Inverted Stamp 120s

I'm not real sure but I think the second one could be the one your looking for.

You'll notice that the guard has two aluminum spacers and two micarta spacers. It is the older of the two...sorry, I don't know off the top of my head dates for the Generals that had the 440C.

The one with the single micarta spacers on the guard is less likely to have that steel.

One of the more knowledgeable will surely be able to answer.

In the mean time I'll do some looking and see if I can fine out the date of the steel used. Preston

ETA The older of your 120s has the 440C, the other may of may not have as it could date to 1981...that is when the change to 425M started.
 
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Thank you very much, sir---might be interesting to compare them, then. :)
 
PJSJR has it right.

If it has four spacers (Micarta or fiber) it's 440C and a Three-Liner with three Micarta spacers would be 425 Mod.

The change to 425HC came in 93-94, well after date symbols were added.

You have two great knives with two great steels.

Congrats on owning a couple nice big chunks of American knife history.

:thumbup:

Oh, BTW......your inverted stamp means 1972.
 
T1M, Your second one is 440C mfg. from 1972-79 with 2 micarta spacers and 2 metal spacers in the finger guard . Your first one is from 1980, with one micarta spacer and two metal spacers . The swivel sheath is the give away as they were only made in 1980.
The blade steel on this one is uncertain and would require metallurgical testing which means knife destruction . But the steel is either 440C or 425M both are good steels . Be proud you procured these whether you use them or not . Its a great model in great shape . DM
 
Dave, unless I'm reading wrong....the notes that I have (copied from this forum) date that younger one at 1981 including the sheath.

Do we have a battle of the notes here?

:D

I know.....the notes usually can't be trusted to be precise enough to target as close as one year.

Group 3 1981 Blade stamped BUCK, XXX, U.S.A. and is oriented the same as the previous group. Guard has one micarta and two aluminum spacers. Pommel has two micarta spacers and one aluminum spacer. I should note that I have only seen the 119, 120, a couple 121s, and one 118 in this configuration and it is likely that the other models skipped this and went straight to the next version. Holster style sheath still possible but also wrap around the handle type is introduced. The belt loop on the 120 swivels. Same one piece yellow box as previous.
Click to expand...
 
Well, I look forward to the continuing battle of the experts here, but wanted to say another "THANKS!" for all the information. And I didn't mean to sound like 425M was garbage by any stretch--honestly I doubt a difference would really be easy to tell between them assuming the same edge geometry. I've just had a rekindled love for 440C in the last few years. :)
 
I'm not an expert and I don't battle.

I'm just an interested guy who will share notes and search info that I come across.

:)
 
Oh, I'd sure battle about certain things......but these darned knives, well, the facts sometimes are not always set in stone and certain knives turn up that shouldn't be the way they are and they confound the experts.

Which is why I'm not an expert, confound it!

:D
 
BG, I'll certainly acquiescences on this point as I'm away from my notes and that sounds correct . Also, looking back at my comments on the inverterd three liner I'd like to amend that as well . That one is certainly a early 1972 and no later . DM
 
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Thanks, Dave......I neglected to cite who wrote what I have copied, but I suspect it was Joe. He would be the first to say that the facts are only slightly less malleable than cheap iron.

But the new findings, surprises and changes are what make things interesting.

As I understand it, some 81s could be 440C, at least in some knife lines. Changeovers are usually not all that precise.
 
BG, yes . I have discussed this with Joe H. and we both have seen some that were
440C . DM
 
And, in case the original poster is interested, his 81 is probably among the very earliest BOS heat treat blades.......so it might just be an exceptionally fine blade.

I especially like the artistry of that particular blade shape, too. Quite different from the 1972 blade shape and more pleasing to my eye.
 
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