Difference of opinion

[JOE NOWICKI]

I am of the opinion that Buck 110's started being made in 1964. Another person is going by the sheet of date codes that shows 1961. Which is right? The data sheets were written by Joe Houser.

 

[DeSotoSky]

It is pretty cut and dry.... sort of. If you look at ..
* Joe Houser's 110 data sheet in the sticky above it lists 1964 as the first year.
* 2014 was celebrated as the 50th anniversary... 1964 to 2014
* Buck issued a 25th anniversary 110 in 1988... that would imply 1963.
* The date codes only tell us that the 'BUCK' only stamp started [factory] use in 1961, not that the 110 was introduced in 1961.
* Historically, I believe the idea was conceived in 1962, designed and tooled for in 1963 and after some delay, finally hit the stores in 1964.

 

[skylercstevens]

According to Leroy and a list of all 110 variations from I think George Stenzel it came out in 63. Whether it was publicly sold in 63 I don’t know.

 

[Lesknife]

It is pretty cut and dry.... sort of. If you look at ..
* Joe Houser's 110 data sheet in the sticky above it lists 1964 as the first year.
* 2014 was celebrated as the 50th anniversary... 1964 to 2014
* Buck issued a 25th anniversary 110 in 1988... that would imply 1963.
* The date codes only tell us that the 'BUCK' only stamp started use in 1961, not that the 110 was introduced in 1961.
* Historically, I believe the idea was conceived in 1962, designed and tooled for in 1963 and after some delay, finally hit the stores in 1964.

This is the history I’ve read about the 110.

In the development of many kinds of manufactured goods they can run into wrinkles or processes that need adjusting. It’s common in new designs to have delays, even in a new version or upgrades to a current model so that a more positive response is achieved because care was taken in the development before releasing on the market.
I wouldn’t doubt there were a few prototypes that had to be corrected or adjusted before they settled on a final design for release. Especially for a new design the first impression can make or break a product and Buck certainly got it right.

 

[Lesknife]

If I remember correctly the 1964 catalog had a flyer attached that introduced the 110.

 

[DeSotoSky]

If I remember correctly the 1964 catalog had a flyer attached that introduced the 110.

And going along with your and Skyler's comments I would add that the '64 catalog was in all likely hood prepared late '63.
I vaguely remember there was some delay pushing full release out from '63 to '64 but can't remember the reference. For sure there had to be some kicking around in 63.
So... like I said..."cut and dry... sort of"

 

[JOE NOWICKI]

Thank You All For Enlightening myself and the person from eBay on the 1961 on the sheet. I wondered why that was there. I did bring up the anniversary to put it in perspective. The person still insisted that 1961 was when the first 110 appeared. He emailed me and admitted he was wrong. Thanks again.