I agree Michael, I also have the Russell Green River skinners. Skinning knives are my favorites, that's why I like the Model 11 Randall so well.

Personally, I would clean this one up. Bucks are not like Randalls. You can't really hurt their value by having them refinished, unless they are a rare knife from the 60s or earlier. This one appears to be from 1977 to 1981 due to the swivel sheath and three Micarta spacers. The blade is 440C. If refinished by Buck, the knife would probably be worth twice as much versus its present condition. The Buck shop does a great job with restoration and they're very conscientious about not going "too far". They use the same equipment from the 70s to refinish the blade, so the satin finish will look the same as the original. The Phenolic handle and aluminum hardware will look new again. Buck sheaths are also easy to maintain. A little black leather die on worn areas and you're good to go. Best of all, Buck's "spa treatment" is $6.95.

Now if you're sentimental about the wear on the knife from sitting in your tool cabinet for 30 years, well, that's another story.

Good looking 103, Duke. Probably dates to around 1972 because of the 3 line inverted blade stamp. 440C blade.

Yeah, don't clean it, character looks good on it!

Thanks Tom.......appreciate your comments......I certainly don't have the knowledge that you do re: these; have others & if time later will post pics. of them along with sheathes for all.
Just realized that this thread may belong in another area now as these aren't for sale. I'm sure moderators can/will fix if so.
Thanks again.

Duke,

this is a WTB thread. I want to buy sheaths for these three knives. older Flap model, with or without model numbers.

thanks max

Knew that & may have a lead for you with good friend........doesn't matter to me where things are posted......just wanting it right, for everyone elseAnd sure hope you find them......I'll pass on lead to you only if you want. Good luck!

thanks Duke,

I would appreciate that. actually, I was very pleased to see all the responses and discussions about the Buck knives. turned out to be a good thread.

thanks
max

Max,

What year did Buck start stamping the model number on the back of the sheath?

Tom, from what I have read, the model number stamp on the sheath start in 1969+-. I also understand that there were two different types of flap's used prior to 73. the very early sheaths had a smaller flap and sometime in the late 60's it became larger. handle straps before that. However, like all knives the date's are estimates.

Sheaths:
A. Angeles Souvenir—late 1962 to late 1967. Thin leather, BUCK on snap, no rivets, no model number.
B. Atcheson Leather—late 1967 to early 1969. Leather, BUCK on flap, Model #, tooling lines and dimple rivet on belt loop.
C. Buck leather shop—started early 1969.
1) Leather, BUCK on snap & flap, tooling lines on belt loop. Used maybe 2 years?
2) Leather, BUCK on snap and flap, plain belt loop, model # on back."


Quote Originally Posted by David Martin View Post

Joe H. put Atcheson sheaths made during 68. They had no Buck on the snap and no model # on the back. I have one of these in my collection with a early 105 which is stamped Buck*. A different looking 105, I'll include a photo. Supposedly paired up correctly. So, by that we'd have to include them in 67. The sheaths were brought 'in house' in 69. So, your dates are close.



max