440 Question

[Makael]

I just ordered a 909. Looks like it came from the custom shop and should be 440. did Paul Bos heat treat 440? Did his process come around later?

 

[Der Verminator]

Bos has said in this forum that he did a lot of heat treating for Buck in the days of 440C, but I don't think there's any way to prove that he did a specific knife.

They didn't mark them in those days.

There's a good chance he did it, though.

Maybe he's still around and could comment on your question? I don't know.

 

[David Martin]

The Buck Custom Shop operated from Jan. 1981 to 1993. During those years they created many knives and Paul Bos cooked them all. The 900 series knives are category 2 knives. DM

 

[STEELHEADBULLY]

I don't think the 909 was 440, I believe the first ones didn't come out until late late late 80s early 90s. What makes you believe it is 440? Where did you "order" one?

 

[jb4570]

The 909 Mountain Bowie showed up in the 1991 catalog. However, in 1990 Buck issued the 909EB the HD gold etch.

See Info in post #29 of this old thread
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/my-new-harley-davidson-bowie.867463/page-2

 

[David Martin]

Just for reference: 440C went out in 1981 (the last year of that steel). From 1982- 91, Buck used 425M steel. 420HC was phased in, in 1992. Those are handsome knives. DM

 

[Makael]

I don't think the 909 was 440, I believe the first ones didn't come out until late late late 80s early 90s. What makes you believe it is 440? Where did you "order" one?

Here is the pic of the knife. It tracking to be here on Friday. I dont know much about these big blades. I just loved the way it looks and the handle.

 

[Makael]

The 909 Mountain Bowie showed up in the 1991 catalog. However, in 1990 Buck issued the 909EB the HD gold etch.

Maybe its a clip point 909. Im not sure but blade shape is a little different than yours. Really cool looking knife.

 

[STEELHEADBULLY]

very nice!!

 

[Der Verminator]

Maybe they made some out of supply of leftover 440C they had laying around.

They do things like that.

 

[Makael]

Im sure my age of the knife was off.

 

[Makael]

They still make knives out of 440C and barrel nut pommels. Plus a run of 119s with 440 and spin on pommels.

 

[David Martin]

True. But those made using that steel will be a limited run and they will be marked. DM

 

[Der Verminator]

True. But those made using that steel will be a limited run and they will be marked. DM

That's true now, but who knows what they would have done in those days??

Maybe just mark it on the COA (if they even did that).

 

[RAZORBLADES]

Wow Makeal those are beauties!

 

[Der Verminator]

Fascinating.

Those knives Makael pictured have the old style (pre-2005) Fuller groove.

Therefore they must have been made by using up some very old (pre-81) blades that were still sitting around.

So.......not made from scratch from 440C steel.......but instead just using up some old 440C blades.

Buck has a way of doing these surprising things.

 

[bertl]

Those knives Makael pictured have the old style (pre-2005) Fuller groove.

Is it Fuller groove or just Fuller?

 

[Der Verminator]

Is it Fuller groove or just Fuller?

It's fuller than the current groove......thus it means they are old blades.

 

[DeSotoSky]

Those knives Makael pictured have the old style (pre-2005) Fuller groove.
Therefore they must have been made by using up some very old (pre-81) blades that were still sitting around

I think that is a bit of a stretch. What are you seeing to reach that conclusion?

 

[Makael]

Not old blades. They are physically larger than the standard 119. Ill post pics later of the size difference. New stock.