Buck Rigger/ sailor Knife?

N

Nakano 2

Joined
Jan 1, 1999
Messages
4,025
My sources reveal no "rigger" or sailing folding knife currently available by Buck. But I came across one today with dual blades that fold out from either end. One is a plain sheepfoot type and the other is a "marlin" spike. Bail attached at end. Scales appear to be a synthetic. Most likely a phenolic. About 4" folded. What model is it? Scale material? Steel type? Retail price and availability? Collectible? Thanks.

Nakano
 
What you have is a Buck model 315 Yachtsman. Evidently is does not have the 315 stamped on it or you would have known the model number. If that is true then you definitely have a collector's item. Does the 315 appear on the pile side of the blade? (the side of the blade opposite the mark side) The 315 was always a contract knife and was added to the line in 1975. In 1986 the style of the knife was changed to a flat side, bolsterless knife but the model designation stayed the same. Even if it has a model number but does have bolsters it is still a knife with demand. How much depends on the condition. You can email me with specific questions vtaylor@orland.net
 
Nakano,
The only other thing i can ad is that it was actually introduced in 1972. THe rarest of the rare is one that has the newer smooth sides without the two rivets. I have only seen 3 like that and i have never seen a printed picture of one like that in any Buck liturature.
Hope this helps,

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Joe Houser
Director of Consumer relations
Buck Collectors club Administrator and member #123
 
Thank you gentlemen. Vern, I e mailed you a few days ago.

Hi Joe. I read that the contract models were made by either Camillus or Schrade. But was later added to Bucks own line. Did Buck then make these themselves at the factory when moving to El Cahon? I do not recall if there was a 315 designation on this one I saw. But with the above specs I gave, can you identify where and by which company made this particular one? What year? E mail me if you like. Thanks.

Nakano
 
Nakano,
The 315 was only made by Camillus. Schrade made some early 301 and 303 models before the contract was switched to Camillus. The earliest 315s have bolsters and a BUCK/MADE IN / U.S.A. stamp. Later, the model # was added. Finally, the knife was made barehead
(no bolsters) and smooth composition plastic handles. There are a very, very few of these smooth sided 315s without handle pins showing. I have one which Joe Houser helped me obtain.
For more info, get the January, 2000 issue of Knifeworld for a more detailed explanation of the 300 series.
Larry

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"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose".
 
Nakano,
Larry said it, I believe it, and that settles it!
wink.gif
Larry has done quite a bit of research on this series and knows his stuff.
I would really need to know more about the knife to accurately determine the vintage. Does it have bolsters and what did the blade stamp say?
Take care,


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Joe Houser
Director of Consumer relations
Buck Collectors club Administrator and member #123
 
Okay, here it is complete. Flat smooth scales; with 2 pins on each scale nearest to the marlin spike side; no bolsters; brass liners; blade pivot pins appear to be "layered" over with 5/16" diameter circular pieces on both ends/ both sides; bail attachment is actually lock release for spike; sheepfoot blade has the following marking on one side only, other side none:

BUCK
315
USA

Overall it is in very good shape, never used and original edge. Light scuffs and scratches on the scales. Blades are in excellent shape. No sheath nor box.

How' s that?

Nakano

 
Cool! I have a special love for riggers knives, as they are great for rope working and fancy knotting. I've two of the Camillus riggers, but like the sound of one from Buck!

Gee, Joe, couldn't you make a small special run of these, with a BG-42 Marlin Spike, 17-7PH Blade, and water buffalo scales? Let's see, what else can we put on it...
wink.gif


Peace, Al

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Al Folsom alan@folsoms.net
Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes.
Then if he gets mad, he'll be a mile away, and barefoot!
* * * *
Buck Collector's Club #1334 (oh man, this is gonna cost me...)
Micah 6:8
 
Nakano,
Sounds like you have the 1986 version Vern described above. We sold that version for a while so it would be hard to nail down the exact year it was manufactured.
Hope this helps,


------------------
Joe Houser
Director of Consumer relations Buck Knives Inc.
Buck Collectors club Administrator and member #123
 
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