Itching for an old Frontiersman

K

Kostik

Joined
Feb 9, 2016
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88
I've developed an awful itch for an old #122/124. The history of this model is a bit complicated, but the one I'd really like has a full phenolic handle (a little rounder than the exposed-tang variety), no exposed pins/rivets in the handle, with a lanyard hole, no serrations on the blade, and a leather foldover sheath (usually marked "124"). I really like this handle configuration, which pairs so well with my 120 (and the entire 100 Series).

There are a few of them floating around for $500-1000, which strikes me as a little pricey, especially in used condition.

Anybody out there own one of these? Should I scratch this itch and go for it, or sit down and see if the feeling passes?
 
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The versions without the handle pins are the older 2-liner knives. These do get a little pricey. If you have the time to scratch than you should be able to pick one up for around the $350 range with a little patience..
A nice example without sheath sold fairly recently for $200 so if you keep an eye out you should be able to get yourself one.

I own a few and no the feeling won't pass and there is no cure. Getting one will only mean you will need more to keep the itch under control.
 
Kostik said:
Anybody out there own one of these?
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The top one is the one you seem to be looking for...
YrwLJTb.jpg
 
pjsjr said:
The top one is the one you seem to be looking for...
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Indeed, nice pic. Interesting evolution of the blade. Curious that both blades look to be the same length, since the 124 was originally 7" and later reduced to 6-1/4". The new blade looks a little wider with a more angular grind.
 
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The virus that causes the Buck fever, the Buck Virus, has variants and mutants like the corona virus. Exceptionally infective is the 122/124 variant, that causes the frontiersman fever. It is incurable like other variants, like the phenolic or the folding hunter disease. There's no effective working vaccine available. Some are talking about withdrawal therapy, but that doesn't kill the virus, it only reduces the urge. Sometimes the virus mutates to another variant, may be from 102 to 121, but that is not sustaining. At least the compulsion to complete the Buck Collection is uncontrollable. We have to accept what happens with us.

Haebbie

8348F937-6193-459D-A700-C6FF0A3E028D.jpeg
 
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The one with the hidden tang is a hard one to get. A definite collectors piece now. No way I’d pay $500 plus for one to use.

IMHO , the 124 in use needs the full width tang. I use mine and it is a joy to use. I can see why Buck went in that direction for the 124.

I consider the current 124 to be the Flagship of the Buck fleet.
 
eveled said:
I can see why Buck went in that direction for the 124.
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Yes, I am with you, The 124 is the top product from Buck.
The tang construction of the hidden Tang construction is the same like 119 and 120 or all the other fixed knives with phenolic handle. It is robust enough to be produced since years. The Problem was the corrosion when the Nemo was not cleaned after it had contact with salt water. The visible tang construction was more tolerant against salt water.

Haebbie
 
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eveled said:
It’s a big blade (in my opinion,) it balances better with the full tang. No question the hidden tang is strong enough.
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Yes, I'm with you. basically. ;) 🙂. The knives with hidden tang have stainless steel guard and pommel, the balance is nearly the same. :)
Nearly. :thumbsup:
 
I hadn’t thought of the stainless. Good point. Thanks Haebbie Haebbie Very nice knives in your post!

I’m not a fan of full width tangs in general. The 124 is the exception. Buck does a really nice job on them. Using very stable handle scales and precision fitting. There are no gaps or hot spots.

If the OP has the itch for an early hidden tang 124, I guess the full width tang is not an option. I was just trying to point out that they are great users.

Truth to tell, I’d love a hidden tang one myself, as a collectors piece.
 
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eveled said:
The one with the hidden tang is a hard one to get. A definite collectors piece now. No way I’d pay $500 plus for one to use.

IMHO , the 124 in use needs the full width tang. I use mine and it is a joy to use. I can see why Buck went in that direction for the 124.

I consider the current 124 to be the Flagship of the Buck fleet.
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For a collection, definitely. For a user, yes I would get a newish one. Actually I am tempted to get both.

I was looking at a 2-liner asking $450, but when I got more information I discovered that there was some handle damage (distortion/bulging) as well as no box/papers. I am fussy and looking for a NIB/MIB even if it costs. So I passed up on this one.
 
Haebbie said:
The virus that causes the Buck fever, the Buck Virus, has variants and mutants like the corona virus. Exceptionally infective is the 122/124 variant, that causes the frontiersman fever. It is incurable like other variants, like the phenolic or the folding hunter disease. There's no effective working vaccine available. Some are talking about withdrawal therapy, but that doesn't kill the virus, it only reduces the urge. Sometimes the virus mutates to another variant, may be from 102 to 121, but that is not sustaining. At least the compulsion to complete the Buck Collection is uncontrollable. We have to accept what happens with us.

Haebbie

View attachment 1621088
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Good God! That's amazing. The 3rd and 4th one from top have a 119/120 hilt (and maybe handle?). Interesting minor blade variations. Helluva collection!
 
There's a 8-1/2 incher on sale at EB for $2500 (#124806388203), a "1 of 1" with a COA signed by Charles Buck. The hidden tang, cherrywood handle is gorgeous. But the blade is a bit weird looking. That flat top edge looks strange when it's so long. And the choil on the stock 124 is still there, only it's an inch further away from the finger guard, where it does no good. It looks like they just made a regular 124 sharpened edge on a 1" longer blank.
 
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Kostik said:
Good God! That's amazing. The 3rd and 4th one from top have a 119/120 hilt (and maybe handle?). Interesting minor blade variations. Helluva collection!
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Thank you, Kostik, these two 124 have a 119/120 handle. I think (feel) theses are too small for the big and heavy 124 blade. These limited editions have been made roundabout 10 years ago.

Haebbie
 
Don't be in a rush to buy and keep looking. Prices are high on everything these days, even our beloved Bucks. Here are a few 124/122 photos, I like the bigger handle style better than the smaller hidden tang style. Now you got to see many Kostic, which one do you like best? I pick Herbert's custom decorated handle variation!




 
jb4570 said:
Don't be in a rush to buy and keep looking. Prices are high on everything these days, even our beloved Bucks. Here are a few 124/122 photos, I like the bigger handle style better than the smaller hidden tang style. Now you got to see many Kostic, which one do you like best? I pick Herbert's custom decorated handle variation!




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Nice knives you have, JB, very nice!!

Haebbie
 
jb4570 said:
Don't be in a rush to buy and keep looking. Prices are high on everything these days, even our beloved Bucks. Here are a few 124/122 photos, I like the bigger handle style better than the smaller hidden tang style. Now you got to see many Kostic, which one do you like best? I pick Herbert's custom decorated handle variation!




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Didn't we have an agreement, John, you give me one of your colt 124?

Herbert
 
I think you could order up to a 15" blade..When the 651 Pig Sticker came out there was discussion about big Bucks and that was mentioned. The 122/124 looks best to me with a mirror polished blade and white Ivory or Mastodon with barky Stag a very close second. When I hold a big knife like that I get a odd feeling runup my hand and arm. It feels good..
 
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