Definitive End To The Inverted Tang Stamp

[Yonose]

Hi all;

I’ve checked the archives here and on other sites and there isn’t a lot of clarity to this. Can anyone answer—What year did Buck change the tang stamp on the 119&120 from being read with the tip of the knife down, or inverted, to upright? My best guess is 1973, am I right?

 

[afishhunter]

...

 

[Yonose]

Was it a dumb question? I’m not selling mine, I have several of them and I know what steel they are based on the ease of sharpening. I just want a ballpark, not an exact date. Before 73 is better than 1972-1985 as an estimate. I know what year the three line stamp began, but can’t figure out if the inverted tang stamps were flipped after a certain year.

 

[imafritz]

It's my understanding that 72 was last year of inverted stamp. I've been told the Kalinga is an exception, but 119 and 120 should have been done after 72

 

[Yonose]

It's my understanding that 72 was last year of inverted stamp. I've been told the Kalinga is an exception, but 119 and 120 should have been done after 72

Ok thank you very much! I’m glad I can narrow down the age of some of my Buck fixed blades.

 

[David Martin]

nose, you came to the right place for Buck knife information. The switch was made at the beginning of Group 2, the knives of 1973-1980.
DM

 

[Yonose]

nose, you came to the right place for Buck knife information. The switch was made at the beginning of Group 2, the knives of 1973-1980.
DM

So a 120 inverted stamp should be made no later than 1973?

 

[David Martin]

yes fritz, it seems there are exceptions. This change was for the 100 series knives. Other sheath knives followed a different pattern. I would
include the 124 in that. DM

 

[David Martin]

No, I would say if the stamp is inverted it is of 1972 or before. Then the switch came in early 1973. However, in Buck's data some of us
have found data laps. Where someone bought a 120 it has a inverted stamp and their receipt expresses a date of say 3-15-73. I can't explain
these examples. DM

 

[Yonose]

No, I would say if the stamp is inverted it is of 1972 or before. Then the switch came in early 1973. However, in Buck's data some of us
have found data laps. Where someone bought a 120 it has a inverted stamp and their receipt expresses a date of say 3-15-73. I can't explain
these examples. DM

I guess stock could have remained unmoved, unsold, or unshipped in either the store, warehouse or factory for several months or longer.

 

[bertl]

Is this about a two-line inverted stamp or a three-line inverted stamp?

Bert

 

[Yonose]

Is this about a two-line inverted stamp or a three-line inverted stamp?

Bert

I have both; I figured if I included that I would be more confused by the answer. My 120 is a 3 liner(with 4 micarta spacers) and one of my 119’s is a two-liner (inverted) stamp.

 

[bertl]

one of my 119’s is a two-liner (inverted) stamp.

You can narrow the date for the 119 two-liner by determining if the spacers are hard fiber or micarta.

Bert

 

[Yonose]

You can narrow the date for the 119 two-liner by determining if the spacers are hard fiber or micarta.

Bert

You know, I never thought about that, having assumed they always used micarta(because this is all I ever read about.)The spacers on mine are black, and don’t really look like micarta at all. How can I tell the difference?