New Buckmaster owner questions

[CAPT Bruce]

I've recently acquired a Pre Patent Buckmaster and sheath. I'm looking for someone who can add a replacement for the small strap that secures the knife into the sheath right at the pommel.
Also looking for relacement pins (original or aftermarket) and the second generation Silva compass. Would appreciate any leads that can be passed along. Thanks in advance
Fair winds,
Bruce

[porterkids]

Hi Bruce,

Replacement parts for the Buckmaster are not that easy to find. My only suggestion is to keep a steady watch on ebay. They do show up from time to time, but they are not cheap. The last set of spikes that I saw on ebay went for over $60.

The Buckmaster does not have a strap around the pomel. It only has the strap that crosses diagonally over the crossguard.
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Honda XR350

[CAPT Bruce]

Good morning porterkids,
Thanks for your response :)
I realize ebay may end up being one of the best sources, or I'll just have to find somebody skilled enough with a metal lathe to create a pair of the ss pins from the thread measurement of the holes in the guard and the nominal 2 inch length.
As to the diagonal snap strap, well the search begins. May be easier in the end to find a sheath that's missing its knife. Thanks again.
Bruce

[porterkids]

I've been tempted in the past to buy incomplete Buckmasters, but when you figure in the cost of parts to make them whole and the time involved, you're better off just waiting until you find a deal on one that's complete. It winds up being cheaper.
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Yamaha WR450

[CAPT Bruce]

Hi Porterkids,
I've been pursuing a decent Buckmaster complete for a few years. When I had the chance to pick up this one with the basic knife and sheath (and 2 pouches) in fairly good condition under $100 I figured that gave me some room in my wallet to go searching for the balance of the accessories versus the $190 to 270 and more I was seeing bid for complete units. Besides the hunt is the fun thing, once you have it it just becomes a shelf item in the collection.
Fair winds,
Bruce :)

[CAPT Bruce]

Happy to advise the incomplete BuckMaster I acquired is now complete for all the major parts. Found an original Silva compass and pins to bring it up to full kit. Now I'll have to repair the Fastex type buckle and complete the handle survival accessories. :)

I've also gained a small supply of almost identical grapple pins if anyone is interested. ohneplo@comcast.net

Can anyone list the materials supplied (if any) in an original knife handle? Thanks
CAPT Bruce

[CZINGY]

I Was Given A Brand New Buckmaster 184 From My Grandfather Last Week. There Is No Paperwork With, The Knife Has "buck 184 U.s.a." On One Side And Has No Other Markings. A Compass Is In A Pouch And On Pommel. Wondering From What Year It Is From? Thank You.

[CAPT Bruce]

Hi Czingy,
Can't cite the source but the following description was shared with me when attempting to date some of my Buckmasters.
"In 1986 the knives were stamped BUCK, 184<, U.S.A., PAT. PEND. This is also the time that Buck switched to forged blanks instead of conventional blanks. The only way to distinguish a forged blank from a conventional is to look at the end of the tang, which is not possible on an assembled knife.
In mid 1986, records show a change to adding the rope cutting serrations after bead blasting. They would have a ground finish whereas the rest of the knife, excluding the edge, would have a bead blasted finish. The 184BK was added in September 1986. This knife was identical in all aspects to the previous version except for a black oxide finish.
Effective November 1986, all Buckmasters were identified with U.S. Pat. #4622707. This identification was done by means of an adhesive sticker placed on the box. In Early 1987, this same designation was forged into the relief groove in the blade. Buckmasters from this point on did not have a date code. "
In your description were you indicating your knife has both the Silva compass in it's cloth pouch as well as a compass in the thread in pommel? That would make it a rare beast. Enjoy
Capt Bruce