Can or should it be repaired?

S

stdwdh16

Joined
Sep 17, 2006
Messages
160
Ladies and Gentleman, here is the deal. I recently inherited two old buck knives from my grandfather. One is an old 121 (with no date mark) complete with the original flap over sheath. The other is a bit of a mystery. There are no markings on the blade other than: BUCK
U.S.A.
Comparing it to some other Bucks I own it looks most similar to my 105 Pathfinder. My problem is that the plastic on the handle is loose and one of the spacers on the bottom of the handle has shrunk some and there is a visible gap between the spacer and the pommel. Can this or should this even be fixed? I really don't plan on using the knife, but I know my grandfather would think I was wasting the knife by not using it. What do you guys think? Additionally, if it can/should be fixed who would you recommend? As always, thanks for your input.

P.S.- I will post pics of this knife as soon as I can so that someone could help me with a positive identification.
 
Given enough time and effort (and money), I suspect most things can be repaired these days. As to whether or not it should be is most likely a personal decision you will have to make based upon how valuable you would consider the item as a former possesion of your grandfather. Many would probably prefer to leave it in the condition it was given to you for purely sentimental reasons. Should you wish to pursue restoration, however, I would contact Joe Houser at JHouser@buckknives.com but be sure to inform him that you would only want it repaired and not replaced. Good luck!
 
I think I would set it on a shelf and tell stories of Grandpa using it.

The length looks right for a 105, but not the tip.
Did very early 105's not have the penetrator tip?
Or could it be a 121 that may have gotten the tip broke and re profiled down to the length of the 105?

anyhow, it is one of the older ones. I think I would retire it as is. but thats just me.
 
It does have a penetrator tip, but its a different shape than the modern day 105. At first I thought it was another 121, but the tip is so much different I dismissed it. I will see if I can get a better pic illustrating the tip shape better. Thanks for the input.
 
Sounds like you simply have a very very early 105. Good keepsake.
 
My 121's have a thinner blade the 105. Don't know if that was the case with the older 2 lines. Is the blade on the mystery knife thinner than the 105's blade?
 
Unfortunately I don't have a set of calipers to verify this information. Visually, the older mystery knife appears to be slightly thinner than my 105, but the 121 is definitely thinner than either one of them. If I can get my hands on some calipers, I will let you know the exact dimensions.
 
I think I would set it on a shelf and tell stories of Grandpa using it.
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Ditto here. I would consider it an irreplaceable family heirloom and have it displayed as-is in my home.
 
It could also be an early 108 personal that has been worn down by sharpening. I would not repair it... enjoy it as is. There is a lot of history in a knife like that ;)
 
Thank you gentleman for all the opinions. The consensus seems to be to just put it up, and I think I will. I am going to just put it on a shelf and tell stories about him and the knife. It may not be the way he wanted it, but it will be a good way to preserve his memory. Who knows? Maybe someday I will have a grandson who will display my knife alongside my grandfathers and tell stories about me.
 
stdwdh16 said:
Thank you gentleman for all the opinions. The consensus seems to be to just put it up, and I think I will. I am going to just put it on a shelf and tell stories about him and the knife. It may not be the way he wanted it, but it will be a good way to preserve his memory. Who knows? Maybe someday I will have a grandson who will display my knife alongside my grandfathers and tell stories about me.
Click to expand...

Start now, making those memories happen. :thumbup:
 
The Pathfinder in this old brochure looks like the "mystery knife" (4th down). I'm thinking Pack Rat nailed it; old 105 Pathfinder.
 

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