The Odysseys were introduced in 1998 and there were four versions; the 181FL which had a molded plastic handle and ATS-34 straight edge blade. The 181FX had the same handle but a serrated ATS-34 blade. Both blades were chamfered. Some of these original Odysseys used a .050" thick liner until some product redesign was done. The model 182 Odyssey used G10 handles and ATS-34 steel and was available in either straight or serrated edge, both versions having chamfered blades.
In 1999, we reintroduced the Odysseys with more of a sgemented product approach. There was the 186FL whcih used the same molded plastic handles as the original 181, but the blade was 420HC stainless, was straight edged only and had no chamfer. The 181FX used molded plastic handles, and ATS-34 blade that was serrated but not chamfered. The 182CF used carbon fiber handles and ATS-34 blade that was serrated and chamfered. The products were now positioned as good, better, best, creating a family of products.
In 2001, the 182CF was discontinued and the 186FX was intorduced; the 186FX using the same handle and blade as the 186FL, but having a serration. The 186FX was actually intorduced in Wal-Mart before appearing in the catalog.
Don't really know how many of each of the different variations were built and sold; of the straight edged ATS-34 181FL's, probably a couple thousand max., as they were officially built for only about a year. The largest sellers were the 186FL and the 186FX.
Bill Keys, Director Lean Manufacturing & Engineering
Buck Knives
