[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING BUCK KNIVES 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2002

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend a business, located in my 
district, for producing quality products for 100 years. Buck Knives of 
El Cajon, California, is a fourth generation family-owned and operated 
business. From making their first knives using worn-out file blades, 
Buck Knives has become arguably the most well-known, respected, and 
famous American-made knives in the world.
  In 1902, the first Buck knife was made by a young apprentice 
blacksmith from Kansas, Hoyt Buck. Making each knife by hand, Hoyt 
combined innovation with experience to produce a better tempered steel 
so it would hold a sharper edge longer.
  During World War II, Hoyt contributed to America's war effort by 
substantially increasing his output to ensure that our troops were 
adequately supplied. Following the war, Hoyt moved to San Diego where 
he, and his oldest son Al, formed H. H. Buck and Son in 1947. Hoyt 
passed away in 1949 and Al took over the company. H. H. Buck and Son 
had only been in business for two years when Al took the helm and led 
it through the next critical twelve years, eventually incorporating the 
business in 1961.
  Innovators since the beginning, Buck Knives has continued to develop 
trendsetting knives and processes. Beginning with a revolutionary new 
blade and continuing through today with new designs, this company has 
continued to set the standard in the knife industry.
  The family tradition continues today. Chuck Buck followed his father 
Al as president, serving until 1999 when he handed the reigns over to 
his son C.J., who is the current president and CEO. While Chuck stepped 
down as president, he still serves as an integral part of the family 
business as chairman of the board.
  With more and more companies choosing to relocate overseas for low-
wage workers and tax breaks, Buck Knives remains in the United States 
and is an active partner and friend of the entire San Diego community. 
Buck Knives employs individuals with disabilities from the local Home 
of the Guiding Hands to work in their factory. They allow groups within 
the community, such as the Boy and Girl Scouts and local churches, to 
utilize their facility for meetings and activities. Additionally, Buck 
Knives donates products for nationwide fundraising events to police and 
firefighters, as well as the National Turkey Foundation, just to name a 
few. In their quest to make our community a better place, Buck Knives 
has been a perpetual advocate and friend.
  Given their longevity in the business and their trend setting 
designs, it is easy to understand why when you think of a knife, you 
think of a Buck knife. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating 
Buck Knives in its centennial celebration.

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