Buck 531, 532, 535

R

roadhand

Joined
Jan 22, 2000
Messages
32
I have seen some discussion of these models, especially the 532's and the general feeling among the forumites that they are among the best Buck has made. What handle materials have these models been offered in in years past, both in general production runs or thru the Custom shop?

Thanks,
Doug
Lifetime Buck Collector Club member
 
Doug,

Lets see if I can remember them all. The normal production had handles of impregnated Birchwood and later, bias cut impreg. Birch. The bias cut was the same material but had a diferent look.
532MS-green diamond wood
532br-Walnut
532bl-indigo blue
532rd-cherry red
532jb-jigged bone
532nr-sterling silver for NFR
532nr-blue fibron for PRCA
532EU-special made for Herbertz
532e- Buck collectors club knife for 1993

There have been an unknown amount of customized 532s made over the years. The most exciting would have to be the 5 with the sawby lock. I know of at least 3 with mastodon ivory handles and i know stag has been used. I vaguely recall hearing of one made with mother of pearl.


------------------
Joe Houser
Director of Quality, Buck Knives Inc.
Buck Collectors club Administrator
 
I know of a Sawby lock 532 with sunbleached elkhorn handles. It is a beautiful knife. I wouldn't trade it for anything!


------------------
John
Lifetime member Buck collectors club
Member NKCA
Member AKTI
 
Mine are:
Birchwood (531, 532, 535)
Jig Bone
Walnut
Green diamond wood
mastodon (oh yeah...that one is a beauty--and yes I carry it and use it!---life is short)

------------------
~Greg Mete~
Kodiak Alaska

 
OK, I've got a 532MS. So what's the difference between its lock (Bucklock?) and a Sawby Lock? I need Lock Learnin'.
 
Wow! Thanks for giving me the targets. Now comes the harder part, what prices were these listed (suggested retail) and what are these knives bringing when they come up for sale now? Not including the one of a kind types, but the production runs, wood, bone, stag, etc. I know that value is difficult soemtimes, but mainly looking for what people know have been paid (willing buyer,willing seller).

The list only included 532's with other handle materials, no 531 or 535's?

Thanks,
Doug
Lifetime Buck Collector Club
 
I need to correct my above post. It is not a 532 with sunbleached elkhorn that I have but a 531.

Longden,
The current model 532 has a mid frame lock. The Sawby lock is named after Scott Sawby, a custom maker who collaborated with buck and developed the original Sawby lock. The Sawby lock has a spot at the base of the blade, where it pivots on the frame, that you push with your thumb to release the lock. The blade actually pushes up in the frame. It was discovered that with a strong rap (ie, with a hammer) on the spine of the blade, that the lock would sometimes fail. Buck produced a run of these knives, but never distributed them. They can still be found for about $250. Two hundred fifty of them were made into the 1989 Buck Collectors Club knife.

Doug,
The models 531 and 535 were discontinued. They are getting very hard to find. I do see them on eBay occasionally.

------------------
John
Lifetime member Buck collectors club
Member NKCA
Member AKTI
 
Shhhh!! You're not supposed to tell! Actually, ebay has had several 531,532 and 535's of late.

One that I purchased is a 531/ with NICA Founders Edition 1 of 370 etched on the blade. Can anyone decipher the name for me?

I also may have a lead on some 532's with the bone handles from '98. If you are interested, drop me a line.

Doug
Lifetime Buck Collector Club member
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top