Buck 703L USA

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paulsraymo

Joined
May 5, 2020
Messages
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I am a new member, just recently signed up. I have a Buck 703L USA and have been trying to find information on it. I know from past forums that much has been said about this model but there has never been anything about the letter "L" after the number. The 703 L comes up blank on all the internet sites that I have searched. I am sorry if this offends anyone who might be upset about dragging up an old post but I would appreciate it if anyone has any information on that one letter "L". The knife is A Colt , canoe shape with what appears to be walnut wood handles and brass bolsters and pins.
 
There is no date code to the left of the model number. As I said previously the wood is bare and has never had an emblem or name plate attached.
The length closed is 3 3/4" and the main blade length is 2 1/2". I am pretty sure the handle material is walnut rather than rosewood.
 
A sharp closeup picture of the tang stamp would help. Since you are not a paid member, you will have to put the picture on an image hosting site, like Image guru, and the past a link to it in you thread. Tech support thread on picture posting here.

O.B.
 
The tang stamp is sufficiently faded that it will not show in a picture. I appreciate you trying to help but a picture won't do it. I have sent an email to history@buckknives.com. Maybe they can shed some light on it. All I know is that there is absolutely no information on that specific model number on any of the websites I have searched. Lots of pictures and info on the 703 model but nothing on the 703L.As I posted earlier there is no date symbol on the blade so that would put it in the 1967-1972 age category. I believe the bolsters are brass rather than nickel silver.
 
Any chance the symbol after 703 is a worn 'squared' C and not an L? That is the date code for 1999. There was no shield on the handle the last couple of years these were made about 1999 or 2000. Not sure how you came up with the 67-72 age but this model was not made that far back. Date codes started in 86.
 
DeSotoSky said:
Any chance the symbol after 703 is a worn 'squared' C and not an L? That is the date code for 1999. There was no shield on the handle the last couple of years these were made about 1999 or 2000. Not sure how you came up with the 67-72 age but this model was not made that far back. Date codes started in 86.
Click to expand...

I'll bet this is what's happening. I have a 1989 703. For the longest time I thought it was a "703V" until I learned that "V" is the 1989 date code. :p By the way, "Colt" is the model name for the 703, which is a three spring stockman pattern. The brass bolsters and pins are interesting, I didn't know they were ever made that way.
 
Here is a 1999 model 701 Bronco. The symbol after 701 is the date code.
The last years did not have shields on the handles.

I do have a brass 701 in my collection so they did make them but mine is from an earlier year. If yours is brass it is a good find, most are nickel silver. I feel you are over thinking the issue though, you know what knife you have, a Buck model 703 Colt, the only mystery is what specific year yours was made if that is important. No search is going to find a 703'L' or whatever symbol as the symbol is not part of the model number. As you have said, the tang is worn, get a magnifying glass and try to more correctly identify the symbol and match it to a date code chart, 'L' is not one of them. Hope this helps. /Roger

701.Bronco.1999.121412 pic3.jpg
 
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The 703 came out in late 1979 and was later removed from Buck's catalog in 2002. In the 2000 catalog the models had the shields removed. DM
 
My thanks to all members who replied to my post. On very close examination I have concluded that what I thought was an L is indeed a square C.
I like the knife as the three blades have all come in to use at one time or another. Even though it is a relatively cheap knife it is very well made and there have been no issues with the springs. It holds an edge not too badly and is relatively easy to sharpen. I also have a folding Alpha hunter which has become my go to choice for hunting and a Kingsman liner lock which is my edc and cost all of $9.99 at Canadian Tire. Yes I am a Canuck. This particular knife is a 311A, made in China,sadly, rather than the USA but at that price point I find it to be a well constructed knife. Interestingly I found out the blade is 3CR13 steel while the KIngsman Rutmaster, (which looks identical) made in the US has a blade made from 420J2 steel. Not sure what difference that will make. Again, thans for all the info.
 
Thanks David Martin and DeSotoSky for your words of welcome and the information provided. This is an interesting forum for sure. I like knives, obviously, but I don't collect them as such. If I see one that I like I try to buy it , depending on the price. My wife thinks I already have too many, but I told her that is not possible. I have various other brands- 4 western, one a L48ABG that I have had for almost 60 years, a Premier Lifetime H79 also almost 60 years, a Puma Medici Best Nr.563 almost 50 years old,Gerber and various other folders ,liner locks etc that are just knives, but still get used periodically.Also a Buck Bantam that I didn't mention, with a very sharp blade right from the factory. I would have to say that my favorites though, are the three handmade fixed blade knives with handmade leather sheaths that were made by a friend with whom I hunted for many years, until he moved away. I am sure there are other knives out there with my name on them as well.
 
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