BCCI losses

L

Larry Oden

Joined
Jan 14, 1999
Messages
961
Two very active BCCI members until the recent past have left this world. On Friday, May 29, Craig Heflebower (300 Bucks on this forum) passed away after perhaps a three year battle with Alzheimer's disease. Then, yesterday (June 5), my close friend Brent Schindewolf followed Craig into eternity after a six month ordeal with cancer. It will be six years ago next month (July 2020) that Brent and I took a large number of my knives to Craig's home in Sallisaw, Oklahoma where Craig took almost all the pictures that were featured in Holding An Edge. I think Craig's pictures added immensely to the book. We never know what the future holds but it is incredibly comforting to know the One who holds the future. My prayers for Pat and Dee as well as other family members will ask the Heavenly Father to provide comfort and encouragement during these challenging times.
 
My condolences to you and their families.

The One who holds us dear will always take care of his sheep.
Amen.
 
Very sad to hear that. I didn't personally know either person. But I am familiar with 300Bucks (Craig) very informative writings and seminars. I am sorry for the families for their loss. The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
 
Oh Larry,

This news Breaks my heart. God's speed to the both of them, they are in a better place and at peace. My condolences to their family's.
 
Here’s the BCCI write up on Craig aka 300Bucks:

“
In Memory of Craig Heflebower

The Buck Collectors Club mourns the loss of Lifetime Member Craig Heflebower, who passed away on May 29, 2026, at the age of 72. Craig was a dedicated member of BCCI, a former Board member, and a valued resource to collectors throughout the club. His knowledge and passion for the Buck 300 Series were legendary, and he generously shared his expertise with fellow members for many years.

A graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in wildlife biology, Craig devoted his career to conservation and wildlife management, serving at both Foss National Wildlife Refuge and Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. He was also an active member of his church, the Lions Club, and a proud Eagle Scout.

Craig enjoyed hunting, fishing, rafting, kayaking, wildlife art, and collecting Buck knives. He and his wife, Pat, attended many national knife shows where his collection and enthusiasm for the hobby were admired by all.
Craig is survived by his wife, Pat, his sister, Judie Croisant, and numerous nieces and nephews.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Pat and the Heflebower family. Craig's friendship, knowledge, and contributions to BCCI will be remembered and appreciated for years to come.”
 
Very sad. Spoke with Craig a few times and he was always very nice to me. I met Brent once at a knife show in Shepherdsville Ky. He was quite the character and was selling under the name "Whisper" knifes.
 
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I got the email the other day, and have been carrying my favorite 301. I don't know the history of how this knife came to be, but I'd bet 300Bucks had something to say about it.

His posts were clear, informative, and had great photos. I learned so much digging through Craig's old posts about my favorite knives, and he always seemed willing to share. He was definitely a giant in the community.

IMG_2470.jpeg
 
FranklinG
You are correct. Craig and I had discussed a 301 project for a couple years and it took a bit of time before the company was willing to build this one. As I recall, the issue was somehow connected to heat treating the smaller BG-42 blades but my memory is foggy. Obviously, they finally came up with a solution and gave us a go ahead but I do not recall the specifics.
 
Larry Oden said:
FranklinG
You are correct. Craig and I had discussed a 301 project for a couple years and it took a bit of time before the company was willing to build this one. As I recall, the issue was somehow connected to heat treating the smaller BG-42 blades but my memory is foggy. Obviously, they finally came up with a solution and gave us a go ahead but I do not recall the specifics.
Click to expand...
I figured he must have had a hand in it. The man was a fount of knowledge about the 300 series. It must have been a dream project to work on this knife.

IMG_0348.jpeg
 
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