Question on 112 3-dot Finger Groove

[Happy Hippo]

I have a 3-dot finger groove that came in a regular box (not finger grooved) and had a black sheath. My other 3-dot finger groove is more typical and has a box with a 112FG sticker on it and comes with the reddish brown sheath. Finger groove option became available with the 3-dot version. So what is happening here:
1) At the beginning of the introduction of the FG, Buck didn't have the sheaths or stickers available.
2) The knife was put in the wrong box, with the wrong sheath.
3) People could send their knives in to be finger grooved.

Your insight would be welcome.

 

[dsutton24]

One and two are the most likely answers, three is possible, but I don't think it's likely. Add option four: When it comes to Buck knives never say never.

 

[bucksway]

Yes..NO absolutes when it comes to knives timelines packageing. On the line getting knives out the door was very important! As long as quality control was met odd variations was accepted. Many major Buck mysteries are one of one employees knives or most often especially packaging factory store builds seconds/blems and buildouts. To Buck it was just a knife made to cut stuff and NOT a holy relic. Add eBay sellers who put together boxes shieths paperwork and knives to make a nice package and ya get that. I have never heard of a 112 being sent in for finger groves but I guess it's possible.
Buck has always been a family business but Big! Changes in production packaging etc were sometimes decided on the fly by Chuck or CJ too. Buck doesn't waste parts or materials and big or small individual orders were common.