Buck Knives and the Navajos

[TAH]

Just got back from an 18 day trip through the Four Corners area. We spent half of the time on or around the Navajo Reservation. The only knife I took was my 105, which was used daily for food preparation and other cutting tasks. I certainly fit in, because during our time there, I couldn't help but notice how many Navajo men carry a Buck knife. Most carry a 110, but I even saw a 102 and 119 being carried. In the trading posts and pawn shops, there were always several Buck knives for sale - mostly 100 and 300 Series, but strangely, no Yellowhorse knives. Anyway, I just thought it was interesting and it inspired me to re-photograph my knife.

 

[jec88]

I've noticed that there are knives that you see all over blade forums and the internet, that you don't see out in the real world being used and sometimes you see knives all over the place in the real world that hardly ever show up on the net. That's interesting about seeing all those Bucks.
Where I live in the Ozark Mt. area in Arkansas, most of the men usually carry Buck 110s as well, probably followed pretty closely by the older USA made Old Timers and then probably a yellow handled Case Trapper.
Good looking knife, I'm hoping to try out my 102 come deer season.

 

[TAH]

That's interesting about seeing all those Bucks.

Matter of fact, I only saw one Navajo carrying something other than a Buck. It was a Gerber fixed blade in a black nylon sheath. One gentleman was carrying what appeared to be a 110 in a good looking beaded sheath. I almost asked if he would be interested in selling his sheath, but I chickened out.

 

[David Martin]

TAH, In my travels I go thru that area and see those Native American's carrying Buck knives. Some decorated and others factory issue. Still, they mostly all carry one. DM

 

[Catherine_Montana]

Nice post and you took a beautiful picture too.

Thank you.

Cate

 

[TAH]

Thanks David and Catherine.

Here's a Navajo man that knows a little about Buck Knives. For anyone who has a Yellowhorse knife, this might be a good thread to post a photo if you have one...or two.

 

[BuckShack]

Nice picture! I've been pleasantly surprised with my recent purchase of a 105. It's really turned out to be a do-it-all kind of knife. The 110 fit's that category too. I'm happy to hear most Navajo men carry Buck Knives. That says something.

 

[Dunhill]

Great picture. I wish mine came out half as good. Thx for posting.

 

[Buckfan22]

Hello , i like this thread because I like the Yellowhorse buck knives I got three of them ( they are hard to find and very expensive in France... ) I really like them ! It's very far but i Hope to visit the Navajos country a day .

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[TAH]

Beautiful knives, Buckfan. Really like the 112 Mustang. Thanks for posting your photo! Here are a couple of stock photos of Navajoland to hold you over until you can visit. :thumbup:


Canyon de Chelly

Monument Valley

 

[Catherine_Montana]

Wow on the recently posted pictures! Beautiful pictures and nice posts.

I will have to show this thread to my husband.

Thank you!

Cate

 

[MELbcci]

I too love Yellowhorse Buck knives. Here's Dave signing my Story of Buck Knives book

And a couple knives to share

Hope you enjoy

 

[Catherine_Montana]

I too love Yellowhorse Buck knives. Here's Dave signing my Story of Buck Knives book

And a couple knives to share

Hope you enjoy

Wow! Beautiful knives. Thank you for sharing.

Did you buy the book from BUCK KNIVES out of Idaho, at a gun/knife show or special order it from a book store if it was not in stock?

Am I allowed to ASK that here according to the rules of the forum and this BUCK section? If it is NOT allowed - please ignore my question. Thank you.

I think that I am a Buck Lady if you go by what I own. I may not own a LOT of knives but they are BUCK knives and I am very HAPPY owning and using them. I went to using only FIXED blades due to my hand issues and BUCK KNIVES filled my needs and wants there too.

My husband is using my now former Buck 55 and Buck 110 knives. He carries the '55' on a daily basis too.

Cate

 

[David Martin]

Nice pictures folks. It is believed that many Native Americans who have gone to the 'Happy Hunting Grounds'. Will on occasion visit the Chelly Canyon area. Believed to be a spiritual place among Navajo's. DM

 

[TAH]

MELbcci,

Very nice Yellowhorse collection! Do you have a favorite? Makes you wonder how many hours are put into one knife.

Curious, does anyone carry/use a Yellowhorse knife?

 

[Dr Heelhook]

Beautiful knives, Buckfan. Really like the 112 Mustang. Thanks for posting your photo! Here are a couple of stock photos of Navajoland to hold you over until you can visit. :thumbup:


Canyon de Chelly

Monument Valley

Wow... I wanna go there.

 

[unimogbert]

Have been thinking about the original question and reminiscing a bit.

I recall seeing those beautiful Buck knives on display in the red velvet case on the counter at the Navy Exchange (PX for you non-squids) when I was a kid. The shiny blades, shiny black handles, and shiny aluminum but caps and guards made a big impression on me.

Dad was given a Skinner model as a going-away present from his squadron. What a great knife!

I saved my pennies and bought a 119 Special for about $18 with my own money when I was about 9. (late 1960's) Dad had my name engraved on the ricasso of my knife and my initials embossed on the sheath - just like his.

Later, when I was serving, the NEX had the same display case at Norfolk and a majority of sailors aboard my ship were carrying a Buck 110. And I joined them sometimes. Both the 119 and the 110 were stolen out of my house about 1982 when I was at sea.

I suspect that Buck's marketing department was effective at getting their product onto military bases.
Likely the closest store to that Navajo reservation has a red velvet display case for Buck knives.

(If any Buck collectors have an engraved/embossed 119 with my name on it - I'd like to buy it back for sentimental reasons.)

 

[TAH]

Welcome unimogbert. Good story, but with a sad ending. Hope you find your knives someday. I think many of us remember those red velvet display cases. Presentation is everything and Buck did it first class. Too bad those days are gone, but I'm glad I experienced them. Thanks again for your story and your service! :thumbup:

Last night, I took another photo of my 105. This time with a "new" 1960s Navajo sandcast belt buckle that I bought at a trading post in New Mexico. These old sandcast buckles are hard to find without turquoise stones. Been looking for years for the right one. On the second photo, I used the "Effects" feature on Photobucket and gave the photo a vintage look. That's a fun feature to play with if you haven't tried it.

 

[MELbcci]

My I first say the Navajo land pictures are outstanding. Hope I can make it out west.
Cate,
Sorry for the delay, was out of town a while and didn't see the questions. I don't think the Buck book is still in publication, however I have to believe one could be found. Not sure if Buck still has any available or not. Mine I am proud to say was gifted to me by Chuck himself many years ago when the book was printed. There has been another Buck book printed since this one.

TAH, I love all Yellowhorse work. It's very impressive. I have watched him at show demonstrate the art many years ago. Just fell in love with his work. Can't say that I have a favorite, but the Night Chant above is I one them for sure. Never have used one really, I had been known to carry one on my belt at hunt camp, but just "fer looks".

UNIMIBERT, I too hope you are reunited somehow with those knives. That is a shame.

Thanks for the compliments, they belong to Dave himself.

 

[MELbcci]

TAH,

The pictures did come out great, I like the effects. I have played with the features in photobucket a bit, pretty cool stuff.