Info on 112 Ranger

[Pete1977]

I just got a 112 Ranger and it appears to be an older model. Any info on this one? It has the flat bolsters and handle slabs instead of the beveled ones. It is marked

Buck
.112..
U.S.A.​

and it does not have the nail nick in the blade.

Can anyone tell me how old it is, and whether it is 440C or 420HC?

Also, when I carry the knife in the sheath there appears to be a green wax-like stubstance on the corners of the bolsters when take it out and there is a green waxy residue in the sheath. How can I clean the inside of the sheath, or should I get a new one?

Thanks,
Pete

 

[DarrylS]

...Hi Pete...That's a Category IV Version I made in 1980. It's the first version made with the 3rd dot. ·The third dot was added after the model number on the tang stamp to indicate the design modification involving the addition of a bushing to the hinge or pivot pin. It's made with 440C steel. It's a terrific knife not that easily found anymore. The 440C blade steel is a great steel and one of my favorites...As for the sheath problem you are seeing the residue from the brass tarnishing. It's called "vertigris". It will come off of the bolsters easily with a very mild polish but as for removing it from the sheath I really can't think of a way to easily remove it...:thumbup:

 

[Joe Houser]

Uh huh, what he said...
I was always told that the tanning solutions were reacting with the brass. I'm glad to know that it actually has a name.
If you use the knife a lot, I would imagine that the green stuff will eventually be gone from the leather just from taking the knife out many times. I have only seen it show up if a knife has been stored for a long time in the sheath so new goo should not form if you use the knife.

 

[MadDuck]

I have good luck getting rid of the green stuff with a little alcohol. It works on the sheath as well as the bolsters.

 

[110 Dave]

I just got a 112 Ranger and it appears to be an older model. Any info on this one? It has the flat bolsters and handle slabs instead of the beveled ones. It is marked Buck/ .112../U.S.A.
and it does not have the nail nick in the blade.
Can anyone tell me how old it is, and whether it is 440C or 420HC?
Also, when I carry the knife in the sheath there appears to be a green wax-like stubstance on the corners of the bolsters when take it out and there is a green waxy residue in the sheath. How can I clean the inside of the sheath, or should I get a new one?
Thanks,
Pete

i can tell you it is consitered a collectable as the 3 dot was made less then one year.. the next change was the steel and it added a forth dot...
any 112 collector needs one in his collection... good find...