BUCK Steelmaster model #137???

J

JD Spydo

Joined
Nov 20, 2004
Messages
4,827
Greetings BUCK fans :) : I just came across a BUCK model # 137 Steelmaster sharpening tool in a trade recently. This is not the first one of these I've found. It is apparently a sharpening tool meant for steeling and to a limited degree abrading and sharpening a blade as well.

I've seen a lot of BUCK products in my days but this #137 "Steelmaster" is a rare bird of sorts. I'm just wondering if any of you hard core BUCK fans could tell me a little more about this item?

It even has a Chisel looking end on it and comes in a very handsome leather/belt carrying case. I've had some of BUCK's sharpening stones in the past and I will admit that they always used a very high quality of novaculite in their stones. But I don't have much of a clue as to what this tool is intended for other than what I just described. And am I right that it's a rare item?
 
They are somewhat rare, but I believe there may be one or two on ebay right now. There is a very recent post here about them if you scroll down and find it.

Are cool little tools...

The paper that comes with them says that chisel tip is for bone and gristle and not tempered to be used as a chisel as such. Says to use the coarse and fine sides as you would a stone, and the edges as you would a steel.

Hold your thumb down on the lever to keep the steel locked in place as you use it.
 
Well I cant give you any first hand advice on it use, never been good at using a steel. They do come up for sale from time to time but dont seem to go for that much.
I have a letter dated June of 1974 in which Buck first introduced the 137. A Buck catalog from 1990 is the last time it was shown in the Buck line up.
 
Hey Thanks for the information guys. It's really funny how collector's items go. Irrespective of the brand, year of manufacture and rarity I find this collectible game to be nothing short of playing roulette :o.
I guess I'll just keep the 137 Steelmaster and hopefully within a couple of years it will generate some interest.

It does kind of perplex me in a way as good of quality as BUCK's sharpening equipment is you would think that a serious collector would want to add those items to their collection as well.

I happened on to a Linoleum knife at an estate sale that was also made by BUCK. It came with a really neat looking leather sheath. But I got hardly no interest from it either. Oh well back to the drawing board as Professor Tesla used to say :D
 
JD Spydo said:
Hey Thanks for the information guys. It's really funny how collector's items go. Irrespective of the brand, year of manufacture and rarity I find this collectible game to be nothing short of playing roulette :o.
I guess I'll just keep the 137 Steelmaster and hopefully within a couple of years it will generate some interest.

It does kind of perplex me in a way as good of quality as BUCK's sharpening equipment is you would think that a serious collector would want to add those items to their collection as well.

I happened on to a Linoleum knife at an estate sale that was also made by BUCK. It came with a really neat looking leather sheath. But I got hardly no interest from it either. Oh well back to the drawing board as Professor Tesla used to say :D
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JD, they are very collectable. I have put together a 136 Hone Master, a minty 137 steelmaster, and now have a minty 138 Edgemaster on its way soon. They will be fun to look at and were cheap to collect.

Thing about this Buck stuff. I feel like I can always get my money back. Might even make a dollar or two... Least is what I tell my wife :D:D
 
PR, Keep going, You could get the boxed set of honing oil and stone, plain stone in a box and boxed small ceramic rod v-sharpener. Just watching for really low bargins I have been able to get all you mentioned and the above, except for the plain stones, one or two boxes missing though. Anyone else thinking about trying this be sure the edgemaster has not suffered metal "reduction" from bad stone sharpening technique. 3hrd$s
 
JD Spydo said:
Greetings BUCK fans :) : I just came across a BUCK model # 137 Steelmaster sharpening tool in a trade recently. This is not the first one of these I've found. It is apparently a sharpening tool meant for steeling and to a limited degree abrading and sharpening a blade as well.

I've seen a lot of BUCK products in my days but this #137 "Steelmaster" is a rare bird of sorts. I'm just wondering if any of you hard core BUCK fans could tell me a little more about this item?

It even has a Chisel looking end on it and comes in a very handsome leather/belt carrying case. I've had some of BUCK's sharpening stones in the past and I will admit that they always used a very high quality of novaculite in their stones. But I don't have much of a clue as to what this tool is intended for other than what I just described. And am I right that it's a rare item?
Click to expand...
I have one of these sharpeners. Bought it new in the 70's when I was stationed at Edwards AFB. I don't remember getting any instructions with it, but it was a long time ago so maybe I did and don't remember. I use all sides of this tool. Even the rounded sides are useful to me. I have a Kershaw 1670TBLKST that has the taunto blade and a serrated section as well. I use the sides of the tool to sharpen the serrated part of my knife. I use the 137 to sharpen every knife I have and my father-in-law always hits me up when we're fishing to sharpen his fillet knife. I really like this steel. I've never used it as a honing tool.
 
farmergeorge said:
I have one of these sharpeners. Bought it new in the 70's when I was stationed at Edwards AFB. I don't remember getting any instructions with it, but it was a long time ago so maybe I did and don't remember. I use all sides of this tool. Even the rounded sides are useful to me. I have a Kershaw 1670TBLKST that has the taunto blade and a serrated section as well. I use the sides of the tool to sharpen the serrated part of my knife. I use the 137 to sharpen every knife I have and my father-in-law always hits me up when we're fishing to sharpen his fillet knife. I really like this steel. I've never used it as a honing tool.
Click to expand...
Oh, wow, I just noticed the date of your original post, 2007. I hope you're well.
 
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