Dating a Buck 311 and a 703

[brasda]

I have two Buck knives that I am trying to date.

The first is "Buck 311 U.S.A." It is 4" long closed and has long slim blades (both open the same direction). The spacers are brass and the center pin is brass. Handle appears to be plastic w/ the small logo of a "knife cutting a bolt."

The second is a "Buck (in old English style letters) 703 U.S.A." It has three blades (hollow ground), the handles are wood with an oval tag that reads "Buck" (in old English style letters). It is 3 1/4" closed.

Is there any info on what year pins were changed from brass to steel? Did the change happen to all production models at the same time?

Thank you,

David Alley

 

[Joe Houser]

David,

I'll answer the questions i can. The 311 was first introduced in around 1972. I have seen it in only 2 versions. The first version will have the model number stamped on the back of the main blade. The second version will have it as BUCK 311 U.S.A. The second version probably happened right after it was introduced and used until the knife was discontinued in about 1991.
The 703 was first intorduced in late 1979. If your 703 has a date code, we can find out when it was made. I do not have any info yet as to when we changed the fancy script stamp to the standard look.
Also, i'm afraid i do not have an info on the rivets used.

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

 

[brasda]

The 703 does not have a date code. Does that mean it was manufactured between 1979 and 1985?

The question on the rivets was for Buck Knives in general. For example, can the rivet material be used to narrow down the year of a knife that is stamped "Buck model# U.S.A"?

Thanks for your response,

David