Steel in 1972 era Buck 103

Ok and the number of spacers in the pommel and guard. Just wanting to make certain its a 1972 model. Thanks, DM
 
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If its 440c stainless,if you want a wicked edge on it use a convex sharpening method,it makes a beautifull edge on the 440c.
 
Just one spacer in pommel and guard. I bought this when I worked for a sporting goods store 1970-1973. The Buck representative offered us a large discount (I seem to remember 30 or 40 percent off retail). But, we had to have our name engraved in the handle, to prevent us from reselling any knives we bought. I have never actually used this thing as I have not been in the habit of skinning the deer I've shot. The other day when I did skin a deer, I couldn't find the blasted knife and had to use a regular one! But that rekindled my interest in it. And, yes, as someone posted in another thread, the 440C steel in these was considered really hard to resharpen back then.
 
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Postoak
Can you post a picture of your knife, because if it only has one spacer in the guard and one in the pommel, that would date your knife way later than you say you received it. In addition, if it has only two spacers in the handle it will be of a different steel...
 
Well, when you say "one spacer", what do you mean? I guess you could say this has 3 spacers -- metal, plastic, metal. Since I know I quit that job in 1973, I am sure it couldn't date later than that.
 
With the configuration of red micarta spacers your saying this 103 has it dates at the earliest to 1981 and the steel may be 425M. DM
 
Sorry, yes, mine is exactly like that shown. The "red" is dark on mine and I couldn't see the spacers next to the black handle. I'll try to post a photo tomorrow.
 
I often have trouble seeing the spacers that are right next to that black stuff, too.

Glad we got that cleared up.

:)
 
BG
you cant see the spacers because your old...

Postaok
The spacers on your knife are darker because they are made of micarta, the spacers in my picture are made of bone hard fiber. As you can see in the picture, the knife has a blade stamp that says Buck USA. This knife was manufactured from 1967-'69, when they changed from BHF to micarta.
 
I mean old in the best sense of the word. Your a great old man. Lately I've felt like i'm 80 years old. As soon as the weather changes the hard years of military life resurface and the pains are all too real...
 
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