300 series manufactured in China

N

nmbfish

Joined
Jan 14, 2006
Messages
12
Do you fellows know what year Buck began having some of their 300 series manufactured in China?
 
Just to be really clear here -- the 30x numbered patterns (301 to 309) are now, and have always been, manufactured in the USA. If the pattern number is 37x or 38x, then it's imported.
 
Hey Guys,

You know there seems to always be one exception to the rule. Below in the front is the very first imported model marked 303 with 2004 date stamp, laminated scale, no scale shield and the blades are near mirror polished. The only one that is so marked. China is stamped on reverse tang of sheepsfoot blade. After this single model marking ALL issues were marked as Dwight states. And they began in 05 at Bear Claw states......Details, details, details.......300Bucks

ChinaBuckFront.jpg


ChinaBuckBack.jpg
 
Last edited:
300Bucks said:
Hey Guys,

You know there seems to always be one exception to the rule. Below in the front is the very first imported model marked 303 with 2004 date stamp, laminated scale, no scale shield and the blades are near mirror polished. The only one that is so marked. China is stamped on reverse tang of sheepsfoot blade. After this single model marking ALL issues were marked as Dwight states. And they began in 05 at Bear Claw states......Details, details, details.......300Bucks
Click to expand...

First time I saw one on Ebay I sat scratching my head!

Were these ever available for retail sale that you know of, or were they early prototypes that got loose????
 
300Bucks said:
Hey Guys,

You know there seems to always be one exception to the rule. Below in the front is the very first imported model marked 303 with 2004 date stamp, laminated scale, no scale shield and the blades are near mirror polished. The only one that is so marked. China is stamped on reverse tang of sheepsfoot blade. After this single model marking ALL issues were marked as Dwight states. And they began in 05 at Bear Claw states......Details, details, details.......300Bucks

ChinaBuckFront.jpg


ChinaBuckBack.jpg
Click to expand...

CH,,
I have a 303 like that one.

If I remember right it came to me from Buck
As a replacement.
 
The China 371 has got to be the best $20.00 traditional knife in the world..seriously. Not the sharpest I ever got but very well made, F&F is right on.
 
I have to laugh because I have seen on ebay that some informed sellers have shown Camillus 301's and state that they are extremely rare now because the 301's are no longer made in USA:confused: Good research:p
 
Ya know.......years ago I predicted that collectors would one day be ardently seeking and even fighting over these superbly crafted early China Bucks and their interesting variations.

Most disagreed with me.

:D
 
I will give credit where credit is due. Yes, I remember you saying that.

I am a ardent made in U.S.A. supporter. I kept quite or hinted of my dislike of the situation, but only questioned the quality of the metal.
The fit and finish has been good, quite often exceeding USA averages. If I could believe in the offshore steel at least as much as I believe in 420hc claims, I would have to give them my nod and maybe more of them in hand.

My favorite was a jigged bone opposite end trapper, was a special issue, the scale was colored and jigged equal to many of the old Schrades and Camillus. In a moment of weakness I gave it away to a relative. I will admit to buying two more trying to find another and have given up. I may not have a offshore in my pocket but if you bring one out to cut something I will not speak unkindly. My current love affair is with the yellow scale USA. Even though the black sawcut is now made of 'Valox' and not 'Delrin', I still consider it the standard for the rest to beat.
300Bucks
 
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