Odd Handled 102 Woodsman

DeSotoSky · Dec 26, 2015

Organizing some of my collection tonight I noticed there was something different about the handle on this 1-line model 102 shown as the lowest knife in first picture. Went to the cabinets and found some other 1-line 102's for comparison. Oddly it has the medium size phenolic handle as used on knives such as the 105. Second picture shows it between a 1-line 105 (top) and a normal handled 1-line 102 (bottom).

These five 102 Woodsmans represent a short time span, about 1961 to 1967, but each one is different in some way.

mbjannusch · Dec 26, 2015

Remember that back then Buck used what they had on hand, and utilized spacers to even things out.

DeSotoSky · Dec 27, 2015

Thank you for rehoming that leather spacered 102 to me Matt. (top knife in the first picture)

Stumps · Dec 27, 2015

RogerI think I would like the feel of the 102 with the larger handle better.
I have re-handled a few kitchen knives this year with larger handles and I really enjoy using them.

I love it when these odd Buck knives show up!! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Old Hunter · Dec 27, 2015

Stumps, I am in agreement with you - only thing I dislike about my Buck 102 is the handle is just a tad small for my preference. DeSotoSky has the "perfect" 102 in that one. OH

TAH · Dec 27, 2015

Really neat collection, Roger. I enjoyed seeing all the variations. Those old ones have a lot of character. :thumbup:

Halfneck · Dec 28, 2015

I'd love if Buck offered the 102 with a handle the same size as my 118.

mbjannusch · Dec 28, 2015

Your welcome buddy, it still hurts a little...

G III · Dec 28, 2015

Slightly tangential question, I'll delete it if it isn't okay. But I just got my first 102, is the blade supposed to appear, for lack of a better term, bent? Like, if one were to put tremendous pressure on the edge, it would bend back in the direction mine is. Basically, it isn't in line with the handle, and I've been trying to find pictures to compare if it's normal or not, but it's hard to tell.

Also agree that the larger handle would make this knife a real sweetheart, though I do love how compact it is!

DeSotoSky · Dec 28, 2015

GIII, can you post a picture of your knife?

TAH · Dec 28, 2015

Roger,

From GIII's description, I'm assuming he means like the ones pictured below. I've questioned this blade position (angled up) on the 102 before, but never really received a good explanation.

All of your 102 blades are in line (straight) with the handle compared to these examples.

Haebbie · Dec 28, 2015

G lll, that's correct. The handle is not in line with the blade. It improves the handling. Have a look at the Buck website. There you can see the angle between the two parts. http://www.buckknives.com/product/102-buck-woodsman-knife/0102FAM01/

Haebbie

G III · Dec 29, 2015

Thanks guys- yeah, I could kinda see it in some pics (none as clearly as that first one TAH, thanks!), but you know how it is, convincing yourself yours is the is the odd one... But yes, that is the angle mine is at. It doesn't feel like a bad thing and I figured it was likely intentional, because obviously how could it bend that way otherwise.

Neat! Such a lovely little knife.

Thanks again guys for all the help!