Original Buck 120

johnnywizzo · Nov 17, 2020

Did the Buck 120 used to be longer than the current model? Any differences other than the sheath?

DeSotoSky · Nov 17, 2020

The 120 length has been pretty much standardized since 1961 disregarding some minor variations +/- .
In the late 50's prefactory era catalogs the 119 was about a 5" knife and custom orderable in longer lengths at $2 per inch.
I've not seen one personally but I'm sure there must be some out there somewhere.
What do you mean by other differences? Something other than length? Yes there are variations in steel, blade grind, handle material, and assembly over the years but the overall format has not changed during the factory era starting 1961.

David Martin · Nov 17, 2020

It should be a 7.5" blade. DM

johnnywizzo · Nov 18, 2020

Thanks. I'd read somewhere that the older 120's had a longer blade.

Does the Cocobolo handle actually contain Cocobolo wood, or does that only refer to the color?

skypeace · Nov 18, 2020

johnnywizzo said:
Does the Cocobolo handle actually contain Cocobolo wood, or does that only refer to the color?

Its just the color. DymaLux. Bought mine online thinking it was Cocobolo, wasn't disappointed as I bought it as a matching set with my first 110.

DeSotoSky · Nov 18, 2020

As skypeace said... color. Resin impregnated dyed birch laminate. Dymondwood, Dymalux, pakkawood, fibron, and other various tradenames.

Old Hunter · Nov 18, 2020

Just in case someone says, 'what's a Buck 120 General look like?' I'll provide a visual answer. OH

eveled · Nov 18, 2020

I’ve never seen two together that looked so different. Nice knives.

DeSotoSky · Nov 18, 2020

This one would be early 60's factory production.

Haebbie · Nov 19, 2020

Some old 120. The blades are of equal length. The handle of the white one is somewhat longer.

Haebbie

Smitty0315 · Nov 19, 2020

Early 120's were 7.5"ish they don't fit in the current model sheaths. Newer post '72ish "three line" were fine blanked and should be 7 3/8". It's unclear exactly when they all where
7 3/8"

skypeace · Nov 20, 2020

I have only had my 120 for 3 or 4 years now, but it is growing on me like my 110's. This may sound weird, but I have a spiritual connection with Buck knives, like their manufacture is something God ordained with a special blessing for His. Not meaning to break any forum rules, just saying what is on my heart and mind.

Original buck 120 owner · Oct 22, 2021

DeSotoSky said:
The 120 length has been pretty much standardized since 1961 disregarding some minor variations +/- .
In the late 50's prefactory era catalogs the 119 was about a 5" knife and custom orderable in longer lengths at $2 per inch.
I've not seen one personally but I'm sure there must be some out there somewhere.
What do you mean by other differences? Something other than length? Yes there are variations in steel, blade grind, handle material, and assembly over the years but the overall format has not changed during the factory era starting 1961.

I have the original my grandpa just passed away he got it when he was 7-9 years old it's been through some times but he hasnt used it since 1983 and it's been sitting till a couple weeks ago I been restoring and sharpening its needs some cleaning but till then I'm not selling it stuff like this is hard to find

pjsjr · Oct 22, 2021

Welcome, sorry for the loss of your grandpa.
Your 120 sounds like a real gem of a heirloom. Pictures are always welcomed...you can use a hosting site like Imgur, it's free all you do is register, then use the BBCode and put the link in the reply box.

Original buck 120 owner · Oct 22, 2021

pjsjr said:
Welcome, sorry for the loss of your grandpa.
Your 120 sounds like a real gem of a heirloom. Pictures are always welcomed...you can use a hosting site like Imgur, it's free all you do is register, then use the BBCode and put the link in the reply box.

Thank you and ok what is bbcode and where is it

Original buck 120 owner · Oct 22, 2021

I

pjsjr said:
Welcome, sorry for the loss of your grandpa.
Your 120 sounds like a real gem of a heirloom. Pictures are always welcomed...you can use a hosting site like Imgur, it's free all you do is register, then use the BBCode and put the link in the reply box.

I'm not used to sites like this

DeSotoSky · Oct 22, 2021

Original buck 120 owner said:
I been restoring and sharpening its needs some cleaning but till then I'm not selling it stuff like this is hard to find

I suggest you send it to Buck for "SPA" refinish. It's cheap. It will come back looking like new if it is not a dog to begin with. Most people can not match the quality of a factory refurbish at home. A factory refurbish will increase value and many home attempts do not. IMO

https://www.buckknives.com/about/bucks-forever-warranty/ Scroll down.

Original buck 120 owner · Oct 22, 2021

DeSotoSky said:
This one would be early 60's factory production.
View attachment 1457963

I have the first buck 120 ever made

TAH · Oct 22, 2021

Gets me every time when someone resurrects an old thread and I see David Martin's name. For a moment, I think he's back. Miss that guy.

Original buck 120 owner · Oct 22, 2021

DeSotoSky said:
I suggest you send it to Buck for "SPA" refinish. It's cheap. It will come back looking like new if it is not a dog to begin with. Most people can not match the quality of a factory refurbish at home. A factory refurbish will increase value and many home attempts do not. IMO

https://www.buckknives.com/about/bucks-forever-warranty/ Scroll down.

Ok