"Special" run of Numbered Buck 119s Question

D

Doug S

Joined
Feb 1, 2006
Messages
605
Hello,

A friend of mine says he visited the Buck Factory when it was still in California. While there he purchased a number of Buck 119 Specials that he says were a special run of numbered (1 of 600 some odd knives, can't remember the exact number). He says the number is engraved on the blade, and it comes with a letter stating that the knife was a run of knives utilizing a special manufacturing process, and that the knives were not released to the public. He is bringing it for me to look at tomorrow. It is still new in the box, with the letter. Comes with a black leather sheath, and the blade is 425 steel. He wants $45 for it. Is this a good deal, and is there a link so that I can look up this specific run of knives to see what is unique about them? He says he thinks he paid $40 for it when he purchased it. I think he said that they were made in 1996, although I'm not sure about this because he also mentioned visiting the Buck factory in 2001.

Thanks for any help and info.
 
I know that Buck experemented with a new handle prosses at one time. All though I do not believe that they are numbered, they would have a letter saying that they where one of how ever many there where. The last time I saw mine, the handle had cracked up the back side, and because of the way the handle was put on it can not be replaced. Still keeping the knife though, because of the unique way the handle is. It was not pined, but molded on, so there is no way to take it off now. HL
 
I vote that you grab it for $45.

It sounds interesting enough and even if it turns out to be nothing special......you'll have a good knife.

:)
 
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=729681&highlight=buck+experimental+119

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188914&highlight=buck+experimental+119

I hope these help. It sounds to me like you are describing the 119 Experimental. Although I had 3 and none of them were engraved with a number, it doesnt mean that one couldnt be. for $45.00 I would take it cracked or not. Buck worked on getting a handle "injection molded" onto the tangs of the 119. I am not sure if it was for labor or ease on MFR? Anyway, because of the expansion and contraction from heating/cooling of the phenolic, steel blade, and aluminum pommel and guard, most of the handles cracked. Some did not crack and they are still out there. Of my 3 I had, one had a crack, one wound up cracking and one was nice and minty when i sold it. They are a great part of Bucks history!!! IF it is cracked, buck will replace it, but it will be with a new 119 model, not repairing the experimental.

This is all assuming that what you describe is in fact an experimental.
Good luck! Post pictures after you buy it :D
 
Hi everyone,

Thanks for all of the responses, and links. Yes, this sounds very much like the knife. He did make some sort of comment about the handle. He does believe them to be numbered, and he read me the authenticity letter over the phone. To be honest, I wasn't paying all that much attention at the time. It's new in the box, so I don't expect the handle to be broken, but I'll be sure to check before purchasing. He bought them at the factory and put them away planning to sell later. If I buy it, I'll post some pictures.

Thanks again.
 
Thanks for the links.

I've started a new thread with photos of the knife if anyone is interested.
 
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