Buck's Kraton Handled Fix Blades

David Martin

David Martin

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At JBM's request. Buck brought out 5 kraton handled fix blade models in 1987. The 602 (same size as the 102), 605 (105), 620 (120), 619 (119) & a 6" Survival knife 639. These were all in olive drab, later years they were offered with grey kraton (rubber) handles. Buck's Skinner 603 (103) was later added to the line. By 1992 there were only 3 left in the catalog, the 603, 619 & 639. So, it seems they were on the close out list. DM
 
My 619 was one of the first knives I bought for hunting. Great knife with a great grip. What's not to like about a 119 with a tacky grip?

Tacky = sticky/grippy
 
You're welcome. I thought by now someone would have found an error in my history on this series. So, the blade steel on this series is 425M, but in 1992 Buck phased in 420HC. No one knows the month of that transition. So, did any of these models get 420 steel? I don't know. DM
 
David Martin said:
At JBM's request. ... DM
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Who is JBM?

Clip from 1987 Catalog page
Kraton%201987%20Catalog_zps5x5tevbr.jpg
 
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Desoto, look in the 'Sheath give away' topic at JBMonkey's last post. Your catalog photo looks exactly like mine. Same knives and arrangement. You're free to call it olive, grey or black. They were still made in color variations. DM
 
Those knives had practical, no nonsense, non-slip handles that felt really good in the hand.
 
Buck's Kraton-handled 619s were great blades. I was doing review of knives for an outdoor magazine quite a few years back (1980s?) and Chuck Buck was kind enough to send me one. Used it that season on moose and was delighted with the excellent grip and light weight.
 
What happened to the Streammate ?
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-sporting specialist

I think the last time the 125 Streammate appeared in the catalog was 1999.

Bert
 
bertl said:
-sporting specialist

I think the last time the 125 Streammate appeared in the catalog was 1999.

Bert
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Here are more members of the Mate family: Lakemate, Streammate and Oceanmate.
Excuse the bad picture qualitiy please but
Have a look at the date codes. These knives are from the second design variation. When I remember correctly buck made three or four variations of the 123, 125 and 127. Then they changed to the 200th, for example the 229 oceanmate.

Haebbie

Buck123_125_127mate_family_zpsa745eb34.jpg


Buck123_125_127mate_family_Ausschn_zpsb78cb020.jpg
 
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great education, thank you gentlemen, really appreciate it.
 
Then Buck's Moderne' kitchen knives set also had that same handle material. It was an extensive set of kitchen knives and was gone in 2-3 years. DM
 
I think one of the problems was that people who buy Buck knives in these categories are a very conservative lot. No new fangled ideas for them. I remember comments in the sporting goods store how people loved the feel, but then bought traditional.
 
The Problem is, after a lot of use kraton gets weak and feels spongy. That was the disadvantage of the 600 series.

Haebbie
 
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