Your Very First Buck

bucksway

bucksway

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2007
Messages
5,515
I was just thinking about my first Buck knife. It was a Prince and my new wife (now 36 years plus ) borrowed it to open a can of peas and snapped the blade. ..I didn't know about Bucks warranty then and just tossed it in a drawer never to be seen again! I did a search for first Buck knife and 30 plus pages came up but very few were about Buck knives. As a kid I had junky, cut your finger kind of knives and most were destroyed trying to throw and make them stick in trees or boards. The first whipping I ever got was because me and Dave took all the kitchen knives and threw then at the wall to see if we could make'm stick. So what's your first Buck ????
 
My first Buck was a 110 that i traded for. I was around 13 years old. I had a good friend and squirrel hunting partner that lived down the road and he had two hunting knives but no real pocket knives. I had two stockman pocket knives but no dedicated hunting knives. So a trade was made and we were both a little better off. I was really happy with the 110, i got the better half of that trade, and remain a big fan of the 110 to this day.

Jim
 
My first Buck was a birthday gift from my grandfather ( a well known and respected Case man) on my 10th birthday. He took me into Johnsons Hardware/feed store walked me over to the knife display and told me to pick myself out a pocket knife because it seemed a little strange that young man my age should still be pestering him every time I " needed" a knife.

I'll bet my smile really did touch both ears like he told my folks later. Anyway I looked at every knife in every case and pointed to the middle sized pocket knife in the BUCK case, then it was my granddads turn to smile! He just grinned and shook his head and told the guy to " give the man what's he wants" and I haven't gone one day without owning at least one Buck 303 since that day in 1975.

My pop really gave me the business about that Buck knife..." 1st a Cubs fan and know a Buck knife?! "( pop was a Case man as well) " you sure you're my Boy?" He asked with a big grin and my granddad said I must be because I was as bull headed as he was at my age...
I'll never forget that day. Not just because of that knife but because to me it was the day I joined the men in my family.

Clay
 
Last edited:
Mine was a Buck 311 Trapper my Mom bought for me when I was a kid in the '70's. She "hid" the box in the refrigerator because she knew that would be the first place I went when I got home from school. That knife has cleaned squirrels, rabbits, fish, whittled sticks and all sorts of other stuff boys need a pocket knife for. Though I no longer carry it, that knife is still the one I compare others to and to this day, I still haven't found one that surpasses it as a user knife.

The first Buck I bought for myself was a Mini Buck I carried on my key ring for years.
 
Last edited:
An olive colored 422, ">" date code with a dot inside. Purchased at Service Merchandise for about $11 or $12 bucks as I recall. Service Merchandise stores are long gone but the knife is still serving me. Holds an edge really well and to look at it you would not know how many rabbits, squirrels and fish it has cleaned.
 
My first Buck knife is a 112 that my wife gave me for Christmas in 2011.

I don't think she realized at the time that it would lead me to collecting.
 
I do not remember what my first Buck was. The first one I have certain memory of was a Buck 110 in the mid 1960's. I still have that knife.
 
Very much enjoyed your "first Buck" story, Emspop.

What is quite cool (and appreciated) about any of these stories is that they reflect good memories of younger years, caring relationships within a family (lots of dads & grandpas show up), some humour….all wrapped around the Buck knifes that were/are owned. This one by Clay particularly caught my eye, because I had a 180-degree incident happen to me when I was 10 years old. Sadly, it was because of my Dad. So before I talk about my first Buck knife, acquired very recently just this year, I want to first tell that story.

The first knife I ever got was a Kamp King, and it was a gift from a friend on my 10th birthday. A party was planned by Mom, and I got to invite some fellows from school to the party. It was a pretty neat time. And I was shocked when I opened up the knife! I guess you can all imagine a 10-year expressing his “favorite gift” by showing almost too much excitement. Anyway, I ran to the work desk my Dad was at to show him my neat gift. He was a skilled craftsman, always used a variety of hand tools, and since he was exceptionally good handling wood, he had a number of knives. I thought he might share my excitement.

I was absolutely wrong that day. Dad told me “give that knife back.” I remember the shock I felt standing there and staring at him. Why? And what could I do? Fortunately, Mom knew the answer and told me not to worry and keep the knife. Glad I still have it. I can never figure out why Dad wanted me to return it. As I grew older, I figured out a little more about where he was coming from, which helped the understanding. However, it never helped the hurt of that day. Such is the way of it. I didn’t have a very participative Dad in my childhood, nor did he much understand what his kids were all about (there were us 3 boys, and 2 girls). There are not a lot of good memories that remain of those early years.

OK, onward to today. I’m also a member the Henry Rifle Forums. The owner loves Buck knives. Along with all the primary focus on Henry rifles, of course, he also built a Buck knife sub-forum and other forums-of-interest for members to enjoy. This is the person who introduced me to Buck knives, and also to the “world of knives.” Since summer this year I’ve been hooked on this enjoyable retirement hobby, along with my interest in Henry lever-action rifles (and other firearms, too).

