The Handy 112

Ah, it's so good to see all the 112's here! I started collecting in 2008 at the Blade show and because my brother collects 110's I concentrated on 112's right from the start. Rare, odd, 1 of 1 ,prototypes ect. Health problems and other life issues have had me away from displaying for a couple of years but I'm really hoping to set up in Atlanta next year with a tuneup at the Gator show here in Florida.
 
I just acquiresd this very early 112. If I have it right, this is a late 1972 model - first production year, I guess. No dots, no nail nick, 2 brass pins, real wood scales - with some nice figuring. Obviously used but looks to me like it's never been sharpened (and it's quite dull).

What say you experts?

EBED4F3C-5551-4B47-AA5D-6B9931EE3DAA_zpspdu07ol4.jpg


358C49E5-D893-4A37-8B92-C666D19EA6E8_zpsgvktnutr.jpg
 
That's a shedua wood handled 112. Third version, 1973. This 112 configuration didn't last for one year. Making it hard to find. There were 2 versions prior to that one. DM
 
Thanks for the replies. That variant isn't shown in the "ranger timeline" document in the stickies. In fact, there's nothing shown for 1973.

Is Shedua wood different from Segua?

How far do you think I should go to clean this one up? Is it worth leaving as-is? I don't plan to make it a user.
 
Roamad said:
Thanks for the replies. That variant isn't shown in the "ranger timeline" document in the stickies. In fact, there's nothing shown for 1973.

Is Shedua wood different from Segua?

How far do you think I should go to clean this one up? Is it worth leaving as-is? I don't plan to make it a user.
Click to expand...

Yes, Roamad, you find your knife on the list. You find it under cathegory II variation II. Made in 1972. Or said with the 110 spelling version 2 variation 2 (v2 v2).

Haebbie
 
Send it to Buck for the infamous Spa treatment. It'll shine like new and your shedua scales will look awesome! Not to mention a new shaving sharp edge. Great find!
 
Thanks! I googled "segua wood" and found little. But there's lots of info about Shedua. :D
 
The two spellings are meaning the same wood. Goggle one and you get little, like Roamad found. Goggle the other spelling and a lot of information comes up. A very good find. DM
 
Whether it's shown or not, it's in Joe's data sheets. Handed out in 2008 at the 20 year reunion. Perhaps he updated this model by then. There were 2 versions in 1973. Roamad's version and the macassar ebony version. Later the 2 dot in 1974. DM
 
Must... visit... Custom... Shop... Thinking S30V, nickle silver bolsters, buffalo horn grips, rivets... It's almost Christmas, right?:D
 
Ed, I'm thing the same thing. I have absolutely no business going to the Custom Shop. But Nickel and Oak are tickling my brain cells. Or maybe Stag... or Walnut....... Dang it!
 
TAH said:
Why did Buck switch so quickly from Shedua to Macassar ebony?
Click to expand...
Buck did several things early on with this model trying to promote it. Their Shedua wood supply was not dependable. Later on neither was macassar ebony. Another one was; there was a large hardware store in between San Diego and El Cajon and in 1972 Buck set up in it on a weekend (Saturday) to promote their knives. If you came in and purchased a 112 they would etch your name into the micarta. It was a router bit type etching, that cut very deep. You couldn't sand it out without noticeably messing up the handle. I lucked into one of these at a show. No box, just the knife, sheath and story. This model also got finger grooves before the 110. It also was first made without a nail nick for a number of years. Buck history. DM
 
Something else about Roamad's 112 that is odd. Is it doesn't have a swedge on the spine of the blade in the clip portion. It could be the photo but that model like the 110 had a swedge. DM
 
Thanks David. Here's some interesting Macassar Ebony technical data for hard-core vintage 110/112 enthusiasts...


Diospyrus macassar, commonly called Macassar ebony, is not as plentiful as the African species, but its greater density makes it even more useful in certain types of manufacturing. With a weight of 68 lb/cu ft (1,090 kg/cu m), it is even more dense than African ebony. It has a specific gravity of 1.09, and also does not float. Macassar ebony is found mostly in the Celebes Islands of Indonesia, with some minor growth in India. The heartwood is frequently streaked with lighter bands, and this type is favored by piano makers. Because they are so difficult to dry, the trees are usually girdled to kill them and then left standing for two years to dry out. After they are felled and cut into lumber, they must dry for another six months.

Color/Appearance: Heartwood has dramatic striped appearance, somewhat similar to Zebrawood. Yellow to reddish brown body with darker brown or black stripes. Sharply demarcated sapwood is pale gold color.

Rot Resistance: Heartwood is rated as very durable; poor insect/borer resistance.

Workability: Tends to be rather difficult to work, due to its high density, blunting effect on cutters, and its occasionally interlocked grain. The wood is also prone to checking and splitting during drying, and drying defects are not uncommon. The wood is excellent for turned objects.

Odor: Macassar Ebony has a mild, slightly unpleasant odor when being worked.

Pricing/Availability: Likely to be extremely expensive, along with most other Ebony members in the Diospyros genus. The tree grows slowly, has a very limited natural habitat, and is highly desired for the wood’s aesthetic appeal and toughness.

Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, but is on the IUCN Red List. It is listed as vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the past three generations, caused by a decline in its natural range, and exploitation.

Common Uses: Veneer, high-end cabinetry, billiard cues, musical instruments, and other small specialty items.
 
David Martin said:
Something else about Roamad's 112 that is odd. Is it doesn't have a swedge on the spine of the blade in the clip portion. It could be the photo but that model like the 110 had a swedge. DM
Click to expand...

It does have the swedge, actually. Glare in the pix obscures it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top