All About Pocket Knives

Howdy boys! I was wondering if some of you can help me out! My husband had an early fixed blade Buck knife that had(I think) cocobolo handles and only said Buck on the tang. It also showed on the top of the blade actual file marks from it being made from a file. He sold it long ago and I was wondering what model it actually was, when it was made. Thanks! Hope you all are doing well!

Since no old knife expert is answering you I will tell you what I know.

Buck knives apparently made from old files were very early models. In fact it may have not had a model number or consistent design. Many of these were stamped BUCK with individual stamps, a letter at a time, and will look a little crooked letter to letter. If you were still in possession you could show a photo an likely get more interest and information. It also would be worth a pretty penny. If you search online you may be able to find a early history of Buck and it might show some early handmade knives. These would have likely been made by Alfred or Hoyt Buck, likely in San Diego, CA in the years following WW2.

I am going to guess and think you might be interested in finding another one like it. That would be a very difficult task. Collectors grab those very few and rare knives and hold on to them. As I said they are high dollar items.

300Bucks

I will add one thing to 300Bucks comments. If it was one of the really early knives, the wood handle was probably either lignum vitae or ebony. The current Buck knives that say Cocobolo are actually a stained birch laminate with the trade name Dymondwood. Buck will need to find another source for their laminated wood handles since a fire totally destroyed the factory that produced Dymondwood.

Bert

Okay, thank you for the information. That is very helpful! Unfortunately we do not have this knife anymore. Wish we did. There are several knives through the years we have parted with and no wonder why we chose to hang on to some and get rid of others! Oh well HIND SIGHT!! LOL I was guessing cocobolo, but I really didn't know. All I know is that it was more of a reddish brown as opposed to the traditional black.

With that color, it likely was lignum vitae.