Information on Buck 531

[tvranesic]

I'm looking for general information on the Buck 531. How long were these made, model variations, etc. Anyone know of a good source of information on this model?

 

[Tin Sue]

The 531 first appeared in the 1988 catalog as the model 531 Bucklock-1, with a Sawby locking mechanism named after the inventor, Scott Sawby. Approximately 2,000 531's were released. Shortly after release, it was discovered that the locking mechanism failed to hold the blade in the locked position when pressure was applied against the back of the blade (i.e., the spline wack test). This fact, along with Buck's concerns about a lock release that required the fingers to be placed underneath the blade, resulted in cancellation of the model and a recall of the knives that had been issued. Most knives were, in fact, not recalled so they can still be found fairly readily. The 531 was reintroduced, again as the model 531 Bucklock-1, in the 1991 catalog with a mid-body locking action similar to the 110. The 531 lockback was then discontinued in 1994.

Edit to add: The model 531 was used as the very first Buck Collector's Club knife.

 

[David Martin]

Good write up Tin Sue . Mr. Sawby sat in on that meeting at Buck's plant when the locking problem was discussed plus 3 others . The Head of Engineering?, Chuck and CJ .
Upon departure both parties went to work on fixing the problem . Buck designed a new lock and Mr. Sawby perfected his rolling ball lock . It was at Vern Taylor's urging that the 531 of Buck's became the first club knife in 1989 . A great looking dress knife . DM

 

[tvranesic]

Thanks for the great information Did the 532's ever have the Sawby lock?

 

[David Martin]

No, as it came later and Buck had moved on from that experience . It is one of Chuck Buck's favorites . DM

 

[Plumberdv]

No, as it came later and Buck had moved on from that experience . It is one of Chuck Buck's favorites . DM

There were five 532's made with the sawby lock according to this from Joe Houser. I'd guess those were prototypes and can't be counted as having been made. I just picked up a 531 sawby and when I get it , I'll post pictures and my impression.

" #2 11-11-1999, 04:53 PM
Joe Houser
Moderator Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Post Falls, Idaho U.S.A.
Posts: 2,763

Bob,
Glad you liked the pictures. I looked at them again and the only one that is engraved on the bolsters is on the far left. That knife is one of only 5 sawby lock 532's. Notice that you can't see the midlock on it. I had Dave yellowhorse do the handles and bolster work. I have a complete set, the sawby lock 532,531,535 done with Dave's handles. The fourth one from the left is actually a one piece sterling silver overlay.
Yes, i did miss out on the jigged bone 532 but i know if i keep digging around, i will find one!
There is a story for each of them.
Take care,


------------------
Joe Houser
Director of Quality, Buck Knives Inc.
Buck Collectors club Administrator"

 

[Tin Sue]

Five is the number that I have always heard as well. It is my understanding that production of the 532 Sawby lacked behind that of the 531, so when the 531's were initially recalled, only five 532's had been made and they were never released.

 

[razruger]

I have this: