Buck 639-BK Questions...Mystery Deepens

T

tvranesic

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Apr 19, 2006
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I posted questions about the Buck 639 BK several months ago, which sorted out some of the mystery, but now more questions arise. Sifting through previous responses, it was indicated that 639B1 had the sawback and the scalloped clip, while the 639B2 simply had the scalloped clip. Joe Houser had commented in an older thread that Buck had bead-blasted 639B2 over the entire knife. Another member advised that the 639B2 was numbered "xxx/315", while the 639B1 was not numbered.

In examining these knives further I'm now wondering if there was an additional model 639B0, and maybe some variations as well. I have two of these and neither of mine are numbered. My example that's supposed to be the B2 does not have a bead-blasted handle or aluminum but has the standard deeply polished aluminum. Note that the box label from the supposed B2 is actually marked "639-BK-0".

Does anyone know any more about these? Why they would be numbered, or if there may have been a third model?
 
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Here is the bead blasted 639. Although not clear in the picture it is numbered 281/315.

IMG_1516a.jpg


Telechronos:):):)
 
Telechronos said:
Here is the bead blasted 639. Although not clear in the picture it is numbered 281/315.

IMG_1516a.jpg


Telechronos:):):)
Click to expand...

The 639B1 in my photos is bead-blasted, but as near as I can tell the 639B2 was supposed to be bead-blasted as well. As mentioned, neither of mine are numbered.
 
Someone switched your box. The 639 B2 is serial numbered and the Cat # is 8079. Your knife is probably a build out to use up surplus blades. FYI.
 
Hi TV & Tel,

Thanks for sharing your info on the 639 variations. I do find the phenolic handled versions to be much more appealing than the krayton handled versions. I only have one variation and it is different than yours. Sorry, the box is in storage so I can't tell you what the label shows.
IMG_2161.jpg

IMG_2167.jpg

jb4570
 
Richard Matheny said:
Someone switched your box. The 639 B2 is serial numbered and the Cat # is 8079. Your knife is probably a build out to use up surplus blades. FYI.
Click to expand...

Did the original 639 Fieldmate carry a "BK" after the part number?

I thought all of the these WERE build outs from surplus Fieldmate blades?
 
I would love to find one of these. IMO the 639B2 would be the iconic example of a Buck tactical knife. The point is right for thrusting and the scalloped clip would allow aggresive back cuts. The blade length is about right, not too long and not too short, and it looks to be a very fast knife.
 
My previously posted 639 has a blade stamp that differs from each of those you others have posted.

IMG_1520a.jpg


Telechronos:):):)
 
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