What does the number at the base of my blade mean/stand for/represent?

E

eewhopp

Joined
Apr 18, 2011
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I just bought a simple Buck 870X Bones TM Camo, Frame Lock Folding Knife.

I have heard that the number is a measurement of the strength of the steel.

This knifes number is ->870. The type of steel it consists of is 420-HC, which from what I have read is sort of in the medium range concerning the strength of knives.

You can view the knife at BUCK's website - http://www.buckknives.com

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, I have searched all over the internet trying to find an answer to no avail.

THANKS!
-Curtis
 
Last edited:
Welcome Curtis. The number is the model# , nothing to do with steel strength.
 
To my knowledge, model numbers are assigned by design team in preproduction with no significance to body or blade. the -> sign indicates date code year stamp. In this case a right arrow indicates 2009 production. Taking 3** series for example 301, 303, 371,382 are slip joints but 345, 346, 347 are the more tactical minded Vantage series and 396, 397, 399 are the Onmi Hunter folders.
 
Thanks for the quick responce. This forum is great and I have just started to get into knives. I am a computer Tech and my knife will come in great use.

My friend who thinks he knows all about knives was the one who told me its the strength of the steel. Thats funny.

The serial number just tells where and when it was made correct?

Oh and ROBB - So your are %100 positive it is just the serial number. Meaning I would have to present this number to a BUCK employee in order for her to understand what model i bought. Another question for ROBB, If I am holding my knife with the blade pointed towards the ground this is what the number and arrow look like 870<-. So is that a left arrow or a right arrow? was this knife manufactured in 2009 or another year?
 
eewhopp said:
Thanks for the quick responce. This forum is great and I have just started to get into knives. I am a computer Tech and my knife will come in great use.

My friend who thinks he knows all about knives was the one who told me its the strength of the steel. Thats funny.

The serial number just tells where and when it was made correct?

Oh and ROBB - So your are %100 positive it is just the serial number. Meaning I would have to present this number to a BUCK employee in order for her to understand what model i bought. Another question for ROBB, If I am holding my knife with the blade pointed towards the ground this is what the number and arrow look like 870<-. So is that a left arrow or a right arrow? was this knife manufactured in 2009 or another year?
Click to expand...

870 isn't a serial number, it's the model number only.

If the model number and arrow are just as you show this time, the year of manufacture was 2010 (left pointing arrow). The first time you indicated a right pointing arrow.
 
The model number doesn't tell you where it was made unless you already know where that model was made. Bucks are stamped or etched, either U.S.A or China. The 870 is made for Buck in China.
 
Also some of the blades are stamped with the type of steel in addition to the model # ie "S30V" So your friend isn't all wrong, but I think this has only been done in the more recent years and only on certain knives.
 
With a few exceptions Buck has been stamping the steel type on their up-grade knives (only) for over 13yrs.. DM
 
David Martin said:
With a few exceptions Buck has been stamping the steel type on their up-grade knives (only) for over 13yrs.. DM
Click to expand...

This is the only one I have or have seen that has the "standard" steel type etched or stamped on it.

ErgoHunteretch.jpg


ErgoHunter.jpg
 
Plumberdv said:
This is the only one I have or have seen that has the "standard" steel type etched or stamped on it.

ErgoHunteretch.jpg


ErgoHunter.jpg
Click to expand...

You have a show/rep sample. The production model would have been in S30v so we mark the material so that no one will think that it is the S30v steel.
 
Mr. Hubbard thank you. When did Buck start marking their up-grade knives with the steel type? I can recall the Master Series in 98... Any before that? DM
 
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