Buck "Titanium" (mid-80's?)-blade steel?

M

manowar669

Joined
Oct 1, 2002
Messages
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I was at a friend's house this past weekend, and he had mentioned to me (many moons ago) about his "old" Buck knife, and that he had damaged the edge pretty badly (an understatement). He knew I was a knife knut, and could sharpen knives. It was badly chipped (2-3mm deep), and I had to regrind the edge completely (used DMT diamond stones on the "Aligner" kit). Well, now you can split hairs with it, literally.
Anyway, this is a Buck "Titanium". One of the first production knives to use titanium, if I'm not mistaken, and I believe they came out in the early-to-mid 80's. The blade was marked 560x, is this the steel type? If so, what is it? I was just curious about this knife. Thanks.
 
The "560" refers to the Model # - the "X" behind the 560 is a year mark Buck used in 1990, which would be the year that particular knife was produced. The factory has been known towards the end of a production year to "borrow" blade blanks already stamped for the next year, or if they have extra blades, to use them in the following year. More than likely though, your knife was made in 1990.

Buck had a production knife prior to your model that also incorporated a Titanium handle, Model # 186 which actually was designed to be taken apart and cleaned by the customer. It came with its own wrench, extra screws, and a removable pocket clip. The 186 was last sold in 1988, the 560 (your's) was introduced in 1989 and was carried in the Buck line until 1999. It is still a very popular EDC (Every Day Carry) knife for a lot of people, myself included.

If your friend is interestred, Buck offers an upgrade to a BG-42 blade for a minimal charge. Your knife blade, by the way, was made using 425M stainless.
 
Gypsy,
Most informative, thank you very much. I will pass on the info about the upgraded blade to my friend. As he has taken over 10 deer while carrying that blade, it may have sentimental, or "good luck" value to him, so he might not go for it. I have no idea why he decided to beat it through a breastbone and pelvis with a log on that last deer.
 
If the knife has "that" amount of sentimental value, an "upgrade" might be just what the Dr. ordered to help that knife make another 10 years of service just as memorable. The BG-42 steel would take a whole lot more abuse, without the wear and tear of the 425M blade he now has. If he is interested, the person you want to to contact would be Joe Houser, Director of Consumer Relations, for Buck, and Moderator of the Buck Forum. Click on his name for email information.

Glad I could provide what info I did.... I hope your friend enjoys many, many more years of of his relationship with his Buck! If either of you are truly "Buck" fans, you might want to check out the Buck Collector's Club where all this, and much, much more info is available with just a few mouse clicks. See the links in my signature below for more info. ;)

edited for spelling
 
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