All About Pocket Knives

Does anyone know what year the finger-grooved version of the 112 became available?

I've been trying to find a slightly older one of these, and they seem scarce. About all I see on ebay is new ones.

Seems I remember the FG 110s being around for a long time, but I just don't recall about the 112.

So far, no luck here on my want ad.

Any info appreciated.

Josh P

Josh for whatever its worth, I have personally never seen a finger grooved 112. that doesnt mean there arent any just that I havent seen one. wish I knew for sure.

Here ya go Gino. I think they are pretty sweet. I want to get one customized, slimmed down, with bone scales. I think the 112 is a nice size.

I just now heard that the finger-grooved version has been around since the mid 80's. Probably not alot around. I've seen mostly new ones on ebay.

Josh P

Josh
That is cool! your idea is great too. cant wait to see it when you finally get it and have the work done.

guitar1580 wrote:Does anyone know what year the finger-grooved version of the 112 became available?

I've been trying to find a slightly older one of these, and they seem scarce. About all I see on ebay is new ones.

Seems I remember the FG 110s being around for a long time, but I just don't recall about the 112.

So far, no luck here on my want ad.

Any info appreciated.

Josh P

I've been wondering about the same thing. My 112FG from the mid Eighties has been a trusty hiking companion for many years.

Excellent pic Frog, thx for sharing, I'd say that 80's 112 is on the scarce side ..... those are some of the same knives I carry and use every day. An Executive or Prince for the pocket, and a 110 or 112 for the belt, all depending on how much size & weight are a factor for that given day.

Nothing better, for my needs ... and they sure hold an edge.

Anyway, I can only find new 112FG at this point. I can get one for $38.99 & free shipping. I think I'll grab it until I can scare up an older one.

JP

Thanks!
Yes, they are all very nice knives, and knives made to be used. A trio covering most needs from the office to the great outdoors.

I just bit the bullet and sprung for the new one, seemed like a good price..... and I guess I can still watch for an older one. Sent a note to MM about workin' it up for me.

I guess it's just as well to customize the new one, and keep an old one original.

So whaddya think, folks? I like white or light gray bone with nickel bolsters, but this one has brass, so I'm wondering if something more like a cream color bone, or honey colored buffalo horn would look better on brass. I'm thinking no engraving or filework on this one .... just all smooth & shiny, with solid color smooth polished bone, and shiny brass bolsters, rounded & possibly fluted. Possibly a 45 degree bevel on the 2 center finger grooves. Elegant, but not overstated, IMO.

Feel free to offer suggestions, comments, or pics of similar knife projects. Anyone else into fingergrooved 112's and 110's? I like them alot.

Josh P

1580.. Sounds like you got the makings of a solid plan!! Pics when done.. Carried a 112 during my biker days (75-85). Good solid knife that I still have today retired somewhere around here!! John

Guitar1580,
I like your plans too, Josh!
For me, the 110/112 are sturdy knives meant to be used as tools, and that's what I like about them. That does not mean they should not look great, but I would not like them to be dressed up too fancy. For me at least, something is just not right about a 112 made into some sort of jewelry...
Smooth bone should be great on the 112FG. You will still get a solid grip on the handle.

Looking forward to seeing the version 2.0, so please take some before and after pics!

Ok,
All of you 112ers and wannabes here is the 112 age list for the pre-date code 112s. As you can see yourself the finger groove 112 is 1980/81, Category IV, Version 3, Stamped * 112**.

One of the important statements is that pre date code stampeing "THE 112 DOES NOT FOLLOW THE SAME MARKING CODE OR DESIGN CHANGE TIME AS THE 110." Date codes after 1985 WILL be the same.

You can thank Joe Houser of Buck Knives for the listing.....
300Bucks
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From the administrator’s office
With the standard disclaimers, I present the timeline for the Model 112 Ranger. And here first are those disclaimers. The information is only as good as the data I was able to find and study. This timeline is by no means the end all authority on the subject and as new information surfaces, editions will be made. Many thanks to the many members that offered help with this project, together we make a great team!

Buck Ranger, Model 112 Timeline 1972 to 1986

Category I, Inverted stamp: BUCK, U.S.A., May 1972

Version 1. Left hand stamp, brass spring holder, black micarta inlays, two small, (less than 1/16”) brass inlay rivets and stainless rocker rivet.

Version 2. Same as above except now a stainless spring holder.

Category II, Stamped BUCK, 112, U.S.A. 1972

Version 1. Left hand stamp, stainless spring holder, black micarta inlays, two brass inlay rivets and stainless rocker rivet.
Version 2. Same as above except inlays are Segua wood. (Incorrect tree name, see PS)
Version 3. Same as above except inlays are Macasar Ebony wood.

Category III, Stamped BUCK, *112*, U.S.A. 1974 to 1980.

Version 1. Left hand stamp, stainless spring holder, Macasar Ebony inlays, two brass inlay rivets and stainless rocker rivet.

Version 2. Same as above except four brass inlay rivets.

Version 3. Same as above except three brass inlay rivets.

Version 4. Same as above except the brass inlay rivets are now approximately 1/8” in diameter.

Category IV, Stamped BUCK, *112**, U.S.A. 1980 to 1981 ?

Version 1. Left hand stamp, stainless spring holder, Macasar Ebony inlays, three 1/8” brass inlay rivets and stainless rocker rivet.

Version 2. Same as above except nail notch added.

Version 3. Same as above except hand radiused handle edges. Handles have hand radiused edges. No radius in thumb depression area. Finger grooved model introduced.
Category V, Stamped BUCK **112**, U.S.A. 1981 ? to 1986.

