303 info needed

[Plumberdv]

Could someone tell me when the sheepsfoot blade was moved from the main blade end to the butt end, or post a link to a thread explaining the time line of the 303?

 

[bertl]

Dave,

Take a look at the photos in the 1988 and 1989 catalogs. It looks as though that may be when the change took place.

 

[David Martin]

I have the 87 catalog and the 303 pictured in it shows the spey blade opposite the clip and sheepsfoot. Then in the 89 catalog (still looking for the 88) it shows the sheepsfoot opposite the spey and clip blade. So, it had to have happened in that time frame. As to why I don't remember but 300 Bucks wrote about this in one of his posts. DM

 

[300Bucks]

I was going to say the late 1980's. So went looking for picture for evidence rather than looking in file. Here is a start while I look for the pinpoint photo. Gave up and looked in the record, in the 303 black sawcut it changed between 87 and 88...300

Brownbone 1990 and Redbone 1988. Aren't hard and fast rules ment to be broken. Go figure......must be a early 88 before the change 'during' that year. i.e. date stamps

 

[Ray5118]

300 Bucks ( or anyone else)

Did the change of the sheepfoot to the opposing end (from the master blade) , go with the change to the three backspring construction?

Thanks

 

[300Bucks]

Good point Ray, five years ago I would have answered you YES, but today I will answer yes 99%. The more you look, the more you find one odd example of date or other detail. But, yes there will be three springs with the blade change. BUT, there will be some with brass liners and three springs before they changed to all SS. 1989/90 should begin the no brass models. Ray gets the silver star by his name today.......I have to sit in corner...but the room is A/Ced and it feels good......300