Buck 120 question

Z

zanussi01

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Jan 3, 2012
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Hi everyone,Could someone please give me any information as to when this knife was made.It came in a box dated 1994,but having no date code would say otherwise wouldnt it?
 
The sheath is newer than 2002. I'm going to stick my neck out a bit and say that the knife blade grind and tang stamp
are not pre date code (1986) but much newer. Looks like you might have a knife that did not receive a date code.
I think the knife is consistent with the newer than 2002 sheath.
In what way is the box dated 1994? I don't know how you dated the box to 1994 and without a picture can't comment on that.
 
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It was probably produced between 1972-1986, according to Buck codes. Looks closer to the later 80's due to the shape of the blade and how the edge is ground.
It looks in good condition.
I hope this helps.
Myya
 
To me it looks to be a 1981. A transition year knife where one space was dropped in the guard and later one in the pommel. It either has one in the guard and two in the pommel or one in the guard and one in the pommel. The sheath is also correct for that. DM
 
I am just a visitor to this world and know nothing. If it were a 2002 it could have the anvil date code somewhere odd or even no code. I get several questions a year where they think they have no date code because the anvil blade was changed to a new one or they didn't notice the anvil stamp on a secondary blade tang.
Ball back in your court, taking myself out of the game......300
 
Looks like I'm in the minority here but I'll stick with what I said for now. Looks like I'm gonna have to pull out all my 120's for comparison. I'd like to see a picture of the box and a closer picture of the pommel. I know I'm right about the sheath.
 
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To DeSotoSky,I will get better pictures of the pommel,guard,blade,sheath and box and post asap.

Myya,This is how it came to me,mint in the box,never used.(however it may be the wrong box)

Thakyou to all for your help so far,look forward to solving the mystery.
 
Yes, the stamp on the sheath is of the newer style. Was it a pieced together package off bay? Gun Show buy? DM
 
The choil looks odd for a 1981 knife. I don't think I've seen one done in that manner. Some guys may have thought that was the correct sheath and box for that knife. DM
 
David Martin said:
Yes, the stamp on the sheath is of the newer style. Was it a pieced together package off bay? Gun Show buy? DM
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David Martin said:
The choil looks odd for a 1981 knife. I don't think I've seen one done in that manner. Some guys may have thought that was the correct sheath and box for that knife. DM
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The choil is consistent with a knife of recent production.
Coming around to my way of thinking are you Dave?
 
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As on most mornings many things are pressing for my attention. After a good day working many of the kinks are removed from my rope. It would be speculation what this knife is. A jigsaw puzzle for sure. Perhaps with some pieces missing. DM
 
Compare the knife in question to these, it's a match. The oldest is a 2001 at the top.
The arc of the choil extending past the tang and into the gound area of the cutting edge is characteristic of more recently produced 120's. Assuming that the sheath is original to the knife I would identify the knife as 2003 or newer and missing a date code.... in my opinion.... :)

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Here are some pre date code 120's. The top knife is a 3 spacer c.1981 and the 3rd from the top is a 2 spacer c.1982-1985. The blade is ground differently and also notice the choil ends before the cutting edge. Not even a close match to the knife in question here.

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Wow Desoto,

Thank you for the info, I learn something new here all the time! Very nice collection of 120's.
jb4570
 
Nice collection DS.
I know nothing of the 120's but assuming DS knives are all fresh from the factory. On the older ones the clip grind is not as crisp as it is on the newer ones, and on the knife in question.
 
Yes, the grind lines on Buck's older knives were soft. It just depends on what you like. Could it be a lunch box knife? We are asking questions where is Zanuss? DM
 
I also would say a new 120 because of the grind and choil. Must have missed getting a date mark. A picture of one of my old ones to show the grind and choil.

 
Usually I chime in on 100 series knives, but I wanted to see where this thread went before giving my opinion. Sometimes it's better to sit back and watch than to end the game before it starts. I'm glad Roger saw the difference in the choil, and because he has presented all of the compelling evidence, I have to agree with his words on this one. I would like to see closer pictures, but I'm certain it's a 2003 or newer knife, minus a date stamp.
 
Hi everyone,In my first post i said the the knife in question was box dated 1994,I was wrong.It is 2004.(I new it had a 4 in it!)

My question as to if it was a pre 86 blade is a simple "no".

By looking at DeSotoSky's collection I can see mine was most likely made 2004.It just doesnt have a date code.

Why does it not have a date code?Are there others out there without date codes as well?
(I have two Intrepid Tanto's without date codes even though the box is dated 1997.)

Thankyou to all that replied to my questions,much appreciated.-Jay
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By looking at DeSotoSky's collection I can see mine was most likely made 2004.It just doesnt have a date code.

Why does it not have a date code?Are there others out there without date codes as well?
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Remember that they moved the factory around or during that time period.

A lot of strange things probably happened.
 
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