(Came in to cool off, enjoyed the discussion. Now I am getting involved, or should I ?
First off MB, there are two Red 301s, smooth scale and sawcut scale. Smooth came first.
My Holy Grail List...(Tofts) says Red Smooth begins in c. 1989 and sawcut c. 1992. BUT, I have a sawcut 303 stamped 1991 (see photo). The 309 (MAY NOT) have ever been made in sawcut.....I am ever hopeful and watching like a vulture to find one.
So you color collectors have to work on two sets. Don't even think about Red clippers because they have both scales and the sawcut has wenger made scissors (rare). Notice the stainless scale rivet after 1991, all brass liner era reds will have brass rivet, but not all 3 spring post 90 era will show the changes coming into the design by the SS rivet ....notice the 92 was still flat ground on the clip blade and the sheepsfoot blade(s) are moved in post 90 dates. See the difference in the escutcheons but be carefull using just quick glance, especially on escutcheons since they can get replaced, make sure you look at date stamp and bottom of knife to get it correct. Sheepsfoot opposite clip, all SS construction post 91, all SS except brass spring rivet post 90.....confusing unless your sober........
Heres a photo of a quick grab just to prove me out.
As far as finding them, gun shows, knife shops that buy old knives and you know where.
Down here in University of Oklahoma and UA 'Razorbacks" football land they can be hard to find, same would go for a couple of other red school areas. They are usually not cheap. Someone find me a sawcut 309(or at least a photo).........300Bucks
