Dating an older 110

MtMike

MtMike

Joined
Dec 8, 1999
Messages
325
Anybobody have clues on how to determine the age of an older 110? I just picked up a mint 110 from an estate sale in Jerome Arizona, box, warrantee papers and sheath. Kife looks like its never been sharpened, and the very dark brown handles actually have shrunk some from the frame (minor). Stamped 'Buck' over 'U.S.A.', black sheath. Don't know if there are subtle clues in the Buck line like there are in some others.
Thanks for the help
MtMike:)
 
MtMike, Hi!You mentioned your knife is stamped Buck
USA
That would put it in 1967 to 1972. it would have 440c steel.In 1972Buck started marking model numbers.Also there is sometimes a variance in dates to use up old stock.(slight )
I would not use the knife. Iwould consider sending it to Joe Houser at Buck for a looksee. He could date it better by eyeballing.
You might ask him for a copy a February 2002 Buck collector Club Newsletter. It has a great article on the sequence of 110's. Joe put a lot of work in it.
If I might suggest even joining The BCCI. You'll enjoy the newsletter.
Hope this helps.
guy
 
Additional info: prior to 1981= 440C
1981to 1994 = 425m
1994 current = 420HC
1999 current = edge 2000 added

guy
edited to add: source is BCCI Newsletter Feb 2002
 
Thanks Guy --sorry for the double post -- it was late lst night when I hit the other topic. I just sent another knife to Joe yesterday, should have sent both of them per your suggestion.
I was really happy to make this find in Arizona -- I was pretty sure it was an older knife, thanks for the confirmation. I've already done the necessary/unforgiveable and removed a bunch of "patina" and added a drop of TeteraGun to the lock, but other than that it's pretty close to being original. I shouldn't have said "mint" in the original post because I don't know what that means anymore, so much has been debated on the subject. But it's a sweetie.:D
Thanks again,
Mike
 
I don't know what you're preferences are but if you send the knife to Joe to be dated, you might want to hvae the factory people recondition it for you as well. I've had them to a couple for me and I am 110% pleased with them. I know some collectors like to keep the old patina on the brass - I personally prefer them cleaner.

Just a thought for what its worth!!!
 
I didnt know they still made that!I used to use it on my S&W 357.It wont hurt your knifeat all.I knew what you ment by mint. Sometimes I'll just use the term 'New In Box'The age alone tells folks there may be some slight dustiness.
guy
 
You have a very good knife there; the exact model is not crucial to that determination. I can tell you what it is if you tell me a few things: a. Is the bolster all one color(brass), or is there a steel spacer between the two brass halves? b. Exactly how thick is it at the butt bolster? c. Is the nail nick shallow and struck into the steel or is it deep with visible machined marks in it? d. What factory address is on the warranty paper?

Vern Taylor,
Founder of the Buck Collectors Club and author of the Buck chapters LEVINE'S GUIDE TO KNIVES
 
Guy -- TetraGun is marketed thru FTI Inc in NJ, ((973) 443-0004. I got a bottle at the Tanner gun 'n knife show in Denver. Good lubricant, but not as slick as some for one-hand openers.
Vern -- a) the bolster is all brass except a steel spacer at the butt behind the lock release, b)without a micrometer my closest measurement is 1/2" thick at the butt, same as at the front, c) nail nick is deep and well defined, can't see any machine marks, but it's got a black accent in the nick that might be hiding any marks. Does not look stamped, d) address is "BUCK KNIVES,INC., P.O. Box 1267, El Cajon, California 92022". The handles are a bit unusual (to me) -- not reddish brown like rosewood or cocobolo, actually have a slight greenish-gray look, not a very fine grain; held on with three brass pins, the center pin being slightly larger; the pins are not flush, they're polished but rounded slightly above the slab level.
Thanks eveybody -- didn't know there was so much to know about Buck collecting. And BTW couldn't find info on the Club on the Buck site, except that it exists.
Mike
 
Mike,

Email me your address and I will be glad to snail mail you an application to join the club. We have a great club with quarterly newsletters that are a wealth of information. Very soon, we will have a club website with archived information in it. You won't be sorry if you join.
 
Well MtMike, you have a very desirable knife there. It is a second version, type two. The big clue is the three brass pins. Most knives with the USA on the tang have a steel rocker pin with brass handle pins. It was probably made about 1971. Since it has the original sheath and box it is probably worth about $150, possibly as much as $200

Vern
 
Wow.., some great information guys.., thanks....


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
For those who dont know, Vern Taylor worked for Buck for many,many years and is the gentleman responsible for the chapter on Buck knives info in Bernard Levine's Book of Knife Values. Very nice guy to know and whatever he doesnt know, Joe Houser can find out(also a great guy).

Sounds like a good score Mike.
 
Thanks to all of the Buck-Forumites for your help on this one ! Every once in a while a blind pig does find an acorn. I know a bit about knives -- mostly I know what I like and don't like -- but not a lot about Bucks. This one just jumped out at me, and when I saw the box, yellowed warrantee papers, and sheath I couldn't buy it quickly enough.
Funny too, because I had just received a custom damscus/stag in trade, otherwise my radar eyes probably wouldn't have noticed it. Those little out of the way towns can be gold mines !!:D
Mike
 
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