Dot after BUCK on the Tang

utah_fish · May 22, 2015

Guys -

I have a single line 105 that I got off the bay recently and it has a dot after BUCK on the tang. What's the significance of that?

Badhammer · May 22, 2015

Hardness testing?

DeSotoSky · May 22, 2015

utah_fish said:
Guys - I have a single line 105 that I got off the bay recently and it has a dot after BUCK on the tang. What's the significance of that?

Yes, random dots could be hardness tests. But more generally, Buck used dots to signify engineering changes. In the case of the 100 series knives, a dot was used in 1967 to signify a change in how the blade was blanked.... fine blanking. You didn't show a picture but did you mean a dot that looked like this?

120%201-line%20dot%20002_zpsi7wruhcx.jpg

utah_fish · May 22, 2015

Here's my 105 with a close-up of the tang stamp. So this guy is '67 or later then right?

gsea · May 22, 2015

It's a 67

DeSotoSky · May 22, 2015

utah_fish said:
Here's my 105 with a close-up of the tang stamp. So this guy is '67 or later then right?

Actually it's 1967 specifically. 1967 is a changeup year with the markings transitioning from BUCK to BUCK* to BUCK/USA. A very short lived tang marking. A good find.

utah_fish · May 22, 2015

Thanks much for the great info guys. I have 2 105's, both one liners. One with the dot and one without.

David Martin · May 22, 2015

Utah, it looks like your 105* has been sanded down some. Like the semi-hollow grind thinned down some. Here's a photo of mine, the exact same knife and they are some what different. DM

utah_fish · May 22, 2015

David Martin said:
Utah, it looks like your 105* has been sanded down some. Like the semi-hollow grind thinned down some. Here's a photo of mine, the exact same knife and they are some what different. DM

Yes David, I thought the same. I have a very nice one liner that looks like yours and the rest of them. Small upsweep whereas mine is pretty flat. To tell you the truth I kind of like it. :thumbup:

utah_fish · May 22, 2015

David Martin said:
Utah, it looks like your 105* has been sanded down some. Like the semi-hollow grind thinned down some. Here's a photo of mine, the exact same knife and they are some what different. DM

Yes David, I thought the same. I have a very nice one liner that looks like yours and the rest of them. Small upsweep whereas mine is pretty flat. To tell you the truth I kind of like it. :thumbup:

Speaking of mods, I remember I saw a pic of a 103 that you modded a while back but I can't find it. Can you post a pic of it here. I remember it looked like it would be great for camping duties.

David Martin · May 22, 2015

It's your topic. Is this the one your speaking of? In this picture the lower knife being a standard 103 and the upper knife a modified model. DM

David Martin · May 22, 2015

Here is another model stamped Buck*. DM

utah_fish · May 22, 2015

David Martin said:
It's your topic. Is this the one your speaking of? In this picture the lower knife being a standard 103 and the upper knife a modified model. DM

Wow, I really like that top one. Did you do the mod yourself? I assume it was grind and dip, grind and dip to flatten the blade. New pommel too right? Looks great. Thanks

David Martin · May 23, 2015

Yes, I did it and the method was as you state. The hollow grind line was taken up higher which created more belly and point. At this angle the photo doesn't show it but the handle is 1/2" longer and beefier. The pommel I made from 320 stainless bar stocked and shaped then polished. And pressed and pinned on in order for the lanyard hole to fit. The colored spacers I chose as both my offspring are serving our country. Defending our freedom. Thank you, DM