Three 119's, all a bit different

Status
Not open for further replies.
Plumberdv

Plumberdv

Joined
Sep 26, 2008
Messages
8,160
Here are three of my 119's including one that I just discovered that I had. The top one is a two line (read tip down) that's almost new as best I can see. It's the one I just discovered. The 2nd one down is a three line with no date stamp and the 3rd one is a 2003 model.

3119s.jpg


A couple of things struck me as I looked them over. One is that the shape of the blood groove on the two line is different than the other two and that the blade on the undated three line is about 1/4" longer than the other two. Here is the 2003 overlapping it to show the difference.

119bladelengths.jpg


The grinds and shape at the tang area are also different on all three.

119stangs.jpg


I'll dig out somemore 119's when I get the chance and see how many more differences I can find. Here's a closeup of the 2 line tang area.

2line119.jpg
 
very interesting, thanks for sharing that. excuse my ignorance, but what kind of time frame do these three knives cover? i hope i worded that right LOL
 
Dave, thanks for sharing... Cool 119s and Great pics like always... I like that 2 liner.... ITE ..... :thumbup::thumbup:
 
woody d said:
very interesting, thanks for sharing that. excuse my ignorance, but what kind of time frame do these three knives cover? i hope i worded that right LOL
Click to expand...

:confused: Well, the only one I'm sure of is the 2003. I've read so much about the other's that I'm confused. I guess my reading comprehension isn't what it used to be. I spent quite awhile going through every BCCI newsletter and I'm still not positive.
 
I found some information that was in an article (May, 2001 newsletter) by Joe Houser. It says that the "USA" was added to the tang stamp when Buck started selling to Canada in 1967 and stayed like that until mid 1972 when the model number was added. There is an illustration (below) that seemed to show it, but it has a small micarta spacer on the handle side of the guard. The spacer on my 2 line covers the whole guard. It's hard to tell, but the illustration looks like it might just say Buck on the tang.


119.jpg
 
Your old one is 70, 71, or 72.

Great condition, too.

Your illustration is of an older one......you know that by the fiber spacers shown.

:)
 
That newer one is 81 to 86 vintage and the newest one, of course, is stamped with a date symbol.

Nice trio.

:thumbup:
 
Correct Plumber . At the mid 1972 time the stamp was first inverted then changed to read point up in 1973 . So, the inverted 3 line stamps are very defined/dated . The three line looks to be a 1982-85 probably 425M steel . Slight variations are considered normal . ie. lenght, width, ect.. The hollow grind was done differently by the time 1982 rolled around on a different machine . Thanks Plumber for the photos . You guys are so good at pictures . DM
 
As to why some spacers on the guard were trimmed and some were left long......that happened a couple of ways, I think.

Some tended to separate at the outside end of the protruding part of the guard.

Those had to be fixed, one way or another.

Some workers decided to avoid that problem by trimming them when the knife was made.

Eventually all were trimmed as they came off the line.

Some never separated at all, so we still have a lot of full-length inside guard spacers.

:)
 
Kince nives and pics Plum, I like to see the evolution of the belly. They seem to loose belly as they move up in years .Wish I could say that:eek:
 
imafritz said:
Kince nives and pics Plum, I like to see the evolution of the belly. They seem to loose belly as they move up in years .Wish I could say that:eek:
Click to expand...
LMAO,Fritz! I have so much hair growing out of my ears nowadays that if I were to braid it I would look just like Willie Nelson.Welcome home Plum,you're a great teacher for this novice.You gave me the Buck bug,and I plan to slowly start a small Buck collection.How was you're Trip?:D
 
I think I would put the newer one in the motor home...an leave the older at home....but thats just me.......300
 
Or, put the newest one in the motor home.....and send that old, tired one to me. I'd make sure it stayed safe.

:D
 
Fantastic photo's Dave. I love the looks of the blade sweep on the one in the middle. Toss some stag on that one and send it to me ;).
jb4570
 
jb4570 said:
Fantastic photo's Dave. I love the looks of the blade sweep on the one in the middle. Toss some stag on that one and send it to me ;).
jb4570
Click to expand...

I wish I was talented enough to do that jb. :(

All three of the blades are somewhat different, but I'm with you, I like the looks of the middle one the best.
 
Very similar Armand, but the handle side spacer covers the whole top of the guard on mine.
 
Armand's is also a little older, probably 1967 to 1969, since it appears to have the fiber spacers. Plumb's old knife has the Micarta, so we know it's bit newer.

Those inside handle-side spacers on the guard were often trimmed when they started to separate. If you watch e-Bay a lot you will occasionally see one that has separated a bit.

Love the shapes, soft lines of these old knives.

:thumbup:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top