Instructions
Define the parameters of your collection. Choose the kinds of knives you want to collect -- folding knives, pocketknives or fixed-blade knives. Choose the era -- whether you want to collect old knives or newer ones. The earliest Buck knives available are from the 1960s. Determine what you can afford and establish guidelines for your expenditures. Involve your spouse or best friend in the collection.
Learn about the knives you want to collect. Read collector books and information online before you begin making purchases. Build a knowledge base so you know what is collectible and what to look for. Talk with collectors, shop owners, sellers, or anyone who seems to know about Buck knives and learn whatever you can.
Shop for Buck knives in collectibles shops and malls, flea markets and gun and knife shows. Learn about pricing and what the good buys are in Buck knives. Talk with dealers and ask questions at shows and shops. Ask about collector clubs available in your area of the country.
Identify a knife as a Buck brand knife by checking the tang -- the flat area where the knife goes into the handle. The tang will be marked with the Buck name, symbols, the style number and maybe "U.S.A."
Identify Buck knives by year marks on the tang. The 1970s knives have a dot on each side of the number, and the 1980 knives have two dots to the right of the number. The 1981 to 1986 knives have two dots on each side of the number. Newer Buck knives have other identifying marks on the tang, most of which look like Native American symbols.
Look for quality knives in your specialty category in good condition. The most valuable Buck knives are the older or scarce ones in excellent condition. Buy only within your parameters unless you want knives for resale or trade. Save your money and space to build a quality collection -- not random, common knives.