Pawn Shop finds, 111 & 274, both used

oregon

oregon

Joined
Jan 12, 2005
Messages
5,874
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The Echo, model #274, originally made in Japan by Sakai (this one is stamped USAn so made in America), cost $13, the tip of the plain blade looks reprofiled due to missing tiny bit of the tip, both blades lock solidly open, serrations very sharp, needs a cleaning, lube and sharpening.

The Classic 111, note the tang stamp on the polished blade "110V" blade mfg. 1989, came with the correct sheath, cost $10, factory edge on blade, "Joe Turley" engraved on one side banner, blade has side to side movement when locked open and I can just barely feel pivot pin move in and out as I push on one side then the other side of the pivot pin (who thinks that the original blade has been replaced?), need cleaning and lube, sheath also needs cleaning and lube.

I was tickled by my luck. Fun for me. Chewed the fat with the clever shop owner, who I might see at OKCA this month, and left him a Buck date code card for his amusement.
 
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I gotta admit that I like the dual blades on the Echo. Pretty neat folder. I can see why prior posters have come to the Buck forum looking to replace lost ones. I would miss this knife as well. Note the samurai sword logo, located just below "BUCK" on both sides of the scales with the word "sekiden" as the sword's handle.

link to discussion re where made:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/170721-Question-about-the-Buck-Ecco

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Note "USAn" on the plain blade's tang showing that this one was made in America, I think.
 
Oregon, The 111 Classic with its original sheath is a great find even at 50$. The sheath looks worn but handles don't which leads me to believe the previous owner mostly just carried it. I think its blade is original.
Plus, sometime back a patron posted here being adamant this model did not extend far into the 80's or 90's as Vern Taylor wrote. So, here we have proof it did. Thank you, DM
 
David, I think that the previous owner loved to carry this knife. The large price sticker was placed on the front of the sheath and when I removed it gingerly it removed the dirt and patina. Now to clean the rest of the sheath which is in very usable shape. I like the polished blade. I don't think that I have any other Bucks with such a mirrored blade finish. Perhaps I will hand this knife to Joe H. at OKCA in a few days for a tightening/fix of the pivot. I hope to see him there as I have something to give him. Something he doesn't already have.
 
Oregon, nice find... I looked in my 89 catalog and there are no Classic's in it at all... Well it's a little book of all the Buck knives that came out that year... Maybe in the bigger Catalog there are some pics of them... Anyway yours should have a 4 dot blade in it... The etching or engraving on your handles are like my 4 dot 111 Classic... On the 3 dot 111 Classic the engraving on the handles are different, well the ones that i've seen that is...

Quote: (who thinks that the original blade has been replaced?) I can't say for sure, But I hope Joe can tell you... Please let us know either way... I think you did good... I need to go with you to your pawn shop...

Here's some pics of my 4 dot 111 Classic...
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:) :) :) :) :)

Oregon, call me if you see anything I might like at OKCA show... Thanks, ITE
 
Thank you kindly for the research ITE. I will see if Joe H. remembers this 111. Heck, he probably cobbled it together himself from store room found parts.

I've got your number and I know that we both like the same things.

If I can round up a well-done automatic 112 or 110 @ OKCA I'll be tickled.
 
A closer look at the Buck/Sakai twin Katana: A steel sandwich, a fire plug of a folder, with 5 pins! 2.63 ounces, 8 1/8" overall when open, 3 3/4" closed and, btw, "Sekiden" translates to "Seki-den, 800 years of secrets that create extraordinarily sharp Japanese swords, creates notable swords, yet will not fracture or bend. Kanetsune Seki creates notable swords. Their delicate feeling of balance, distinctive quality, and reliable razor sharpness are always true to their name." (quote from JKW)


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oregon, I love your echo...I stumbled upon one quite a while back and grabbed it because I had never seen one before. It's a very capable little knife. The only downside I can see is I never know which blade I am opening untill it's out there...Mine was made in Japan and am glad you posted the link to the earlyer thread :thumbup:
I too can see why some were searching to replace lost ones...
 
The Echo, along with the unusual-bladed 111, is submerged in a high-test alcohol bath today. Scrubbing with a brush next, then blow out all wetness with compressed air, oiling, sharpening and some surface protectant to fight steel degradation.

So for your Echo you have no USA tang stamp and that is how you know that it is from Seki City?

There are a cache of these in Australia btw.
 
mine is stamped only "Japan"...and of couse BUCK...
no model number on it...it took me quite a while to stumble upon threads in this forum to find out what it was...
 
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The blade on the 111 came mirror polished standard. In the beginning of that model a few went out with a satin finish and some with 110 stamped blades. Seeing yours is a 110 stamped blade draws a question. However, Vern Taylor states this model hung on into the year marks so Oregon's model could have an original blade. Some blades were even stamped Custom'. I have in my collection a 513 Classic and the blade has a year mark and a 1987 fold out catalog with the three models in it minus the 111. (Vern states it was discontinued then brought back) So, who knows. I've put forth for you on this a viable example with a reference from a man that held them not hear say. DM
 
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Thank you kindly David for your work. The background, the stories and the enthusiasts who chronicle these outstanding pieces of cutlery as time keeps rolling on puts a dimension on this hobby that draws me in and facinates my curiousity.

I would love to one day see one of the brass 111s.
 
After pic, alcohol bath with scrub brush, compressed air dry, qtip cleaning, polishing of metal surfaces with a polishing compound and finish with a soft cotton towel (the 111 sheath is better but still shows evidence of a life well-lived):

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Mr. M. doesn't ever have to proove himself in any manner. He is a legend in his own time and I applaud him.
 
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