Vietnam Era Buck 110

[thorin6]

I've been looking for a Buck 110 lock-blade knife to add to my collection. The Buck 110s were widely available through the PX system, as well as the Rod and Gun clubs. During the Vietnam War they were purchased and carried by many soldiers in theater as well as throughout the army. I purchased one in the 1970s which had Buck over 110 over USA when the point was up, which according to the Buck collectors was made in 1972-1974. Close, but I wanted to get an earllier one. Finally picked one up with Buck over USA with the point facing down, and after studing the information, have determined it was made 1968-1970. Here is a picture of the two knives with the 72-72 version on top.

 

[thorin6]

Here's the other sides: I've also included the Buck 110 leather pouch marked Buck on the front and 110 on the back.

[thorin6]

Here's a close up of the markings:

 

[thorin6]

One of the differences, besides the marking, are the spacers. On the 72-74 version, it's steel, on the 68-70 version, it's brass:

[thorin6]

Finally, here's a close up of the case markings. It's well-used but solid.

 

[thorin6]

According to this linK:

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_forum/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=11569

the Buck/USA is the 3rd Version, 8th Variation while the Buck/110/USA is the 5th Version, 3rd Variation. Dots were add along side the 110 marking in 1974, and then the Buck dating system was started in 1986. with a different symbol used for each year. Anyone who collects M9s is probably familiar with that system.

[gunbarrel]

IMHO, no Vietnam military blade collection is complete without a Buck 110.

 

Here is an article that may interest the Forum:

 

http://www.knifeworld.com/viknandbuusa.html

[thorin6]

Gunbarrel,

Great story; thanks.

[Still-A-Marine]

I had a Buck 110 as a kid. I was eight in 1970. And I agree. It's a must have for the Vietnam era knives.

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

Bill

[SKIPH]

I still have my Buck 110 that I bought at the old wooden Smoke Bomb Hill Book store on Ft Bragg, in Oct 1970. Carried it for years. Still have the original belt pouch. SKIP

[thorin6]

I picked up my Buck 110 (brand new in the box) at the Rod and Gun Club in Heilbronn, Germany in 1972. Somewhere in the midst of uncountable moves it went missing. I picked up the Buck/110/USA in the pictures just a few years ago, and that started me looking for a Buck/USA.