Version 1. Left hand stamp, stainless spring holder, Macasar Ebony inlays, three 1/8” brass inlay rivets and stainless rocker rivet. Hand radiused handle edges still found although fully radiused handles can now be found.

Important note: The 112 does not appear to follow the same pattern as its big brother, the 110, as it pertains to the dot blade markings. For instance, the first time we see rounded edges on the 110 handle is on a 4 dot version. The first time we see it on the 112 is on a 3 dot version. An explanation for this is that there was probably quite a few 112’s made up with the 3 dot stamp and it took a while to use them all up. This is the best theory we have right now on that.
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(PS 300Bucks, If you look up Segua Wood , there is no such tree.
It is MORE correct to call it Shedua wood, which comes from west Africa. It is a tropical rain forest tree and has been exploited in its home country. With the current green attitude Buck would most likely not use it in knife handles.

guitar1580 wrote: So whaddya think, folks? I like white or light gray bone with nickel bolsters, but this one has brass, so I'm wondering if something more like a cream color bone, or honey colored buffalo horn would look better on brass.

Feel free to offer suggestions, comments, or pics of similar knife projects. Anyone else into fingergrooved 112's and 110's? I like them alot.

Josh P

I recently customized a Schrade stockman, an 8OT as I recall, with ivory colored bone.
It looks really rich. Very beautiful, even elegant in a quite sort of way.
I am a big fan of white bone, but this beats it for most application hands down!
I will have to find the knife an post a pic.

Dale

300Bucks,
Thanks!

Dale,
Please do!

OP here. Many thanks to 300, and Mr. Houser. That's great info.

Update, I have a FG on the way. Heard back from MM and he has a 10 week wait. The estimate was a little more than I had budgeted for, so I may look into the bone handle, and eliminate the fluting on the bolsters.... wasn't sure about that anyway. Smooth and sleek all over with a nice cream colored bone may be just as well. Would love to see the one you did, Dale. Do we have a list of recommended customizers?

Macassar ebony; One of my favorite woods, and used on the fingerboard and bridge of one of my favorite finely crafted Martin guitars. I had wondered what Buck used for the scales on their knives, and greatly appreciate seeing the wood info along with the dating info. Do we have wood info for 110 models somewhere? I'll post some macassar info in another thread, for those interested. It's a wonderful hardwood, and I'm surprised and happy to know that Buck has used it.

So it looks like my old "no-nick" 2 dot 112 falls into the '74-'80 Category III, version 3, with 3 brass inlay rivets, stainless rocker rivet, and beautiful striping on the handle, a characteristic of Macassar, also called striped ebony. I'll try to get a pic of it this aft.

I'll keep you guys posted on when & who, concerning the customizing, bone scales, etc.

Josh P

OK Froggy, here are the pics of a Schrade 8OT with ivory colored bone handles.
Do you think that bone would look good on a Buck 112?

The filework on the backsprings is an eagle.

Dale

Wow that eagle is really cool. You didn't show me that one earlier. That is just a great looking job on that knife.

My 112FG should be here in a day or two, and I'm also getting an early 500, similar size but mostly nickel. I may get both custimized, but I do think that smooth ivory colored bone will look great on the brass 112FG.

I found that ebony article too, I'll post in another thread for those interested.

Great pics Dale. Thx.

Josh P

Dale,
That ivory colored bone will definitely look very good on a 112!
Great eagle filework

112 photo just to look at. 300Bucks(112s and TL-29s are my sidelines)




Oh, heck let me throw in another.....the transition from flat edged to rounded

Thx 300! Those are great pics and great knives.

I got my new (2009) 112FG today, and it looks sweet. I asked the seller to pick me one with nicely figured woodgrain, and he sure did. It looks almost too nice to do away with. Are they still using the ebony? Anyone know?

So I have a 1980's 500 on the way also. It may be better for customizing, but I'm still thinking bone on the brass FG.

Unfortunately, my computer is almost dead, and I can't load pics until my new one gets here, but I'm gonna be ready to slim down and re-handle one of these beauties real soon, to use as an occasional belt knife ... possibly in a RMB custom sidewinder sheath. Pics coming soon.

You guys got me hooked, especially Luis, heheh.

JP

JP

Buck300,
Very nice collection!

Looking forward to the pics, Josh!
Duke would look great with a smooth bone handle too!

OOOOOOOOOO!!!!! ............ I like the eagle!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for your kind words.
I am glad you liked the ivory colored bone.

I think it will look good on a 112.

Dale

Here is an older 112. Micarta scales, no nail nick and brass spacer in rear bolster.

Hey all. I got the computer back, and got some pics of the 112FG. It is dated for 2009, came with factory leather sheath, although pictured with a camo nylon Buck sheath, which I'm growing fond of.

I think it will be a nice specimen for customizing ... now to decide who, how, and when. I like the size and feel of it, maybe even a little better than a 110, for general purposes, camping etc.

Here are a few pics ( quarter included for size reference). I think it needs the bone that Dale and I have been talking about.

Josh P

I know this is an older post but I didn't want to start a new thread with a question about a Buck 112. Does anyone know what years Buck switched the blade steel on the 112 knives? I think they were using 425 SS up to a certain year and then switched over to 420HC. Any ideals on what year that might have been? I stumbled upon an unused NOS Buck 112 that had been a display knife for years. I'm trying to figure out what type of steel the blade is on it. Got the knife, box, all the paerwork, and even the knife wrapping paper for $15. Did I do good? A man has to love those display knives when they get old to the store owner and he wants to rid himself of it and put up a new knife.

Aimus