Old 102?

[UffDa]

I have an older 102. I looked through a lot of info on tang stamps, but the best I can come up with is that it is pre-1986. Can the date be pinned down a bit closer?
I assume that the steel is 440C, but it seems to be a bit softer then my mid-'70s 118.

 

[Plumberdv]

From this data from Buck's Joe Houser (below) it appears to be from '72 to '80.

Group 2 1973-1980 Blade stamped BUCK, XXX, U.S.A. Stamp is right side up, read with the point up, as it is on today's knives. Guard has two micarta and two aluminum spacers. Pommel has two micarta spacers and one aluminum spacer. Holster style, or Flap over sheath still used and the knife originally came in a two piece yellow bow but the switch to a one piece yellow box probably started around 1978.

 

[UffDa]

Thanks.

 

[sitflyer]

UffDa, I'm curious as to why you feel that the steel is softer? Could it be that the grind is just thinner on the 102 ?

 

[UffDa]

UffDa, I'm curious as to why you feel that the steel is softer? Could it be that the grind is just thinner on the 102 ?

That may be it. The edge seems thicker on the 118. I haven't tried to sharpen the 118 in a looooong time. Also, I didn't have diamonds and ceramics in the
1970s.

 

[David Martin]

The edges on both are most likely thick and should you go about sharpening both would seem equally hard. DM