Buck 403 Big Sky

[Markeologist]

Anybody know the story behind the 403? Reading BF looks like they were only around in catalog from 1999 to 2002. The blade on the 403 reminds me of Hibben’s design for Elmer Keith but with a modern, full tang handle and lanyard hole.

Does anybody know why Buck dropped after a relatively short run? People have speculated that it was the sheath and it’s metal clip belt attachment but that seems like a odd reason to completely drop a model. Seems more likely that Buck just decided the Alpha Hunter (193/194-693/694) better suited the market. Love to get real answers. Thanks.

 

[SOLEIL]

i have a few of them. prices vary widely depending where you find them. it's a good general use knife. imho it's not a fighting knife due to their configuration. the handle is also somewhat bulbous for me. sanded down one of them for a better grip. overall typical great buck quality.

 

[DeSotoSky]

I liked the Big Sky. I would not think the sheath had anything to do with it's demise, I thought the sheath style was a plus. Only someone from Buck could give a definitive answer for discontinuation but poor sales is always suspect. There was a thread about a year ago started by Makael which I'm sure you've seen but I'll give the link anyways for everyones benefit.

Let's see the 403s

403 Big Sky. Let's see the pics of those in our collection. Great full tang knife.

www.bladeforums.com

 

[Markeologist]

i have a few of them. prices vary widely depending where you find them. it's a good general use knife. imho it's not a fighting knife due to their configuration. the handle is also somewhat bulbous for me. sanded down one of them for a better grip. overall typical great buck quality.

I liked the Big Sky. I would not think the sheath had anything to do with it's demise, I thought the sheath style was a plus. Only someone from Buck could give a definitive answer for discontinuation but poor sales is always suspect. There was a thread about a year ago started by Makael which I'm sure you've seen but I'll give the link anyways for everyones benefit.

Let's see the 403s

403 Big Sky. Let's see the pics of those in our collection. Great full tang knife.

www.bladeforums.com

Thanks for responses. Didn’t mean to infer this was a fighting knife. In my mind it’s clearly a hunting knife with a blade, as I note, reminiscent of Hibben’s design for Elmer Keith. Given Keith was raised for most part in Montana and the 403 is named “Big Sky” makes me wonder if there is a connection.

The sheath issues is raised in other Buck 403 discussions on BF, I thinks it’s a bit of a stretch. I’ve used other belt attachments with similar metal clips including shotgun shell pouch from Safariland and magazine pouch from Bianchi (works great as sheath for Buck 880) and they are quite secure.

One thing I find odd/interesting on my 403 and in pix I’ve seen of others, the model number is not included on those produced in 2002, instead just having the anvil with the “BUCK” and “USA” lettering. Earlier versions are stamped “403” with a date mark.

 

[DeSotoSky]

One thing I find odd/interesting on my 403 and in pix I’ve seen of others, the model number is not included on those produced in 2002, instead just having the anvil with the “BUCK” and “USA” lettering. Earlier versions are stamped “403” with a date mark.

1902-2002 was the 100th anniversary of the Buck family history of knife making. For 2002 the anvil replaced both the date code and model number on most all Buck knives made that year... i.e. the "anvil" was used as the date code for 2002.

 

[Markeologist]

1902-2002 was the 100th anniversary of the Buck family history of knife making. For 2002 the anvil replaced both the date code and model number on most all Buck knives made that year... i.e. the "anvil" was used as the date code for 2002.

Ok, I knew anvil marked century of Buck knives but I did not realize that model numbers were dropped across their product lines in 2002. Thanks for that tidbit.

 

[bucksway]

Every once in a while I see one go very cheap on the Bay..Since I collect folders I seldom buy fixed blade Bucks but the 403 just looks cool and I might have to put in a bid for one. Were any made with upgraded steels or fancy handles? I remember seeing a DU with the logo on the shieth that went for under fifty bucks with shipping.

 

[Markeologist]

Every once in a while I see one go very cheap on the Bay..Since I collect folders I seldom buy fixed blade Bucks but the 403 just looks cool and I might have to put in a bid for one. Were any made with upgraded steels or fancy handles? I remember seeing a DU with the logo on the shieth that went for under fifty bucks with shipping.

I’m a folder guy too, only fixed blades (besides for kitchen use) in last 20 years are Big Sky and Alpha I pictured above. I don’t recall ever seeing upgraded steels for the 403, would love to have one in ATS-34 or 154CM.

 

[GPyro]

The 403 always reminds me of the "Rocky Mountain 076, or 480" knives that are made in China.

Tho the 403 appears to be a bigger knife.

Sometimes I just stick with what I know.
Having purchased things online in the past that seem good at the time......
And then turn out to be "meh, why did I do that?".

I guess I really don't need everything.
I'm trying to keep my collection more in focus nowadays.