Help me identify this knife please?

Data314 · Mar 14, 2013

Hello everyone.
I was hoping someone could help me identify this knife. With the "Buck - Anvil - U.S.A." 3-line I'm judging the blade to be a 100th anniversary edition 119 but the handle . . . ??? Might it be a Painted Pony? If anyone can help me identify the history of this knife I would greatly appreciate it. THANK YOU!

M.FREEZE · Mar 14, 2013

I don't know for sure but it looks like it could be a Brian Yellowhorse design. I know very little about Buck Knives but his name sticks out to me. I could be totally wrong but it's a start.

David Martin · Mar 14, 2013

I don't know if it's Brian's or not but it doesn't look like David's work. It is a 2002 model 119 dressed up. Or the custom stamped 119.

Plumberdv · Mar 14, 2013

Possibly Dorris Yazzie?

Data314 · Mar 14, 2013

I was wondering about it being a Yellowhorse too but not sure. I'm thinking maybe a Yellowhorse or a Michael Prater.

David - how do you make it to be a 2004? Wouldn't the "Buck - Anvil - U.S.A" 3-line make it a 100th anniversary from 2002?

David Martin · Mar 14, 2013

Oops, 2002. No, not necessarily as that stamp later became the custom stamp. Plus, I have the 100yr. 119 and it states it on the blade and sheath. Nor, does the handle on mine look anything like yours.I also have a 112FG with the anvil stamp and it does not have the medallion or the wording on the blade or sheath. So, the anvil stamp does not make it a 100yr. Anniversary knife. DM

Plumberdv · Mar 15, 2013

There are several artisans that could have done that knife handle. I have a couple from Arizona and they aren't made by either of the Yellowhorse guys. It doesn't look like their style, nor does it look like any Prater that I've seen.

2TONYB · Mar 15, 2013

Maybe some of Brian Y early work. He used bloody red jasper quite a bit. But I don't recall seeing anyting like that in a 119.

Data314 · Mar 15, 2013

Well today I just decided, "why not go to the source?" and I called Buck. They put me through to Randy Johnson who was very helpful and very friendly. (Thanks again Randy - if you're reading this.) I emailed him some pics and he looked at them and called me back. He said it's not a Yellowhorse, Prater, or Yazzie. He said the Buck Historian wasn't there today but he would show it to him on Monday to see if he could determine who made it. It may just end up being one of the great mysteries of life but I do know that whoever made it did some very excellent work. I'd love to know who did it but even if I never find out who did it, it will still be a most excellent high school graduation present for my son. I will let you know if I hear anything more from Buck! Thanks everyone!

DeSotoSky · Mar 16, 2013

David Martin said:
Oops, 2002. No, not necessarily as that stamp later became the custom stamp. Plus, I have the 100yr. 119 and it states it on the blade and sheath. Nor, does the handle on mine look anything like yours.I also have a 112FG with the anvil stamp and it does not have the medallion or the wording on the blade or sheath. So, the anvil stamp does not make it a 100yr. Anniversary knife. DM

The base knife in this case was a 2002 119 Cocobolo. Brass furniture and did not have the 100 year etch.

Plumberdv · Mar 16, 2013

Data314 said:
Well today I just decided, "why not go to the source?" and I called Buck. They put me through to Randy Johnson who was very helpful and very friendly. (Thanks again Randy - if you're reading this.) I emailed him some pics and he looked at them and called me back. He said it's not a Yellowhorse, Prater, or Yazzie. He said the Buck Historian wasn't there today but he would show it to him on Monday to see if he could determine who made it. It may just end up being one of the great mysteries of life but I do know that whoever made it did some very excellent work. I'd love to know who did it but even if I never find out who did it, it will still be a most excellent high school graduation present for my son. I will let you know if I hear anything more from Buck! Thanks everyone!

I mentioned Dorris Yazzie but then realized that she always (at least the one's I own and have seen) engraves her's with "DYnavajo" on the blades.

I'm sure the historian mentioned is Joe Houser and he will try to help you out, but there are so many aftermarket customizers out there, he may not have any idea who did the work. Here's a case in point. It's a beautifully done 110 that no one I've talked to or showed it to, can say for sure who did the work.

Data314 · Mar 16, 2013

Plumberdv, you are correct, Joe was off work on Friday but will be there on Monday. I'm guessing you are right, I probably will never know who did the work and that's ok. For me, the value in this knife was knowing how much my son fell in love with it when he saw it and me telling him it was too much money, then sneaking back and buying it for him without him knowing it. I collect Bucks, mostly 102-Woodsmans, 105-Pathfinders, and 119-Specials, and he knows he will inherit those knives some day. So to start him off with his own collection of fixed blades with this beautiful 119 will be all the value I need to know. As I said before, it is a beautiful knife, no matter who did it. It would be nice to know who did it, but if I never find out that is ok too.

And that is a beautiful DY and 110 you've got there too Plumberdv!!! Very drool worthy!!!