501.....wonder how to tell the production date?

[jbmonkey]

so grabbed this one as a tag along for another i actually wanted, but now that i got it...its beat up good but solid feeling and im kinda liking it more than i thought i would.

how can one tell the production year? saw something about cursive buck was a pre 1986 on an old thread but i didnt find much else to figure out how old or what steel etc. scales appear to be synthetic of some kind. maybe a micarta? hard to tell but not wood. thanks in advance for any info on it.

edit part...found a great thread says 78 to 80 rough range...buckarta as scales,..steel 440c back then or the 425m? thanks.

 

[DeSotoSky]

You are not going to identify your knife to a specific year, just a time period. 78 to 80 as you have already surmised is close.
Relevant dates are
1975 first appears in catalog, inlays are micarta.
1981 first mention of birch inlays.
The first year or so the rocker pin was exposed.
425m starts about 82 so your knife is 440C
If you are a BCCI member, check out the Dec 03 Newsletter.

 

[jbmonkey]

^understood. thank you Sir.

 

[David Martin]

The rocker pin was hid in 1977. I late 1981 the handle material went to birch (a laminate ). In 1982 the steel went to 425M. Making Your model from 1977-1981. Even the frame is stainless. DM

 

[jbmonkey]

thank you David. for as old and used as it is........its held up well. very solid and good spring snap still. very impressive as from all the steel removed from use and sharpening it wasnt one that sat in a sock drawer or unused tackle box, etc.

maybe time i joined the bcci so i can get the newsletter and info and such.......

 

[st8yd]

The 501 has been my favorite for over 25 yrs, have accumulated a handful including the script model you have. I do prefer the SS frame/bolster over the ns

 

[jbmonkey]

The 501 has been my favorite for over 25 yrs, have accumulated a handful including the script model you have. I do prefer the SS frame/bolster over the ns

yes Sir. agree. prefer stainless over nickel for down here in the heat and humidity sweaty pocket carry etc. not to derail my own thread, but what was the 300 you showed me in the parking lost with stag scales.......i remember a 113 i think custom skinner in stag, but i didn't ask to see that 300 stag and i'ts been stuck in my mind as i don't see too many of those floating around. course i don't hunt 'em down either.

 

[st8yd]

Naw, I only have one of the slippies which was my grandfathers and it's not stag.
The only stag I have are a couple 501's and the 113 in elk.