Buck 110 find and blade etch question

[cuttindux]

I went into a “junk store” today that would have made Fred Sanford look like Mr. Clean! They had a case just inside the front door with some knives in it so I bent down to look and out of the corner of my eye saw a grey pitbull running right at me!!!! I about came out of my skin. A lady from behind the junk piled up on the counter yelled at the dog and it skids up to within about a foot and a half of my legs!!! I spent the rest of my time in there trying to regain my composure and refocus! Anyway, I guess some good came out of that crazy stop- I found a pretty nice Buck 110 amongst the greasy, stinky mess in there. The lady working texted the owner (no answer), and tried to do some internet research and we finally settled on $30. It had some pretty serious verdigris on the bolsters and a little around the snaps on the case, as well as inside. I did my best to clean off the verdigris and oil it and I took a dry toothbrush and air compressor to the inside of the case. I plan on trying some Mother’s polish tomorrow on the brass to see how well the staining will buff out. I’m pretty pleased at how it’s cleaned up already.

I’ve seen 110’s before that have, for instance, Ducks Unlimited “scenes”, other various animals and scenery etched on the blades but I can’t find any that match the ducks found on this particular blade. I’ve tried eBay- current and sold auctions, google images and multiple sites including AAPK and can’t find another identical which I find a little odd. I see that the Buck website does offer a “custom shop” and was curious if this simple flying ducks scene could have been an aftermarket or custom request? It sure looks factory to my amateur eye though…

[Jeepergeo]

Nice find and price. That blade looks like it had little or no use.

[KLJ77]

Actually a nice looking 110 for being 36 years old. Made in 1989. I wouldn't stress too much over the duck etching. It may be difficult to track down the history on this one. Buy a NEW sheath for it and enjoy. DO NOT store your 110 back into the original sheath or any other leather sheath. That's where all the built up verdigris came from.

As a side note: You could also send it back to Buck for a Spa. They may be able to make the bolsters look brand new.

[cuttindux]

Thank you Jeepergeo and KLJ77 for the input. I took to the brass this morning with some polish and it shined up really nice; I’ll post updated photos. I’ve been researching a good bit today on AAPK about the treatment of verdigris and causes/leather sheaths and their tanning method. Some really interesting conversation on here dating quite a few years back even. For now I’m taking it out of the original leather sheath for sure.

Buy a NEW sheath for it and enjoy. DO NOT store your 110 back into the original sheath or any other leather sheath.

What type of sheath do you recommend that wouldn’t contribute to the green goop?

I recently discovered the spa treatment from reading forums here. Every knife I’ve seen that comes back looks absolutely stunning. I thought about that last night but I’m pretty pleased with how the Mother’s mag polish did. There’s the slightest bit of “residue” or colored pitting on there that I can’t get rid of with elbow grease. If it worsens, for giggles (and $10) I might just see if Buck’s spa treatment will remedy it.

[KLJ77]

Cuttindux,

You've done a very fine job on making those bolsters shine and attractive, compared to the original look. Bravo Zulu!

If you're going to carry this knife on your side, I would recommend a sturdy nylon sheath. Even so, you could still carry it in a leather sheath, but just don't store it in the leather sheath 24/7. Either way, a decent wipe down of the knife and bolsters once in a while or when you see build up on the bolsters. Brass is going to tarnish, no matter what...but then, you know that. From your photos, it appears you have a solid program going on. Also, if there is pitting, you won't get that out. Send it to Buck and they'll put it on their polish machine and make em brand new. Let the pro's do it for you.

As an after thought: Those Ebony handles on that knife are GREAT. Those are definitely vintage. For 36 years old, they're in immaculate condition.

[Railsplitter]

You certainly did clean that up real nice.

If you ever do decide to send it to Buck for a Spa treatment, please be aware that removing pits can take a lot of brass off of the bolsters depending on how deep the pits are. The bolsters might lose their “flat” shape. I posted a couple pictures in an effort to demonstrate what I mean.

The slanted bolsters don’t bother me but some folks may not prefer that. Buck did a fantastic job on the knife but it did alter the shape of the knife a little.

Just a friendly heads up.

[KLJ77]

Good point, Rick. Nice example. I didn't even think of that, but now that you've commented on it, it makes perfect since.

[cuttindux]

Cuttindux,

You've done a very fine job on making those bolsters shine and attractive, compared to the original look. Bravo Zulu!

If you're going to carry this knife on your side, I would recommend a sturdy nylon sheath. Even so, you could still carry it in a leather sheath, but just don't store it in the leather sheath 24/7. Either way, a decent wipe down of the knife and bolsters once in a while or when you see build up on the bolsters. Brass is going to tarnish, no matter what...but then, you know that. From your photos, it appears you have a solid program going on. Also, if there is pitting, you won't get that out. Send it to Buck and they'll put it on their polish machine and make em brand new. Let the pro's do it for you.

As an after thought: Those Ebony handles on that knife are GREAT. Those are definitely vintage. For 36 years old, they're in immaculate condition.

Thanks for the compliments and the good advice and suggestions. I’m very pleased to have stumbled across this one.

[cuttindux]

You certainly did clean that up real nice.

If you ever do decide to send it to Buck for a Spa treatment, please be aware that removing pits can take a lot of brass off of the bolsters depending on how deep the pits are. The bolsters might lose their “flat” shape. I posted a couple pictures in an effort to demonstrate what I mean.

The slanted bolsters don’t bother me but some folks may not prefer that. Buck did a fantastic job on the knife but it did alter the shape of the knife a little.

Just a friendly heads up.

Great tip! Thank you! I wouldn’t have thought of that. The “pitting” on this one is not significant at all in comparison to your example. I’ll keep this in mind as I watch it over the years. Thanks for that heads up!