Buck 303 Help - Trying to determine the age of this 303?

aleforme

aleforme

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Feb 21, 2013
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Looking for some help trying to date this example of a Buck 303.

My father just sent this to me. He found it for $5 and knew I would want it.

The box looks a little older and it has brass liners. Beyond that, I'll let the photos do the talking.

Any help would be appreciated. Just curious how old or new this might be. Feel free to ask any specific questions. I have the knife with me today.

Thanks in advance,


Album: http://imgur.com/a/bQmOi

wTAwHU5l.jpg
 
aleforme,

That looks like a Camillus contract 303 manufactured from 1974-1985. It was the last version made by Camillus before Buck took over production in 1985.

Bert
 
That is a Camillus made 303 from 1974 to 1985.

One might be able to narrow it down further based on spacer quantity and location, but I figured the spacer location and quantity as a product of function and not a definitive design change.

Good find for $5!
 
Wow, thanks for the quick replies! Much appreciated. Interesting that this one was made by Camillus.
 
The long nail nick and the visible blade pins are the giveaway. Schrade had hidden blade pins and Buck had the small nail nick.
 
Nice! Thanks for the info. I'm really liking this knife. The build quality is great. I just need to touch up the blades a bit but other than that it's just got some dirt, grime and some typical wear. It's in pretty good shape.
 
This......and darn nice find for $5.00!! Congrats on a great knife.....

bertl said:
aleforme,

That looks like a Camillus contract 303 manufactured from 1974-1985. It was the last version made by Camillus before Buck took over production in 1985.

Bert
Click to expand...
 
AF1928 said:
This......and darn nice find for $5.00!! Congrats on a great knife.....
Click to expand...

Thanks. It really is. Very nice construction and the F&F is quite good. The blades still have a good snap to them. $5 dollars well spent! I love finding older knives like this that are still in good condition. People rarely know what they have and sell them for .10 cents on the dollar. I think he found this at a local Flea Market in Texas. The same one I found these knives at.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1405539-Texas-Flea-Market-Score-I-think-I-did-OK!
 
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