ONE FOR THE PROs

mbjannusch said:
This seems to be an uninteresting post but, I got conformation that what happened was like Joe said someone ground to far and punched through the back of the barrel nut and cut a slot into it to remove it. Nothing special, Thanks to those who participated...
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I was never interested in Bucks as much as I am now that I have found BF. For me I didnt even know what a barrel nut was until I found this thread, so put me down as a "learner". Thanks to this post :thumbup:
 
Buck made the following models with the Barrel nut construction in black and white handles:
1961-1962 Leather spacers: 102,110 (103),105,116,118,119,120
1962- May of 1963 Bone Hard Fiber spacers: 102,103,105,116,118,119,120
In my notes I have the the Barrel nut construction stopped in May of 1963
Buck had pommels that were pre drilled for barrel nuts so you will see some very rare knives that appear to be barrel nuts but also have a pinned tang. Buck just filled the hole in the pommel with a plug.
I have never seen a 121 barrel nut but I have seen a 105 that was a little bit longer than usual. The 1964 catalog supplement shows the first signs of the 121. If you have a picture or can get one I would like one for my files.
As Joe finds and releases more info we can build a better picture of Buck's History.
Heath
 
Thanks Heath for your gentlemanly contribution. So your saying the bone hard fiber spacers started sometime in 1962. This is getting interesting as more surfaces. That long time buck collector who owns the knife lives 150 miles from me but I may go for a visit before the end of the year. So, at that time I'll be sure to obtain a photo and refresh my memory. ;) Its also noteworthy that we agree on the ending date for the barrel nut models. Some way that is firm its just the time frame when the hard fiber spacers began that you, Joe and I have a different date. It doesn't matter to me whos closest and most likely I'm not and I'll certainly acquiesce to a more long term collector. Since, I've noticed they keep accurate notes. Thanks, DM
 
David Martin said:
No one here has the grand last word on this subject. DM
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Ah, a wise word indeed.

That's why Dave says:

No statement should be believed because it is made by an authority.
--Robert A. Heinlein
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I can hardly remember any fact about the really old Bucks that hasn't changed or at least been altered a little as time has gone by.

Embarrassing knives keep popping up that prove everybody wrong.

That's why we don't get too upset when our facts disagree.

:)
 
I have to rely on Joe and the collectors that have come before me for the dates since I was not there when the changes occured. I do however own a set of barrel nut knives with the leather spacers and a set with the Fiber spacers. If anyone can make the Blade show this year. Take a look at Larry Oden's 100 series collection. You will see a complete set of white and black handled leather spacer barrel nuts as well as a complete set of white and black handled Hard Fiber spacer barrel nut knives. He has a wonderful collection to learn from.
Heath
 
Heath, Your 1st sentence is well stated. Agreed. I have seen photos of some of Larry's from time to time and they are impressive. The white Melamine handled Bucks are very rare. The photo of Your "butter knife" in Larry's article on the melamine handles (Nov. 2009 issue) is another very rare knife. Even though its pinned I'll bet it was close to being a barrel nut model. Heath your buds with Larry Meeks and at the 20yr. he displayed an impressive collection of stag handled Bucks. Were you there with him? In the above article and another by Joe Houser (May issue 2007 ) states that barrel nut models ceased in May of 1963. For further info. into this subject we should go back and reread these articles. My guess on seeing a 121 barrel nut is not looking so good. DM
 
David Martin said:
Then why did you say earlier the barrel nuts went thru 1963? I've held a knife that looked to be a 121 in my hand and it was a barrel nut. I don't doubt there could be hard fiber spacers with barrel nut and theres room for you to be a bit off. No one here has the grand last word on this subject. DM
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Dave your right, there is definately room for me to be a bit off. I can only relay the information I have received from other great collectors. I have only been collecting fixed blades for a couple of years. I have devoted alot of time to the my collection and the info I have received. I wasn't even born when the changes to these knives happened. I can only go by other collectors information and the bits and pieces they have compiled. Nothing here is a science. We can only hope we can narrow down the few facts we can come by and wing the rest. By the way the 105 looks very similar to the 121 especally the newer models. It may have been a 105 you saw in the barrel nut style.
 
DM said:

I've held a knife that looked to be a 121 in my hand and it was a barrel nut.
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Remember that a 121 of that vintage (even if it didn't have the scaler) would have a VERY thin and flexible blade and the 105 blade would be stiff and thick by comparison.

Ten years later the 121 had become a noticeably thicker knife.

Something to think about when making future identifications.
 
BG42EDGE said:
DM said:



Remember that a 121 of that vintage (even if it didn't have the scaler) would have a VERY thin and flexible blade and the 105 blade would be stiff and thick by comparison.

Ten years later the 121 had become a noticeably thicker knife.

Something to think about when making future identifications.
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The 121 was thin in the early models, I was trying to find a reason Dave thought he saw a Barrel nut 121. It was just a suggestion.
 
I was just trying to give him a solid benchmark to check in his future identifications.

:)
 
Its been a few years since I've held it so I called it the way I remembered it. No harm done. Glad I wasn't saying my wife was pregnant or something big like that. ;) DM
 
This has been a great thread, and I've enjoyed it. Interesting to hear that 60 count for 1961...they are rare as hen's teeth. Thought you guys would enjoy some pics

120 & 119
09-03-2011001.jpg


My 120 has thicker leather and a more squared pommel, than my 119, but remember, these were hand made & finished....at the "new" factory
09-03-2011003.jpg

09-03-2011002.jpg


The group from 1961
002.jpg
 
I've hit up every collector I know begging to turn me on to a 120 barrel nut. Hens teeth doesn't come close to describing how scarce these things are. I thought I had one on the bay, He ended the listing early and told me he lost it...

I had my hands on another, so I thought, had it paid for, the guy realized it wasn't a barrel nut. I spent hours on the phone and came up with Bupkis... I have one other lead and will keep everybody posted...
 
Scott, Thank you. I was hoping you and/ or 2 others would show us their BN models that frequent this site. What a treasure. Your 105 looks wider than those of today. Well, they are all so different than todays models. DM
 
I thought I'd throw out a few more pics of some barrel-nuts, a 120,119,105 & 102. Still searching for a nice 118, 110(103), and a 116. Great thing about collecting Bucks....you always need at least 1 more;)

1962 Barrel-nut red bone hard spacers(120 still has that big squared pommel)
09-06-2011001.jpg

09-06-2011002.jpg
 
We have seen many asume barrel nut knives from to scotts wonderful collection, thanks scott. Here is a first model 121 for your viewing pleasure, from my collection.enjoy



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It wasn't cheap, let me tell you, And hard to find...I don't know if people are noticing but the older Bucks are selling for BIG money lately. I think there are a few people out there with Deeep pockets and a love for Buck knives. Watch the Bay and you'll see what I'm talking about...
 
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