Buck Pair in Double Sheath Question PICS ADDED

[wheelgun44]

I came across a pair of Buck knives today from a friend of mine. He bought these at the BX on base in 1966 while in the Air Force during his duty in Vietnam. I am just trying to find out a little about them. The only blade marking is BUCK over USA on the tang. They are in very good condition and the sheath is almost perfect. I am not selling these, I just would like to find out a little more about them. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[David Martin]

Wheelgun, Welcome . That is the 118 and 103 knives making up a 115 Sportsman set .
Are you positive your friend bought them in 1966 ? DM

 

[wheelgun44]

Thanks David, He told me 1966 but he may have been mistaken.

 

[David Martin]

118 is top knife . The blade steel is 440C . For me the fold over sheath for a twin set is harder to come by . It should have the model number stamped on the back in the leather . A good pair to come by . DM

 

[wheelgun44]

I looked on the back of the sheath and there's no number. Thanks for all your help.

 

[David Martin]

Ok, thats interesting . Do you think the knives could have been purchased one year later in 1967 ? DM

 

[wheelgun44]

There is a very good chance they could have been purchased in 67'. He thought it was 66' but it could have been 67'.

 

[Flatlander1963]

There is a very good chance they could have been purchased in 67'. He thought it was 66' but it could have been 67'.

The reason DM is asking is Buck added the USA stamp to the blade in 1967 which is the year they expanded their distributions and sales into Canada. Very nice set!!

 

[David Martin]

Flatlander's correct . That date is well documented in Buck history . So, either you have something we need to look into or a normal, correct, early two knife set in good shape with no stamping on the leather sheath . Do you still have the box or paperwork ? DM

 

[Robbie Roberson]

You might want to send them to me and let me look into this mystery..........it could take a while..........


Robbie Roberson.

 

[wheelgun44]

Guy's this is getting interesting. Unfortunately I don't have the box or paperwork. Do I need to take better pictures? Just let me know what I need to do to help you all figure this out.

Robbie, I'd be glad to get with you and let you take a look. I really appreciate everyone's help.

 

[David Martin]

Wheel, From the early 60's Buck made three twin sets (not counting the 210 twin set from 1961) the first was the model 104 named The Twin Set which combined a 103 and 102 Woodsman . Second, came yours the 115 and third the 117 Trophy Set which combined a 103 Skinner and 116 Caper . I have them all in my collection with the different early stampings Buck manufactored them with . To me looking at the photo enlarged the spacers look to be burgundy micarta which Buck began using in 1969 . But photos can be tricky to accurately access and could your friend have been that far off ? DM

 

[wheelgun44]

I'll try to give him a call tomorrow and double check the purchase date. The spacers are a brown/burgundy color. I'll follow up tomorrow. Thanks

 

[David Martin]

Wheel, Thats the way I saw the spacers as well . Thanks . DM

 

[wheelgun44]

Ok, I talked with the original owner this morning. He said he was stationed at the Las Vegas AFB from 1966-1970. He thought he bought the knives within the first 2 years 66 or 67 but it could have been anytime between 66 and 70. Does this clear up any of the confusion? Thanks again.

 

[BG42EDGE]

Those spacers are probably going to be bone fiber, which often looks burgandy......the colors vary.

A close up picture is the only way to tell for sure, but the hard bone spacers were used into late 1969 and that means your knives in question were not likely micarta.

 

[David Martin]

Wheel, Based on the conversation with your friend he could be only 62 and would still have a good recollection of this purchase . In this light, I'd tend to think these knives were bought in 1967 as they have the Buck USA stamp . Then the spacers would be red bone hard fiber . Thanks for visiting with you knives and hope we helped . DM BCCI Life Member # 1119

 

[wheelgun44]

Thanks for all your help. I'd say 67 is exactly right. I appreciate you all. WG44

 

[David Martin]

Your certainly welcome . DM

 

[wheelgun44]

Here are some close-ups of the spacers.