My first Buck is the Buck 141 PakLite Large Skinner, which I got in August 2016. Over the last few years when deer hunting, the knife I carried was very small, and not designed for harvesting/field-dressing a deer. So I've wanted to get a knife that fits this usage. That’s why I chose the Buck 141.

There was a little “extra fun” in my first Buck purchase. Wow, what about the finish of this Buck?!? It is “420HC Stainless Steel with Orange Traction Coating,” per Buck’s description. I didn't know they used Henry Orange on a knife! With that great-looking finish, I think it makes my first Buck a really cool purchase!!

Thanks for wading through my story, and I apologize for the downside start of it with my first knife episode.
Here is a pic of my first Buck. Have a great day, Folks.





Emspop said:
My first Buck was a birthday gift from my grandfather ( a well known and respected Case man) on my 10th birthday. He took me into Johnsons Hardware/feed store walked me over to the knife display and told me to pick myself out a pocket knife because it seemed a little strange that young man my age should still be pestering him every time I " needed" a knife.

I'll bet my smile really did touch both ears like he told my folks later. Anyway I looked at every knife in every case and pointed to the middle sized pocket knife in the BUCK case, then it was my granddads turn to smile! He just grinned and shook his head and told the guy to " give the man what's he wants" and I haven't gone one day without owning at least one Buck 303 since that day in 1975.

My pop really gave me the business about that Buck knife..." 1st a Cubs fan and know a Buck knife?! "( pop was a Case man as well) " you sure you're my Boy?" He asked with a big grin and my granddad said I must be because I was as bull headed as he was at my age...
I'll never forget that day. Not just because of that knife but because to me it was the day I joined the men in my family.

Clay
Click to expand...
 
bozhidar47 said:
Very much enjoyed your "first Buck" story, Emspop.

What is quite cool (and appreciated) about any of these stories is that they reflect good memories of younger years, caring relationships within a family (lots of dads & grandpas show up), some humour….all wrapped around the Buck knifes that were/are owned. This one by Clay particularly caught my eye, because I had a 180-degree incident happen to me when I was 10 years old. Sadly, it was because of my Dad. So before I talk about my first Buck knife, acquired very recently just this year, I want to first tell that story.

The first knife I ever got was a Kamp King, and it was a gift from a friend on my 10th birthday. A party was planned by Mom, and I got to invite some fellows from school to the party. It was a pretty neat time. And I was shocked when I opened up the knife! I guess you can all imagine a 10-year expressing his “favorite gift” by showing almost too much excitement. Anyway, I ran to the work desk my Dad was at to show him my neat gift. He was a skilled craftsman, always used a variety of hand tools, and since he was exceptionally good handling wood, he had a number of knives. I thought he might share my excitement.

I was absolutely wrong that day. Dad told me “give that knife back.” I remember the shock I felt standing there and staring at him. Why? And what could I do? Fortunately, Mom knew the answer and told me not to worry and keep the knife. Glad I still have it. I can never figure out why Dad wanted me to return it. As I grew older, I figured out a little more about where he was coming from, which helped the understanding. However, it never helped the hurt of that day. Such is the way of it. I didn’t have a very participative Dad in my childhood, nor did he much understand what his kids were all about (there were us 3 boys, and 2 girls). There are not a lot of good memories that remain of those early years.

OK, onward to today. I’m also a member the Henry Rifle Forums. The owner loves Buck knives. Along with all the primary focus on Henry rifles, of course, he also built a Buck knife sub-forum and other forums-of-interest for members to enjoy. This is the person who introduced me to Buck knives, and also to the “world of knives.” Since summer this year I’ve been hooked on this enjoyable retirement hobby, along with my interest in Henry lever-action rifles (and other firearms, too).

My first Buck is the Buck 141 PakLite Large Skinner, which I got in August 2016. Over the last few years when deer hunting, the knife I carried was very small, and not designed for harvesting/field-dressing a deer. So I've wanted to get a knife that fits this usage. That’s why I chose the Buck 141.

There was a little “extra fun” in my first Buck purchase. Wow, what about the finish of this Buck?!? It is “420HC Stainless Steel with Orange Traction Coating,” per Buck’s description. I didn't know they used Henry Orange on a knife! With that great-looking finish, I think it makes my first Buck a really cool purchase!!

Thanks for wading through my story, and I apologize for the downside start of it with my first knife episode.
Here is a pic of my first Buck. Have a great day, Folks.

Click to expand...

Thank you for sharing your story about your first knife. I'm sorry it was such a mixed bag of emotion for you...such is childhood I guess. In a way I feel bad that my telling of my experience made you relive that part of yours but on the other hand....that first knife! How wonderful that you still have it, I envy you that.


