model numbers

F

Ford Conley

Joined
Jan 7, 2001
Messages
51
How does Buck assign model numbers to knives ? Do these numbers have a code, like Case numbers, which indicates features of the knife ?
 
Hi Ford,
I am not sure of the complete answer but one can recognize models by the beginning number. For example models that begin with the number:
1: indicate the phenolic handle fixed blades...eg. 119 Buck Special
3: Indicate the black composite saw cut pocket knives....eg. 303 Buck Companion
5: Indicate smaller lockback versions...eg 501 Buck Squire
7: Indicate the wooden handle pocket knives

There are exceptions such as the 110 which is a folding knife and the 535 which is a larger 2-bladed knife.

These are just examples. I am sure someone who knows more than I may have a better explanation. The best thing to do is go to Bucks site or the Knife center and start looking at the knives and the model numbers that correalate with it.

------------------
~Greg Mete~
Kodiak Alaska
Buck Collectors Club-Lifetime Member
JKM-Chai
KnifeKnutt@aol.com
 
Greg has it pretty much correct. Problem is, in the early sixties there was no concept of the myriad of models that have come along. Actually, the first model 110 was what is now known as the 103 Skinner. I still have one, new in the box, and the box says: "110 Skinner" on it (and I have a Buck packing slip to go with it). The 100 series was simply adapting the model numbers that H.H. Buck had already set in motion in the 50's. When we started with the 300 series, the 305 preceeded the 309 by more than a year, that's the reason it has a lower number but is a smaller knife than the 309. No planning, nobody saw what might happen. Al was not a visionary. He WAS a man faithful to God and it is God alone that brought the increase and multiplied the efforts of a humble and faithful man.
 
Very true. In the mid-60's my grandfather still had no clue just what his company was going to do in the next 5 years. Most of the series really started out as just one and with the success expanded into a series. You know how we knife guys are, always wanting to see a model a little thinner, larger or smaller etc...

We would then try to match up the numbering system as best we could. We have done better lately. One case in point is the fillet knives. We had a 123 (first and middle size), 125 smallest and 127 largest. We introduced a new version of the fillet series where the smallest 4" blade is the 224, the mid size with 6" blade is 226 and the largest with a 9" blade is 229. I was just at our local Day at the Docks show yesterday and they all wanted 10-12" blades. What will we call that one.....

------------------
CJ Buck
Buck Knives, Inc.
AKTI Member #PR00003


 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top