Bucklite Information? History?

Buck actually made the switch from 440c to 425mod in 1981.
The 426 was first introduced in Buck's 1984 catalog. It had a drop point blade and maroon handle. They were stamped BUCK, 426, U.S.A. It is entirely possible to find a knife from this time stamped the same, but with a tiny dot after the model number. The dot tells us that the blade was fineblanked rather than conventionally blanked.....I think...and the stamping with the dot was used up until we added date code marks in 1986....I think....
In Buck's 1985 catalog the 426 is offered with the standard clip point blade. Another option is that the handle is now offered in olive drab or maroon.

I dont see how it would be possible to find a 426 in 440c based on what we know about when we changed from 440c to 425mod.
I hope this helps.
 
Mr. Houser,

In Buck's 1985 catalog the 426 is offered with the standard clip point blade. Another option is that the handle is now offered in olive drab
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Unless I'm just missing it, I don't see a "tiny dot" anywhere. I also have no date code.

So then my knife was made in 1985. That makes sense to me, because if I remember correctly my stepdad got it used in 1986, and I'm pretty sure he gave it to me in 1987. I got a lot of good use out of it in the years to follow. After I had kids I stopped hunting, but my son turns 12 this year and he wants to hunt. I gave him the Bucklite when I got it out the other day, so maybe it will see some more Whitetail deer hunting.

Thanks very much, I appreciate the info and history lesson.
 
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Doug, So yours sure could be of 440C steel.Your son is fortunate to receive that knife. Good job in saving it for him Dad. DM
 
:cool:...Here's a couple of pics showing the 2 different stamps and blades...
Click the thumb and then click the pic that comes up. You'll see the small "dot" after the 426 on the clip point...No "dot" after the 426 on the drop point...:)






 
Good job in saving it for him Dad
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He was very excited about it.

Here's a couple of pics showing the 2 different stamps and blades...
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I went ahead and took some pictures. Sorry the quality is lousy. Flash lighting, and the only background I had handy was the book I was reading.

In "real life" it appears more brown, but the flash does bring out the maroon color. Also, it has a little oil on it, and I didn't wipe the finger smudges off of it before taking the pictures. Also still has a little dirt in the textured handle from past hunting trips.

Bucklite002b.jpg


Bucklite004b.jpg


Bucklite010b.jpg
 
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The 426 clip point is also available in black with the two piece frame. The two rivets at the rear of the knife indicate the two piece design. There is also a prototype version of the two piece design in transparent blue. However, I only know of two knives like this that were actually built (There might be more).
 
This is my 426 with sheath. I also have the first one with the drop point blade, same color scales and same sheath.
 
Nice knife Mike.:)

Looking at these Buck threads made me want another Buck knife. I ordered a buck 301 today.
 
Doug, After rereading Joe's post I think he's saying 440C blade steel in the 426 model is not possible. But 425 is a good steel.DM
 
David Martin said:
But 425 is a good steel.DM
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:cool:...How very true. I can't figure out why anyone would be displeased with this blade steel. As much as I love the "old" 440C steel, Buck really didn't take a step backwards at all when they started using 425M. It holds a terrific edge and sharpens fairly easily. 440C may be my favorite "house" steel used by Buck but 425M is right there with it too...:thumbup:...Paul Bos's magic makes today's 420HC outstanding in it's own right...Imagine what he could have done with these older Buck steels...:)
 
Doug, After rereading Joe's post I think he's saying 440C blade steel in the 426 model is not possible. But 425 is a good steel.DM
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Hi Dave,

Yes, that was the way I read it also. Glad to read that you and others (DarrylS) feel that the 425 is a good steel also.

I found it most interesting to learn a little about the history of this knife.
 
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