Clay


Oh and great 1st buck you have there!
 
My first Buck was an Esquire (not a typo), sometime in the early '80's I believe. Maroon micarta covers, came with an open top pouch sheath. Still have it around here somewhere, I should dig it out...
 
All is fine, Emspop. You need not feel bad at all....not my intention in any way. It is just a part of childhood and life, as you said, and I'm okay with it. Actually, as the good Henry Folk share their hunting experiences as youth with their Dads, or Grandpas, or siblings, or uncles....with whomever....it is always great to read about those happy and enjoyable experiences. Again, I really liked your story.

Agreed....my first Buck is a cool blade. I have two others, and number four is on the way! Sure has been a fun fall finding these great knives!
Appreciated your note. Have a great weekend!

Bozhidar



Emspop said:
Thank you for sharing your story about your first knife. I'm sorry it was such a mixed bag of emotion for you...such is childhood I guess. In a way I feel bad that my telling of my experience made you relive that part of yours but on the other hand....that first knife! How wonderful that you still have it, I envy you that.


Clay


Oh and great 1st buck you have there!
Click to expand...
 
My daughter decided to go deer hunting at age 13. I was a long time shooter but not a hunter. I had to buy all the accessories to take her hunting. I had always carried Barlow knives. The only two things I knew about hunting knives were 1) Silly city boys bought hunting knives that were way too big, real woodsmen knew how to gut a deer with a reasonable blade, and 2) Buck knives were the best. I bought a Buck 450 in a blister pack at Bass Pro. We hunted exactly where the experts told us to hunt but we never saw a deer. I carried the 450, over the years the black non-slip rubber wore off, leaving the knife bright red! Here is my custom red Buck 450:


In 2014 I bought a 50th Anniversary 110, just because. My daughter (a different daughter) bought a 50th Anniversary Ruger 10/22, and now claims the 50th Anniversary 110 as hers, since it matches the Ruger. Neither knife has ever been inside a deer, but I cook with them, while camping and at home. In the picture they are on a 1970's vintage Coleman Stove, and accompanied by a really cool old corkscrew. That corkscrew has been in many corks!

Here is the 110 after it was used to remove every bone from a chicken, while leaving the meat and skin more or less intact. Yes, even the legs were deboned (you leave the very end and stuff the legs with stuffing).

 
Last edited:
My first was this gal I picked up sometime during first enlistment while stationed on the U.S.S. Decatur DDG-31.

Navy110_zpsc12fa593.jpg


Navy110-2_zps9072a06d.jpg



I misplaced her for many years and had thought her lost but finally found her and she got a little at home spa treatment. She'll be with me til the end of my days.

DSCF0281_zpseaa73a51.jpg

DSCF0279_zps1f1fe8c0.jpg
 
I told this story on this forum before so, long story short; I happened to be in Post Falls, ID with nothing to do while my brother looked at properties around Spokane (about 20 minutes away). Out of boredom I Googled "things to do in Post Falls" and the Buck factory popped up. I had heard the name before and thought it would be interesting.
I went there with my son, checked out the museum and bought a Reaper for my son and a hat for me. I regretted not getting a knife for myself afterwards.
I didn't know it but I had caught the bug. I made the journey again a couple months later for a sale they had told me about and picked up this Reaper among a couple others that day. This is the first one I bought which has since led to many more!
I now make the trip from the Seattle area to Post Falls every year (a 5.5 hour drive) and make a weekend of it.
19d618442eaf981975339bd565462c0c.jpg


Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
I love giving Bucks to family and good friends but my father in law will not give one but will demand a nickel or dime. .West Virginia folklore?
 
My first Buck was a birthday present from my father. It was a 110. He gave me a card that said "Take care of this knife and you'll always have a friend." I carried it on my duty belt on my job as a police officer. When my father passed away I bought an Oddyssey and retired my 110. That 110 is one of about 150 Bucks I now own.
 
My first Buck came to me when I was 10-ish. We were vacationing in Orlando, my parents, my brother, grandma and I. We visited an uncle and he thought it was a good idea to give my older brother and I each a 102. We were 10 and 11 respectively. Of course, neither of our parents were there when he gave them to us. He was babysitting us while my parents were out. He told us to hide them in our luggage and keep them put up when we got home. That lasted about a week before we were found out. Mom took them from us, never to be seen again.

More recently though, I picked up a 110 back in the early 90s while in Ft. Leonard Wood and kept it on my belt for many years. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure I know exactly what rock I left it lying on during BNCOC at Ft. Benning about 20 years ago.

I have a whole host of Bucks now. Many different varieties from many different eras. Sure, I have some other brands; Case, Spyderco, Microtech, and others, but it's almost always a Buck walking out the door with me these days.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top