First Buck 110

E

Esq1997

Joined
May 30, 2016
Messages
18
Good evening-

Just received my first Buck 110, 2 dot and think that I got a good deal for $45.00. Being a newbe, I am wondering if it is possible to ascertain the precise date of manufacture and not just a range? Also, I am wondering what the experts here think about the condition of the 110 and whether it would be worth while to send it to Buck for the so-called "spa treatment?"

Thanks.

John


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Esq, welcome. You got a good 2 dot 110. The blade looks full and not much damage to the frame. You could work wonders with some Flitz and elbow grease on your 110. The handles are matching. Did you get the sheath and box with it? It looks to be late in the era because of the brass pin pattern. I would surmise that your 110 was mfg. in 1979 or 80 because of the pin pattern and pin size. DM
 
Watching this topic, have a bunch of older knives (older 110 syles faux-bucks and some legitimate Bucks) that would help from some of this info.
 
Thanks for the info, David. I got an original leather sheath but not the box and paperwork.
 
That knife is certainly in the 1974-1980 range. David would know better than I on the late date for the range. That is a nice knife that should last a couple of lifetimes. Those ebony scales are nice and there are only a couple of dings on the brass frame. Buck could do a nice spa treatment on it. However, I think some Brasso on the brass and flitz on the blade (or brasso or other metal polish for stainless steel) would make it look nearly as good and be more fun to do. Just turn on a baseball game and go to polishing.
 
You're welcome. When you can, post a picture of the sheath, front and back with the flap raised. DM
 
I saved this photo and information from a past thread. At the time, everyone seemed to agree these corresponding dates and pin patterns were correct. Feel free to make corrections if necessary.


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Buck 110 Folding Hunter: 1974-1980

There are overlaps of time for the exact birthdates of most Buck knives from one year to the next, but to lessen some confusion, the following is an accepted rule of thumb for BUCK .110. U.S.A. (2 dot) knives. 110s from this era all have square frames, solid ebony handles, 440C blades, soft grind lines, stainless steel rocker pins and black leather sheaths made in the Buck factory.

1974-1975
2 tiny brass handle pins.

1976
4 small brass handle pins.

1977
3 small brass handle pins.

1978 - 1980
3 large brass handle pins.
 
I do not agree with the above. What I have in my notes from presentations at the Buck Collectors 20 year reunion and readings: Bill Keys states the 2 dots began in 75. George Stinzel & Richard Matheny state the 2 dots began in 76 and ran well into 1980. The 2 dots progressed thru the different handle pins in 1978. Handle pins were 2, 4, 3 small brass and onto 3 large. Which is was determined these held slabs on the best. (So, his 110 could be from late 1978- mid 1980.) The 3 dots are 1981. The 4 dots ran from 1982-85 and have 425M steel. The 2 dots were added resulting from a modified lock bar & spring, Joe H. & George S.. Whereas Larry O. says the 2 dots resulted from the use of the blade bushing. And Joe H. and George Stenzel state the 3 dots got the blade bushing. DM
 
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Thanks David. So the sequence of pins is correct, but the dates for the pin changes are off. All pin changes were is 1978?
 
David, here is the thread from 2014. Link

Stumps described the timeline for pin changes in post #9 and you said it was a "good explanation" in post #14. Has the 2 dot (pin) timeline changed since 2014? If yes, I'll adjust my notes, so I don't continue to give wrong information.
 
Google search for buck knives dating chart

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
 
Thanks Ben. That info and more is a sticky at the head of the forum.

I think what's more in question here are the size and quantity changes of the handle pins as described in the photos and how/if they can be used to more precisely date a 110 of a particular vintage.

I'm just along for the ride, nothing meaningful to add from me...
 
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Pokt, yes. That is a way to narrow the date for a 2 dot and the emphasis of my post. Ben, could you give a reference for your data. DM
 
TAH, I went back and read the 2014 post more closely and I do not agree with it. Focusing on the handle pin progression: I know and have heard it from their mouth, Joe H., Richard Matheny and George Stinzel (please excuse if I misspelled your name) agree on 1978 being the year that the progression of pins were quickly run thru. If you have the DVD of his presentation at Buck's factory in 2008 it's on it. (20 year Collectors Reunion). There is a solid consensus on this date to not ignore. Some of the other items / details on the 2 dots are not in as much agreement. You may pick your favorite Buck historian but these 3 and like 3 others would have to be named as legitimate in their findings. DM
 
David Martin said:
Focusing on the handle pin progression: I know and have heard it from their mouth, Joe H., Richard Matheny and George Stinzel agree on 1978 being the year that the progression of pins were quickly run thru. There is a solid consensus on this date to not ignore.
Click to expand...

David, I don't doubt your information, but then I find these on eBay. Thoughts?


Example #1 - NIB, 2 dot 110, 3 small brass rivets, original sales receipt dated 8-19-76

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Example #2 - Perhaps not as strong of evidence, but still...

"Buck 110 Hunter Knife, In original Box with paperwork as shown, One dot on either side of the model number on knife (3 small brass pins) Signed on bottom of box Frank Maciel age 21 5/21/1976"

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David Martin said:
I do not agree with the above. What I have in my notes from presentations at the Buck Collectors 20 year reunion and readings: Bill Keys states the 2 dots began in 75. George Stinzel & Richard Matheny state the 2 dots began in 76...
Click to expand...

I thought I was getting a handle on this stuff, but now I'm even more confused. So Joe Houser's 110 sticky (at the top of the forum) is off??

Variation 4 (1974)20
Stamp: BUCK, *110*, U.S.A., left hand. Read with tip point up, 440C steel.
Blade/Butt rivets: Visible on both sides of bolsters, 2 rear, 1 front.
Inlay rivets: 2 (small headed)
Rocker rivet: Stainless, headed.
Sheath: Black leather. C.
Packaging: 2 piece yellow box about 2” high-(1), Use and Care leaflet dated-1/73-(1), “Attention” leaflet orange-(1), Al Buck note-(1).
 
That certainly looks like a early 2 dot and would lend solid footing toward Bill Keys, George Stenzil & Richard Matheny's writing & time frame for introduction. Which none of these will appear on here and offer us a write up on this subject. Perhaps Larry O. would give a chime-in toward the time of 2 dot introduction. I have not conducted the research these guys have. I am merely repeating what they have stated. And the sky will likely not fall on us should we find it is most certainly 1975. DM
 
What do you think about the 110 with 3 small brass pins and a 1976 sales receipt? Does that change your thinking on the 1978 pin progression?
 
It is a vari. 6 / 22. Joe's data sheets gives a range of dates for all 2 dot versions. (atleast on my copies) Thus, escaping definite parameters. The bay is known for a low level of accuracy, both in description and knowledge of items offered. As they are not in the business of accuracy. We know they are in it for Sales. The receipt could have been bundled in with a pile of items from an estate sale. Or who knows. I trust the evidence of the 3 gents named whom I know and have heard their presentation of legitimate research and findings. Something foreign to the bay. DM
 
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