Buck 124 Frontiersman handle shape

deltablade

deltablade

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Jul 29, 2006
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How has this handle shape evolved over the life of this Buck model? I just got a 1986 vintage, and wonder how its handle shape compares to earlier versions and current production.
 
FYI - you posted this in the "Buck for sale" forum. You should ask this in the regular Buck discussion forum.

~Chris
 
My 1971 model has a square handle with more rounded corners. With the belly forward. My 1993 model has more a rounded wood handle. The handle is more beefy. A full handful. With the belly moved back and a longer point. On the new ones I've read comments about the handle being blocky. This can be rounded a little more without losing it's original look. As the name implies it is a it is a one knife, do everything model. DM
 
Here is some photo's for your viewing and education.

Top 124 is from around 1972, the second 124 is one of the new issued knives from the first year it was re-introduced in the standard catalog, the third 124 is one from the first years late 60's and is a hidden tang knife, the fourth 124 is from the 80's.
124 years.jpg
124 years1.jpg

I prefer the blocky full tang handful 124 knives and always have. After the 124 was discontinued Buck came out with a few limited edition and special order knives that were hidden tang versions and I longed for the full tang hand full knives to be made again. When those were reissued and in their standard catalog I was a happy man!

Did anyone know I like the 124?
124 years 2.jpg

JB
 
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jb4570 said:
Here is some photo's for your viewing and education.

Top 124 is from around 1972, the second 124 is one of the new issued knives from the first year it was re-introduced in the standard catalog, the third 124 is one from the first years late 60's and is a hidden tang knife, the fourth 124 is from the 80's.
View attachment 743242
View attachment 743241

I prefer the blocky full tang handful 124 knives and always have. After the 124 was discontinued Buck came out with a few limited edition and special order knives that were hidden tang versions and I longed for the full tang hand full knives to be made again. When those were reissued and in their standard catalog I was a happy man!

Did anyone know I like the 124?
View attachment 743256

JB
Click to expand...
Congrats on your collection, JB. Which vintage is the black handled 124 second from bottom? It looks to have a very nice handle shape. And many thanks for posting these photos.
 
He says late 60's. It looks like the Nemo. The 80's model has a longer blade. I'll have to pull mine out and measure it. Thanks for the photo John. DM
 
The good thing is that there is plenty of meat to shape it how ever you want to. Lots of room for modifications, but I like the way it feels as is.
 
I think the early replies have answered it very well.

I have a later model with the block handle and don't care for it at all. Really a matter of personal preference and hand size. So, would suggest handling one before you buy in this case. Great knife and I really enjoy my earlier model.
 
"Mine has micarta slabs. How does that fit in with the chronology and desirability? Thanks for comments!" tongueriver

Maybe 1973?

Bert
 
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Ok guys, here is where I send you to find the answers to your own questions. For you current BCCI members go to the old News Letter section of the BCCI web site and look up these two newsletters. June 2003, and DEC 2006, both of these have articles written by Joe Houser and have all the data you need for your old 122/124's up to 1986 when tang stamps were added.

For you non-BCCI members, here is my club plug. Join the club the E-membership is cheap and worth the access to the club web site and a lifetime's worth of Buck data.

JB
 
Thanks JB. Is there an index to the newsletters or a search capability?

Both of my 124's have a slab handle. One is an 86, the other is 97. Both have what I would call slab handles. I might prefer to reshape and thin them a little, yet kinda hate to. Has anybody reworked theirs?
 
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deltablade deltablade : The newsletters are listed chronologically with the newest on top. All listed by date so the ones JB suggested should be a piece of cake to find.
Reading through them all really is a fun "day in the life" view of the goings on back in the early days. Not to mention the wealth of information within them. Good reading!
 
deltablade said:
Is there an index to the newsletters or a search capability?
Click to expand...

deltablade,
I compiled a model history index, primarily for production knives. I'm about two years behind with the indexing, but I think it's a good place to start. Unfortunately, it's an Excel spreadsheet and bladeforums won't accept that format. Send me a message with your email address and I'll send it to you.

Bert
 
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