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 didnt 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. Im 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 Ive 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. Thats 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 Bucks 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.