What material is the handle of this knife?

DeSotoSky

DeSotoSky

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I purchased this knife naked, no box paperwork etc. Date code is 2007 & is not serialized. How can I know what material the handle is made of for sure? I assumed when I purchased it last year at a gun show it was Buffalo but don't really know. Could it be Impala? Anyone have one like it that came with the box and papers that says what it is or any other information? Thanks in advance. /Roger

IMG_1886501Buffalo.jpg
 
Seems to me I've seen some buff like that before.

Same stuff they use on the Buck Custom 110s and 500s now.

Maybe Buck would write you a letter of authentication on it.
 
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I have one identical but is a B532-IBL-0 and was made in 2002 (anvil) as a Limited Edition - unnumbered - in a black box shows only 1000 made. The COA says mine is a Model 532IBL, Impala/Burlwood BuckLock. "Buck knives is pleased to bring you this Limited Edition Model 532IBL. Buck's classic BuckLock knife is detailed with a handle of Impala Bone and Burlwood with a nickel silver spacer and a blade of 420HC steel. It is one of 1,000 produced and comes with a black leather pouch and a Limited Edition box...", etc. My COA has a serial number of 0710, but there is no number on the knife that I can see. I have it in a display case and can't open it easily to look at the reverse side of the blade.

wildbillw
Lifew Member #1341
 
OK, with your hints I did some searching and came up with this old description from Cabela's. It is described as "impala jigged buffalo horn" How screwy is that? So what is it then...fake impala horn made from buffalo horn?:confused: The description also refers to a mirror polished blade which mine is not. Could not find it listed in the Special Projects lists.

This product is no longer available. Continue shopping at Cabela's.
Buck Buck Impala Knives
Collectors and fine knife afficionados alike will appreciate the quality and craftsmanship that goes into these knives. The cherrywood inlays and impala jigged buffalo horn handles provide an exquisite aesthetic that truly stands out. The 420HC stainless steel drop-point blades sharpen easily, are corrosion-resistant and hold an edge. And they're polished to a mirror finish for added appeal. Both of these limited-edition knives come with a limited-edition box that will keep them protected and complements them when on display. Available: 2-3/4" blade, 3-7/8" closed 1-7/8" blade, 2-3/4" closed
 
So now I am wondering, are all Buck knives described as "Impala" really made of Buffalo horn? :(
 
DeSotoSky said:
So now I am wondering, are all Buck knives described as "Impala" really made of Buffalo horn? :(
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Nope! Buck did a run of the 500 series knives in Siberian Impala (take a look at the 1991 Buck catalog). When you can find them folks want a grip for them....I don't like the way they look. My bad;).

Also, there were a few LE's made from Impala jigged bone, not water Buff.
Here are some of them bones;)
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jb4570
 
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I like both types, buffalo horn routed and real Impala. To me these knives have great appeal. DM
 
What I'm taking from all this is that my knife is probably jigged Buffalo horn. The beautiful Impala knives displayed by
jb4570 is Impala bone not horn, correct? The Impala bone is not as black.
 
DeSotoSky said:
What I'm taking from all this is that my knife is probably jigged Buffalo horn. The beautiful Impala knives displayed by
jb4570 is Impala bone not horn, correct? The Impala bone is not as black.
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LOL.....Sorry Desoto,

I did not make myself clear to you in the post above. A lot of natural materials can not be imported or is very costly. Therefore, look a like materials are made or simulated to look like the real deal. The knives I have posted above are made from cow bone, it's been died then cut or "jigged" to resemble the look of Impala horn. On your knife Water Buff horn was cut or "jigged" to resemble the look of Impala horn. I'll see if I can find a photo of the real deal in the 500 series Buck issue.
jb4570
 
Ok here are some photo's I borrowed to post here.

In 1991 Buck offered 4 knives, 500, 501, 503 and 505 in Siberian Impala horn. I have photo's of a 501 & a 503 in the real deal.
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jb4570
 
st8yd said:
Since its fake impala you can send it to me. ;-)
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Way back in 2004 I found a photo if the BCCI 196 with Impala jigged water Buff and had to have it! Then I found out it was the club knife and had to join to get one, then I found this site and soon only collected Buck knives and well the rest is history....I have just a few more Buck knives now;). Here are a few knives with Impala Jigged Water Buff (the CS 110 was a gift for a pal). But, the Buck 196 in the top of the stand started it all for me:thumbup:
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jb4570
 
Whats a"Siberian Impala"?
I think Impala are from Africa.
Could it mean Taiga?
 
Siberian Impala is jigged bone to resemble Impala horn and then dyed black - as are most scales that use "Impala". Impala have horns rather than antlers and don't shed them each year, but have to pay the ultimate price in order to provide actual Impala horn. JB may have real Impala horn, but most are bone. (Try googling "Siberian Impala").

wildbillw
Life Member #1341
 
I Guess we will have to wait for Joe or maybe Larry O for more information.
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jb4570
 
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