317 Trail Blazer, dates?

[bernard_levine]

Anybody know when the Buck 317 was first made? Was it ever made for Buck by Camillus, pre-1984? Was it first introduced in 1984? Or later? It is shown in 1986, 1987, and 1988 catalogs (this line cut is from 1987).

And when was it dropped? It is not shown in the December 1989 flyer, or any later Buck catalogs.

THANKS!!!

BRL...

 

[Larry Oden]

Bernard,
Here is some info from an article I wrote for Knife World. It can be found in the Jan. 2000 issue. The 300 series knives were made on contract by Schrade and later, by Camillus. The 317 Trailblazer was only made by Camillus and was introduced about 1972. The original tang stamp was marked BUCK /MADE IN / U.S.A. and the model number was stamped on the reverse side of the master blade. Later in 1972, or perhaps in 1973, the more familiar three line stamp of BUCK / 317 / U.S.A. was incorporated. This change was made across the entire 300 series line.
In 1990, the 317 was removed from the catalog although Buck probably had a small supply in stock for some time after that.

 

[bernard_levine]

THANK YOU!

BRL...

 

[sgtmike88]

And a sad passing it was. That was probably one of the finest Buck outdoorsman's knives they ever produced.

M