301 steel over the years

N

nmbfish

Joined
Jan 14, 2006
Messages
12
Do any of you fine fellows know the steel used in the 301 Stockmans over the years including those manufactured by Schrade and Camillus and by Buck itself? Also, any futher details on the quality of those steels? THANKS!
 
Welcome, nm. 300 Bucks being in route to the Blade Show I'll offer something. I'm not sure on the Schrade steel, it could have been the same as that Camillus used, 440A. A decent steel, a better stainless. When Buck brought this model in house (86) and began to mfg. it they used 425M. A better steel. In 1992 they changed to 420HC steel. Also, a good stainless. DM
 
THANKS VERY MUCH TO DAVE MARTIN FOR HIS RESPONSE AND INFO ON 301 STEEL!! Sorry for the delay in response but have been otherwise occupied.
 
I'm not sure that there is a definitive answer for the blade steel of the early Schrade/Camillus manufactured knives as there seems to be some question about that, but the information I have is that pre-81 models were most likely 440A or 440C; 81-93 were 425M, and everything 94 and after were 420HC. If this is incorrect, I'm sure 300 Bucks will be along sooner or later to make any corrections.
 
Tin Sue, I do recall seeing ads for the first Schrades saying they were of the "same steel" as the fixed blade Bucks, that would be 440C. When they switched from 440C to 440A is the question.
 
This question is the 'Black Hole' of Buck knife steel. My answer is who knows. Even the Camillus factory guys won't put a stamp on one steel or another.

I would hedge all bets an say everyone above is about right. If I ever get around to writing a history on the 301 and 303 I guess I will have to try and pin this question down tight. Right now if you say 440A/C pre 85, 425M 86 thru 92 ish, and 420HC after that I will keep silent.......BUT remember some Cami made Buck stamped models came out even up into the late 90's so what heck were they. I do not have all the answers, I hope to interview a Camillus person soon and I will ask him for a clue... I will say this, knives made late by Camillus had Cami steel not Buck steel. IE examples; 307s, Barlows, big trappers, congress etc.
These were mainly the SMKWs special order models.

I do know the old long pulls seldom show rust. The 425M knives hold a slightly better edge than the old ones and the 420HC's fit in the 'current' B'knives capabilities world, hows that for a broad statement.

ch/300
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top