Buck "GYS" Stockman, Solitaire, Cadet, Companion and Lancer

[GYShunter]

Hello Buck Fans... brand new to the forum with a particular question about a series of knives that Buck produced in the area of 2009. This was the standard line of Bucks - the Stockman, etc family - and went by the model code of "GYS". This was a Charcoal Dymondwood handle with nickel / silver bolsters. Each in the series came with a small leather pouch that I just thought was a great touch.

I picked up a Companion somewhere in the area of 2009 because I thought it looked great, and would now like to complete the line in my collection. I have many interests when it comes to knives of various kinds, manufacturers, uses, etc, but have recently become interested in collecting this particular series of knives.

The point of this thread is two-fold... for others to share their own experiences and items from this series of knives as well as for advice as I search these out. I have been watching eBay for a few weeks, but have anxiety about fakes and counterfeits via that source. Outside of eBay, however, I'm not able to find any of these knives anywhere. Is there a tell-tale sign I can look for when it comes to thinking about genuine Buck purchases via eBay?

Thanks so much for any input or advice you can give.

 

[bertl]

GYShunter,

Welcome to the forum.

This is just my hunch but I wouldn't worry too much about counterfeits for this series. They are nice knives; however, they are relatively inexpensive so they don't lend themselves to the counterfeit market.

Bert

 

[Old Hunter]

GYS Hunter, let me also welcome you to the wonderful world of Buck Knives (and even better, to us "Buck-Nuts"). I have a Charcoal Dymondwood Buck 301 Stockman, however I received it in mildly used form as a gift from a preacher buddy from Kentucky, so I have no box or catalog code. It was made in 2012, which I think (but I'm not sure) was the last year for the Charcoal Dymondwood handles. Buck introduces limited run different variations of the handles every so often; I also have a Buck 303 version with Brown wood handles (Dymondwood? - maybe) and Brass Bolsters - but still a 300 series knife - and a Yellow Delrin handle version from 2011 - both of these handles are discontinued now but came in several patterns. Best thing to do with the limited run variations is buy what you are going to want when you see them, cause you don't know when they are going to complete the run. Bert answered your counterfeit question; as to quality these American made knives are the heavy duty bargain of the pocketknife world. I cannot think of anything special about using one - it came sharp, takes to sharpening well, doesn't rust in my pocket when wet-weather hunting and can take anything you throw at it within its design limitations. Glad to have you - the chase for older knives is a lot of the fun. OH

 

[GYShunter]

Thanks for the insight gentlemen. I hadn't thought about the counterfeit issue in terms of monetary value, but that makes sense. I'm really not even sure if the Solitaire was a part of the standard 300's at the time. I very much enjoy seeking out and collecting various things, and for the time being it's this series of knives. I guess it's good for my wallet that they are relatively inexpensive pieces :thumbup:. My favorite Buck EDC is a Paradigm Pro. I like the locking mechanism and the assisted opening makes single handed deployment a breeze. Probably will be able to collect all of the members of this GYS family for what it cost to acquire the Paradigm Pro.

Excellent photography OH - puts mine to shame! The markings in the Charcoal Dymondwood on your 301GYS are gorgeous. The 303 with the brown wood looks like the current Rosewood or RWS series from Buck. May be a little run of the mill for some, but to me they're great knives.

 

[DocT]

I missed out on the grey scaled Solitaire as I did not realize how great a knife the 302 is. I own a couple of other scale types in the 302 and if I ever find the charcoal I will get two. The 302 is one of my favorite pocket knives. Some people do not like the handle being long for the blade, but for me this is a plus as my hands are not exactly dainty.