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The red arrow is pointing to the tang stamp. On older knives it may just be one line of "BUCK"; others may be two lines of "BUCK/USA"; and eventually three lines of "BUCK/MODEL NUMBER/USA". From 1986 on, the model number will be followed with a date code symbol. Also, what you are calling "bands" are usually called "spacers". Spacer material can help date the knife. The earliest were leather, then hard fiber, and finally micarta. Your knife looks like it has micarta spacers.
Thanks Olde Cutler ... I looked at my 120, and it is the same. Must have had a senior moment on the 119 ...lol.OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Tue Dec 19, 2023 7:06 pm My pre 1986 119 and my 121 from 1988 are the same as yours.
I believe it is micarta .. thank you for the spacer material info ... did not know that. Be a big help with dating these in the future.bertl wrote: ↑Wed Dec 20, 2023 12:59 amThe red arrow is pointing to the tang stamp. On older knives it may just be one line of "BUCK"; others may be two lines of "BUCK/USA"; and eventually three lines of "BUCK/MODEL NUMBER/USA". From 1986 on, the model number will be followed with a date code symbol. Also, what you are calling "bands" are usually called "spacers". Spacer material can help date the knife. The earliest were leather, then hard fiber, and finally micarta. Your knife looks like it has micarta spacers.
Bert
102 stag 1987 copy.jpeg
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I always think of Delrin in relation to the 300 series folders and black phenolic in relation to the 100 series fixed blades. Anyway, here is my summary of characteristics for dating the early 100 series factory knives. It combines information from a couple of articles by Joe Houser.Corn Creek Cutlery wrote: ↑Thu Dec 21, 2023 2:46 amMany thanks bertl ... Good info! Does the introduction of hard fiber relate to the introduction of delrin?
Thanks again Bert! Appreciate your sharing that spreadsheet. The knowledge gained on these forums is priceless ... glad I joined!bertl wrote: ↑Thu Dec 21, 2023 3:29 pmI always think of Delrin in relation to the 300 series folders and black phenolic in relation to the 100 series fixed blades. Anyway, here is my summary of characteristics for dating the early 100 series factory knives. It combines information from a couple of articles by Joe Houser.Corn Creek Cutlery wrote: ↑Thu Dec 21, 2023 2:46 amMany thanks bertl ... Good info! Does the introduction of hard fiber relate to the introduction of delrin?
Bert
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