Early 119 Handle Question

[Searchingforaschrade]

Trying to find an exact replacement for the knife I had when I was a kid, I can't find the old Buck fixed blade we used to keep in the fishing tackle box. I remember it said Buck on the blade. Pretty sure it was a 119 based on the length and the blood grooves on the blade. Haven't seen it in about ten years. (Maybe my sister and brother in law have it). I am trying to find one just like it, but I can't seem to find one exactly as I remember. It definitely had red spacers, pretty sure there were 4 of them. I seem to remember it had a leather handle, is that possible for the early ones, or am I remembering it wrong? Did Buck make any in the '60s or '70s with a stacked leather handle, or maybe ours had tape wrapped around it or something? Thanks in advance for any information about the early handle type.

 

[DeSotoSky]

In overall profile and shape the Buck 119 has not changed much in 54 years. 4 spacers were used until 1981. 440C was used until approximately 1982 then there was a change to 425M. 420HC has been the standard steel since about 1992. There have a couple limited editions with stacked leather handles in more recent times but nothing in the 60's or 70's. There is a leather handled 119 in the current 2015 catalog called the Brahma. The auction site is full of old 119's or just buy a new one at a sporting goods store.

 

[Searchingforaschrade]

In overall profile and shape the Buck 119 has not changed much in 54 years. 4 spacers were used until 1981. 440C was used until approximately 1982 then there was a change to 425M. 420HC has been the standard steel since about 1992. There have a couple limited editions with stacked leather handles in more recent times but nothing in the 60's or 70's. There is a leather handled 119 in the current 2015 catalog called the Brahma. The auction site is full of old 119's or just buy a new one at a sporting goods store.

Thanks DeSoto, that's a big help! My Dad or Grandpa must have wrapped the handle with tape or something, that must be why I remember the handle looking like it did.