent advice and opinions.

I tried to go to the pawn shop on my way home from an appointment this morning, but I arrived at 09:35 and it doesn't open until 10:00. I would have waited, but I had to get back to work.

I shall try again. If it's no longer there, it was not meant to be! I might find something even better, though!
 
If it's gone you can get a Slim or LT 112 cheep brand new. I just missed a chance 2 years ago for a Yellowhorse 112 with a bad blade for less than a hundred bucks I was going to send in lol! The new Take Apart 112's really solves the problem of a damaged blade but saving a otherwise decent 112 with Bucks blade replacement program is just a cool thing for 10 bucks..
 
JSutter said:
Best of luck on finding it still there when you go back. And yes, I’d definitely pickup a 112 like that and send it to BUCK.
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bucksway said:
If it's gone you can get a Slim or LT 112 cheep brand new. I just missed a chance 2 years ago for a Yellowhorse 112 with a bad blade for less than a hundred bucks I was going to send in lol! The new Take Apart 112's really solves the problem of a damaged blade but saving a otherwise decent 112 with Bucks blade replacement program is just a cool thing for 10 bucks..
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Thanks! I went back Tuesday on my way back to work after an appointment. Unfortunately, it was only 09:35 and the shop didn't open until 10:00. I may try again tomorrow.

I had a 112 Slim for a while, but it didn't really work for me. The 112 LT is great (have one), but finding them since they were discontinued is not easy.
 
Update:

I visited the pawn shop again on Friday, and they still had the old Buck 112 in the display case marked for $14.95. I asked the person working there is she would take $10 for it and she agreed immediately.

Here's the details:

o It's a 2 dot (one dot on each side of the 112. That means 1974-1980 vintage, correct?
o The blade is about 1/3 gone and it looks like someone tried to sharpen it with a bench grinder.
o The scales need replacing. I didn't notice it before, but a previous owner did an amateurish job of gouging some lines and the word "PACKRAT" in the wood.

I sent email to the Buck warranty/repair department to inquire about the scales. I hope they can replace them for a reasonable price. I hate to replace the old 440C blade, but with as badly as it's worn/abused/damaged, I think a new 420HC blade is the best option.

Question for you guys . . . if they re-blade, will they polish the brass and clean it, or do I need to order the spa treatment too?
 
Here are pics after a quick wipe-down:

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FranklinG said:
Oh man. I'm looking forward to seeing how this comes back. I sent a 2 dot 112 back to the mother ship late last year, and it turned out really well. I may need to start checking out pawn shops...
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I think the only thing they'll be able to save is the frame!

I need to repeat: it hurts me to replace the blade, but what is left isn't useful to anyone.
 
Consider your investment.
$10 for the knife
$10 for a blade
$15 for one side scale
$15 for other side scale
$ 5 for postage

You're $55 into a an old, used 112.

A new anniversary 112 will set you back $50, while the base 112 is only $40

I know what I would do...
 
Going to enjoy seeing a before and after on this one, sometimes the older ones do have some nostalgia and a story behind it which to me can be priceless.
 
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