Need info on an old 112

Mike Kerins

Mike Kerins

Joined
Nov 14, 2004
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I bought a Buck 112 with black micarta in 1973 for use at work as a San Diego cop. That knife served me well during those years as a regular tool on my gun belt, being used for emergency use at accident scenes, etc. And now it serves me still in my home for all around use. It carries a lot of sentimental value for me. Can anyone tell me how many of those early 112's were made with the black micarta instead of wood? I've never seen another one. I got mine in the Navy exchange there in San Diego. Thanks
 
Mike,
I did some research and we don't have complete information on how many 112's were made between 1972 and 1974. I would give an educated guess at approximately 50K made with the black micarta inlays.
I am glad to hear that the knife served you well for so many years.
 
Hi Mike,
I received the two emails and replied on Jan 3rd but it seems it didn't make the trip to you. Could you check and see if Yahoo emails are being blocked by your email system??
Sorry to hi-jack this thread :)
G2
 
I have one that I purchased around 1970 in Kansas City MO. It served me well during my 27 year career as a LEO, and is going to be passed on to my son who was born that same year. I inquired Mr. Levine about this a while back, and he had some info about it, saying one that was mint would be worth about $100.

Would rather keep it in the family than sell it. Haven't seen any others, either.

Thomas
 
Thomas, you're the first person I know of that also used a Buck 112 on duty as a Police officer. I feel as strongly as you do and am thinking of having the blade engraved before I pass it on to one of my grandsons at some point. Right now it is still a knife I use lightly around the house, but believe it or not it is still in almost mint condition. I think the micarta was capable of taking the abuse a lot better than if it had wood scales. The sheath however is a different story. I'm afraid it took the brunt of the abuse while hanging on my gun belt. Like you, I have no intention of selling it. :)
 
Mine is far from mint! Besides using it on duty, it dressed countless ducks, geese, deer, rabbits and squirrels.

It got scarred up when I crashed my duty motorcycle. I laid the bike down and slid about 100 feet. The knife was in my front uniform pocket and the bolsters took some of the asphalt rash for me. Its been sharpened alot, though the blade probably has 95% remaining. All in all a good friend through the years.

Always regretted I didn't buy the other that was in the display case that day.


Thomas
 
I can remember the motor officers who were involved in an accident would plead with us when we were about to cut their boots off to get to their broken leg, "please, cut it at the seam." I guess the cost for those boots were a little pricy! My 112 never made it off my gun belt until I left the department. It then stayed in a drawer until very recently.
 
also, and i am suprised no one else said of it, the earlest 112's did not have any nail nick, that was added at the request of a salesman who thought it would sell more of the 112.
 
Dave is correct, it was actually our Sales VP at the time. He figured the reason the 112 was not selling as good as the 110 was becuase the 112 did not have that nail nick. We added the nail nick and sales remained the same.
 
Yes, it is logical that the 112 would sell on its own, nick or nonick ;) … How about it (mike / tom) do yours have the nail nick? I am not sure of the date it was put on ? I think it is a scarcer early 112 that does not have it...

I think it is wonderful that you both are going to pass on “use’n” knives and a good thing to have them engraved as years from then the kids will still know for sure!
 
334dave said:
… How about it (mike / tom) do yours have the nail nick? I am not sure of the date it was put on ? I think it is a scarcer early 112 that does not have it...

Dave, Joe....My 112 is without the nail nick and has the black micarta scales. It has a lot of memories attached to it and yes, I will one day get the blade engraved as to the original use and give it to one of my grandsons when they get old enough to handle it. Right now their mother would kill me if I tried since they are only four and five years old! :)
Click to expand...
 
I really feels good to hear stories of folks passing their Buck knives on to kids/grandkids! I never get tired of hearing those stories. I have a knife my mom gave me that belonged to her grandpa. It is not a Buck and it is just a tired, worn out little pocket knife but it means the world to me.
The 112 was introduced in May, 1972 and had black micarta and no nail notch. Most of these knives will be stamped BUCK, U.S.A. although it is not uncommon to find one with the model number also.
Sometime in 1973, we switched to Segua wood ( somewhat rare ) and then Macassar Ebony.
The nail notch was added in 1980-81.
 
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