Unusual Vintage 1960s Buck 103 Modified Hunting Knife! Factory or Employee Mod?

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Note: The knife will be shipped insured, the cost of which is included in the shipping charges. Please note that the shipping terms are five business days. I usually get things out much quicker, but due to health issues (Multiple Sclerosis) I have to allow for the occasional days when I'm not able to do much. Keep this in mind if trying to contact me as well. I will respond but at times it may take a bit longer. Offered for your consideration is a very unusual vintage Buck model 103 "Skinner" hunting knife. This piece was modified into more of a standard hunting knife profile. Normally, when I see such a modification I generally just assume that the tip was broken and the blade re-profiled, or the blade was simply modified by a previous owner to better suit their personal needs. However, this is a modification that is known to some advanced Buck collectors and numerous very similar examples exist. In fact, this example comes from very nice collection of 1960's-1970's Buck knives and there were actually two knives modified in this manner and they are almost identical. There are several theories on this modification, but all are just that...theories. Buck employees would occasionally grind blades to suit their personal needs, or at the request of friends, family, good customers, etc. In fact, that exactly how the 116 "Caper" came to be. The examples that I've seen are all nearly identical, and all were modified 103 models that seem to have been ground by the same person, as the dimensions are very similar. Too similar to just be coincidence in my opinion. The knife has an excellent feel in the hand and is well-suited for a wide range of common applications. The dimensions work very well with the design and I could see this being a popular modification request...basically the model that Buck never went to production with. These knives were very solidly built and will quickly take an excellent edge that's easy to maintain. This example bears the two-line inverted BUCK marking and it has the red fiber spacers instead of the later micarta. The 103 was one of Buck's staples and was also one of their original factory models. Note: I've included a photo showing the two modified examples that I have. The second knife (upper knife in the photo) is NOT included and is shown for comparison purposes only. The knife has seen light to moderate use and remains in solid, original condition with some fine handle cracks as shown. It has not been cleaned or buffed. The thick blade was nicely ground has Buck's standard soft satin finish. The blade appears to have been lightly sharpened after the modification and it shows just a bit of sharpening loss. It's not too far from full and it remains sharp. The edge is free of any chips, dings, cracks, or damage and the tip is intact and original (as modified). The edge does show some wear and should have a touch-up before use. The layered aluminum guard remains solid and tight with no damage or marring and just some light dings/scuffs from normal use. The handle is Buck's classic black phenolic and has some old cracks as shown. These appear to have been there for a very long time and they look to be stable. The handle remains very solid and completely tight. The pommel is aluminum and remains rock-solid as well. It's free of any serious gouges, marring, or damage, showing just a couple dings and dents. The entire knife is rock-solid and completely tight with not a wiggle or rattle anywhere. The knife has an excellent feel and handles very nicely. It shows no signs of abuse or rough treatment and has been well cared for. The blade is just over 4" and the knife measures 8-1/4" in overall length. There is no sheath with this knife, although an old Buck 103 sheath would probably work nicely. A solid example of this unique and interesting Buck mystery knife!! Sorry, but no international shipping. read more

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