The very first Buck Custom - Cutlery World Bowie

[bernard_levine]

I just got an inquiry from a gent who bought new, in 1981, a bowie that was from the first limited edition (of 100 knives) made in the Buck Custom Shop. He is on deployment in the Air Force right now, so the best image he could send was this b&w photocopy. The knife and the box are still in like new condition.

This is his description.

I have a, Sambar stag hilted Bowie Knife with brass blade catcher on the back of the 10 1/4 " blade .Overall length 16" with 1 3/4" width blade. It has "brass bolsters of knife makers brass" to use Charles Buck's words. It is in a wooden box 21" long. I have a letter from Charles Buck stating this knife is #86 of 100 made by the custom shop in 1981, (then a new concern, so first edition out of the shop). Also a letter from Cutlery World dated 1981 attesting to their distribution of these knives.

Vern Taylor described and illustrated one of these knives on pages 264-65 of Levine's Guide to Knives 1st Edition (1985). At that time there had only been six such editions, so we showed all of them in the book. These two pages are not included in later editions of my book.

The original retail price of this knife from Cutlery World in 1981 was $600. The owner is wondering what his knife might be worth now. I have never seen one for sale, so I can only guess. Does anyone have recent data -- or an informed guess?

THANKS!

 

[Buckcustom]

Bernard,

There are three different versions of this knife, all included in the 100 made. The first 14 or so had the brass blade catcher inlaid on the spine of the blade. From 15 up til 21 or so had the brass overlaid with rivets. And finally, from 22 on up to 100 were simply brass overlays. I have seen them sell for anywhere from $700 up til $900. I paid $1000 for the prototype several years ago. Personally, I would appraise the knife for $750-$800.

Hope this helps.

John

 

[Joe Houser]

Bernard,
I think John hit this one right on the head. I can't remember the last time I saw one for sale but I think the range he offered sounds fair.
Nice knife!

 

[bernard_levine]

THANK YOU BOTH very much!

This is exactly the information I was looking for.

The picture I posted is not very clear, but it does show that #86 has the brass back overlaid... as it should.

I will pass the info along to the owner of the knife.

Thanks again...

BRL...

 

[CJ Buck]

I was responsible for sales in the Custom Shop at that time. Byron McKinney was the shop supervisor and was always interested in historical cutlery...especially the old west and the Bowie was his favorite. He did a lot of research and looking at old photos.

Those 100 knives were what got the custom shop started (and created a spot for me when my Dad was wondering how to give me an overview of how a knife company works...)

My daughter is managing the store and responsible for company tours..go figure....

Seems like another lifetime ago...

Seeing as no one can remember seeing one for sale it does make you wonder what price someone may actually get for one of these bowies...

cj