317...what was it made for?

pj, thanks for the pictures. The clip blade of the 317, a flat grind is a better cutter than the saber ground blade of other models. But that grind gives a strong blade. DM
 
The folding hunter has been around since the 50's Case, Camillus (made for Buck, Kabar etc.). IMO the pattern was an all purpose blade that could be made for a good price for the "working man". The versatility and price pt. were perfect for everyone from framers, hunters and even bikers. The second blade was a skinner blade and the main blade a clip point. I have used the 317 for dressing/skinning game, filleting fish, food prep, camp chores and much more.It is easy to keep sharp and stays sharp. Buck just followed suit to have another knife in their arsenal I assume. The question is why did they stop, probably because they didn't have the tooling and with the 110 so popular by then they saw no need for it. It is my EDC and always will be.

mWosVWD.jpg
 
gsea, I have seen very few of those with a serrated blade. I know a handful of guys that still carry this model, in their pocket or with a sheath. They use it for everything, from slicing cheese to stripping wire. Nice photos. DM
 
Is the 317 the big model? It's one I would like to find, such a cool old folder.
 
Makael said:
That's a large folder. I got my uncle's old KaBar when he passed, I think it similar size.



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did camillus made that one for kabar as well? looks about the same type of folding hunters the 317 falls under. great knife there. thanks for sharing.
 
These big slipjoint knives, the Buck 317 and all the others, were once referred to as Folding Hunters. Then along came the Buck 110 and it's many, many copies, which took over the big game skinning and cleaning sector for folders (for the most part). I have them by Buck, Schrade (Uncle Henry & Old Timer), Sears Craftsman (identical to the Buck 317), and Case. They were popular in a single blade version as well. OH
 
It’s tough (impossible) to find replacement sheaths for this style knife.
 
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There are several Buck 317 sheaths on an auction site...
Also, Case/Boker etc. still make a 5.25" Folding Hunter type knives.
 
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gsea, Leroy did you a nice job on your 317. That's also a nice pile of split oak wood you have as a back drop. DM
 
pjsjr said:
Here's a photo that I tried to show the comparison of the 317 and 110, knife and sheath. Preston
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Yes the 317 is 1/4 inch larger than the 110 so the 317 will not fit in the 110 sheath. I have used a well worn 110 sheath that was stretched enough to accommodate a 317. Plus any Case 6265 sheath will fit it.
 
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