Old 110 with ivory scales question (scans)....

D

Drew_L

Joined
Oct 30, 2001
Messages
3
Hello Forum, This is my first post since Bob A. suggested I visit.
I have a question regariding a folder I have had a long time, but no real information on.

Buck 110, ivory scales, Tiger eye inlaid into the rivit heads of the scales and a "two dot" blade. Bought it used, fair condition back in approximately 1981 (as I recall) and was told by the owner then, that it was in his posession for over ten years. I don't know if it is possible to say it is from the early 70s, but does anyone have an idea of age, maker, and or if Buck co. might have made this conversion with standard bolsters and blade? There are no Buck Customs marking on it or any other signings, other than BUCK USA *110*

Thanks for looking, and any comment good or bad will be appreciated.

Great website too!

regards -Drew

<img src="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=73215&a=13931272&p=55813856&Sequence=1&res=high"><b>

<img src="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=73215&a=13931272&p=55813859&Sequence=5&res=high"><b>

<img src="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=73215&a=13931272&p=55813860&Sequence=0&res=high">
 
Drew,
The blade marking BUCK / *110* / USA on three lines indicates manufacture 1978-1980. The blade steel is 440C.

Many standard Buck 110 knives were modified by owners by replacing the wood scales with other materials.

One additional and not very unusual modification is the owner broke the blade, returned the knife to Buck and had a new blade (with newer date marks) installed on the original frame.


Regards,
FK
BCC #544 Life
 
Drew,

To me, the tiger eye rivets would indicate that the knife was customized after it left the factory. I don't ever recall seeing this type of rivet on a knife straight out of the factory before. The custom shop at Buck was not in existence until 1981, so it would not have a custom stamp, even if it was customized in the factory. It is possible that a Buck employee might have customized the knife, but I would guess that it was after market.
 
Drew,
I would have to echo the sentiments of the above posters, especially since Buckcustom knows more about Custom Buck knives than anybody! :)
It does appear as though the blade could be correct for the handle, although the factory version would have three inlay rivets showing instead of two.
Hope this helps.
 
I am still learning slowly about some of the the past models of these, and way behind when it comes to knowing about the more modern models! The Buck Customs works are attractive sturdy looking and now my interest is re-peaked ;)

I enjoy this creation and want to say thanks for the ideas and facts of it and of BUCK back in 78-81 era.

The scales are very interesting color, I was told years ago that it was probably very old walrus ivory, obviously aged. This is what makes it special to me, though it probably has no value for a collector due to its "user" conditions class now.

Thanks again..

-Drew
 
Drew,
Thats the great thing about these 110's, regardless of weather or not it is a collector piece, it is still a great tool!

Take care,
 
I have a couple Tom Black knives with fossilized walrus ivory scales and they look very much like those. Does the ivory have a very hard, rock-like feel when you tap it with a fingernail? If so, it could be fossilized.

Very cool knife.
 
Hello DWK,

Thanks for your reply. Yes the ivory is hard-as-rock compared to the feel of a recent "legal elephant" (??) type ivory? I really do feel that I remember being told the ivory used on it was a "petrified" walrus ivory. I just couldn't bear to repeat that as it sounded rather strange. Hearing you describe it as fossilized, makes a little more sence to me now.

I also just took a closer look at the inside of the liners using a watchmakers loupe, and see that the blade end of the brass liner-to-scale rivit hole, is in the same location as BUCK's original rivit would have been (though these tigereye inlaid brass rivit heads are a larger diameter) Also the other rivit (opposite blade end) has been relocated, now being an evenly spaced or centered position securing the ivory... BUT there is no sign of a third hole having been filled or otherwise patched, meaning there evidently was no third rivit. Making it appear to be a knife originally made earlier than 1978. I bring this point up because going by what I was told when I bought it in (at the latest) the very early 80s, that the knife was about ten years old at that time....so maybe just maybe? the two dot blade was a replacement from BUCK purchased when the scales were custom added as a one-off piece?

Thanks for the clue input about your Tom Black knives, very interesting!

Regards- Drew
 
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