Buckcote and Ion Fusion

Hoyt Buck produced the first Buck Knife in 1902. Hoyt and his son Al moved to San Diego and set up shop as H.H. Buck & Son in 1947. Al Buck revolutionized the knife industry in 1964 with the infamous Model 110 Folding Hunter. The company's innovative history and attention to quality have made for many great collectible knives.
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Mark15434
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Joined: Fri Mar 01, 2019 10:37 pm

Buckcote and Ion Fusion

Post by Mark15434 »

Does anybody know when BUCK started to use Buckcote/Ion Fusion? And what was the last year of manufacture with this Ion Fusion. I have a Vanguard 692 (1996) and 110. Both are Champagne color.
Vanguard 462 - Copy.jpg
Vanguard 2 - Copy.jpg
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KLJ77
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Re: Buckcote and Ion Fusion

Post by KLJ77 »

Mark,

Welcome to AAPK...hope you stick around.

If I recall correctly, Buck experimented with Ion Fusion blades back in 2001. As for the Buckcote technology, I can't say for sure. I have a 119 (non-serrated) with the Ion Fusion technology, but it does not have the Buckcote. Buck also did a 119 partially serrated edge Ion Fusion knife. Any Buck knife with the Ion Fusion and sharpened only on one side is going to be a rare knife. I believe Buck only did these knives for a couple of years.

Someone else may come along with more information. Nevertheless, you have two nice collector pieces, imho. Sorry I couldn't provide more info.
LJ

"The problems we face today are there because the people who work for a living are now outnumbered by those that vote for a living."
Mark15434
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Mar 01, 2019 10:37 pm

Re: Buckcote and Ion Fusion

Post by Mark15434 »

MKL77, Thanks for your info. I heard from a friend that Buckcote and Ion Fusion is the same thing. Can't say for sure though. Buckcote is not a coating at all. It was a "fused" process as well. Thus, the new name "Ion Fusing".
Mark15434
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Mar 01, 2019 10:37 pm

Re: Buckcote and Ion Fusion

Post by Mark15434 »

I found the answer. First Manufactured date is 1996. Went on sale in the 1997 Buck Knife catalog. Only 8 models had the BuckCote on them. Some were Zirconium (ZrN) and some were Titanium Nitride (TiAIN) (TiN). The final date of production was the early 2000's...
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