Dating Buck sheaths

NAFix

NAFix

Joined
Jan 23, 2005
Messages
108
Probably asked and answered many times... but I can't find the answer. I have two 119 foxed blades — one marked just Buck, the other, Buck/USA — that I found at yard sales with the current wrap-around snap strap sheaths both stamped 119 on the back. I also have a 119 sheath with a snap flap, which I think is older. What years were the snap flap sheaths made? I think maybe the pre-68 knife would be more authentic in the snap flap, but it's a helluva tight fit.
 
I wish I could help you... Good question... Someone will come by real soon and help you... DM, do you know??? ITE
 
Those are old models and I think both should have flaps to be with the right-era sheath.

The flap style was made for different times with the different models. I've noticed the 121s, for example, seem to have come with flap sheaths later than some others.

Sheath dating is a complex quagmire and full of surprises.
 
BG42EDGE said:
Sheath dating is a complex quagmire and full of surprises.
Click to expand...

Yeah, sure is. Much like boxes and the paperwork:p.

There have been posts on here, mostly of 110s, a search might bring up some info.

Some I remember had photos of the snaps, belt loop placement and style as well as the placement of the model number stamp. Even the cut of the mouth of the sheath, IIRC. All having a bearing on the date. Preston
 
BG and PJ your right . Its a complex topic . Joe H. posted some info. on this recently that was good if you can find the thread . It only dealt with the 110 sheath . The OP is concerned w/ sheath for fixed blades . I'll try . The flap over was made for a much longer time 60's-80's . These will have "Buck" one time on the snap but some can be found w/o it . Then I've seen the snoopy style (wrap-around) sheaths in the mid to late 70's . Still, with "Buck" one time on the snap . Both of these should have the model number stamped on the back below the belt loop . In the mid-early 80's (83-85?) about the time of the switch to 425M steel, Buck began to use snaps with "Buck" three times on it . Not much other change in the fixed blade sheath . I think a different rivet style was used in the back on the belt loop, some just sewn and some with the rivet and sewn . Most of these were Buck made but some were contract and I don't remember the particulars on the contract sheaths .
This should address some of your questions . Should more detail info. be desired you'll have to wait for someone w/ more expertise in this area . DM
 
Dave:

I seem also to recall that Joe indicated that the earliest Flap-over sheaths had an edging line embossed on the belt loop of the sheath indicative of the earliest manufacturer of the flap overs. When Buck brought the manufacture of the flapovers in house that edging was discontinued.

Unfortunately, my memory does not recall either the name of the early manufacturer nor the year of the change. Perhaps Joe could chime in and provide those dates or, someone with access to the search function could find that thread.

Telechronos:):):)
 
Thanx all... for trying. Going to read Joe's explanation helped some... I guess that after the sheath making was brought in house (1969) all semblance of order in that department went out the window. None of my 8 sheaths are as Joe described the Atchison sheaths. But they are all varied:

• Two 103s, 2-line and 3-line, both flap sheaths with 1-Buck snaps, but one has dimple rivet, one has rounded nail-head rivet.
• The two wrap-around 119 sheaths have a regular rivet, but one has the 3-Buck snap, one has 1-Buck snap.
• The flap 119 has the nail-head rivet and 1-Buck snap.
• The 124 (3-line) is in a wrap-around with a single regular rivet for a swinging type belt loop, 1-Buck snap, but no model # stamped anywhere....
• The stray 120 sheath (no knife) is like the 124 sheath, but is stamped "120."
• Another 1-line small Buck is a 102 I think, but its flap sheath with 1-Buck snap and nail-head rivet is not marked with a model number. Since the knife is a 1-line, it's not marked either.... From the size and pictures, though, I'm pretty sure it's the 102....


Bottom line: Fixed blade sheaths are at best inconsistent, and I think, even mixed over time!

Thanx, again,
NA
 
I think this would be the Atchison Sheath, this one is from 1967...

AtchisonSheath.jpg


AtchisonSheath2.jpg
 
Thanks, MWallace for the good photo and write up . NAFix, We are trying . As stated sheaths are difficult and not as much records kept on them as the knives . However, I do know that your swivel sheath was made for one year 1979 or 1980 . IIRC . DM
 
Thanx MWallace. Pix are worth a lot.... I now truly know what Joe was talking about when he called it the dimple rivet. None of mine look like that; heck none of mine look that new! Sorry if I came off as negative in the last post — didn't mean to come off as critical of the forum. I meant to sound like I understood the confusion over sheath dating. One look at my own and I understood it.
NA
 
Nice pics, thanks. I have two of those Atchison sheaths (121 and 120) but neither is in such beautiful condition. Cool.
 
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