Buck 532 frame filework question

[Christiantrevor]

I noticed the frame filework on my 1991 Buck 532's are different. The file work starts and stops at different positions on the frame and bolsters. One of them has filework similar in position to the 531, the other similar to all the other 532's I have seen. I couldnt find another thread addressing filework. Did I find a rare 532 in my collection? Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[DeSotoSky]

It's really not filework... the pattern is cast in when the frames are made. I vaguely recall something about the original specs for the jobber did not specify the positioning of the ornamentation, an issue that was subsequently corrected. If my memory is any good, perhaps that is the difference we are seeing.

 

[Christiantrevor]

Hey DeSotoSky,

Here's a link to another blade forum 532 topic that you posted. The article clearly states "handsom Filework on the liners" but if you want to split hair and call them tooling marks by all means feel free.



I took this from the BCCI website.


The Bucklock has undergone a few minor changes over time. The file marks on the earliest knives started at the front end of the rocker next to the back of the blade. The Birchwood inlays were cut parallel to the grain and had a very even look to them, in other words they don’t show the lamination lines. Buck had a problem getting acceptable handles from their first vendor so after about a year they changed suppliers. Around October 1991 Buck received the first batch of handles from this new supplier and there was an immediate problem. The file marks on the left and right sides did not match up. They were off by 3/16 of an inch. The position of the file marks was never specified in the blueprint. Buck added the position of the file marks to the blueprint and elected to start them 3/16 of an inch back on the rocker from the back edge of the blade. Rather than change the handles on the first shipment from this supplier Buck decided to ship some of these knives with mismatched file marks and approximately 1100 were shipped. The Birchwood handles from this second supplier were noticeably different than that from the first supplier. There are definite lines in the wood from the lamination's. These knives with the new bias cut wood and newly located file marks started shipping at the end of October 1991.

My knives don't have a problem matching up on the left or right sides. The (Filework) tooling marks start at different positions on the knife. One is even cut into the lower bolster.

So my questions is still "did I find a rare 532?' Maybe someone with some knowledge of 532's could look at there knives and let me know what they find. Thanks again.

 

[DeSotoSky]

Looks like you found the information I was vaguely remembering.
I'll point out that the word filework is in quotes....
You've now made me want to take a look and see if I have any early 532's.... ;o)

 

[Christiantrevor]

^^^ I really wish you would look at your early 532's and anyone else who has them. Of the 20 532 Bucklocks I have only the one pictured has the file work on the stainless steel bolster twice up front and half on the rear bolster as well. If there are lots of them out there I'll pay no mind but in my small limited control group this 532 is the only one exhibiting the file work pictured. I'm hoping there is something special about it. Please look at your 532's and compare. Thanks for helping.