Few questions on a 309

J

jec88

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Mar 6, 2012
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I always considered a Bucklite as my first "real" Buck knife. But a little before that, I started doing a lot of light line jig fishing and bought a 309 for the tackle box to cut fishing line. A few years ago I put it in the bottom of an ammo box and forgot about it. I always considered it too small for real use. This weekend, I pulled it out and it's as good as new, never been sharpened and tight springs. I've been carrying it for a few days and I really like it and wonder why I've never used it for anything other than fishing line. It sure is a great little knife.


I haven't really followed the 300 knives much and have a few questions on my particular one. It is a 1987. Is this a Camillus Buck or was this after Buck took over? What steel was used in it and is this a one spring model?
Other distinguishing features is it has the shield that says BUCK, not the one currently used and I notice that it has brass liners in back and on one side it has 2 brass liners while on the other side 1 brass liner
 
jec88

The 1987 Model 309 was made by Buck and has brass liners with a brass spacer on one side. There is only one spring (Buck started with two springs for the 309 in 1990.) I am not sure what steel was used, but possibly 420HC. I believe the backspacing was stainless.

I am sure some experts will come along soon with more definitive answers.

Bert
 
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More Ex than spurt these days.......this knife likely is 425M, a steel considered very close in quality to 440a (Camillus contract 300s). It is a little more rust resistant and appears to have proved that in the bottom of the box. Some scoff at the steel and the Bos 420hc is likely superior, but I like it. The ones I've sharpened came to a fine edge and held it decently. Nothing to scoff at. Historically, Buck used 425 on the models it was making in house during the late 1980's phasing in 420hc in the 301s, 303s,309s and 305s as they switched designs to the three spring 300's. They changed the big folders to 420 about that time also. Depending on the model everything was 420hc by about 1993.

Now the metal gurus can come and quote carbon content, grain size, edge retention, etc.

300
 
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Buck phased in 420HC in 1992 with the (-) stamp. I like 425M it is much superior to 420HC. DM
 
David,

Some day I hope to learn about the varieties of steel, but that will take a while.

Bert
 
Here is a good layman level discussion of common knife steels:http://zknives.com/knives/articles/knifesteelfaq.shtml

The 425 is slightly better for many things than 420HC but still in the same class. For me, not everyone, I find 425 harder to sharpen but will take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. The excellent Sandvik 12C27 is in the same class, but is better than either. I actually prefer it to 440A which is the top of the heap of this lower class stainless, otherwise. Buck does amazing things with its heat treatment so even though Buck uses cheaper steels they still perform well.
 
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Bert, it is a deep & dark hole. Much is written on the subject to be taken with a grain of salt. Performance is what we're after. DM
 
David,

As I said, I have a lot to learn. I do have one observation: no matter what the steel, with a sharp knife I can cut my finger.

Bert
 
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