Found a 1997 Holiday Tin 303 - spring issue from sitting so long? Not complaining...

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waltmc

Joined
Dec 10, 2012
Messages
261
Howdy neighbors!

I just got my mitts on a 1997 303 in its original holiday tin with papers and such. It's absolutely brand new, except for having been opened. Kinda cool... I do feel a little bad, because I've been looking for a flat ground 303 as a user, and this seems almost a little too nice.

Anyway, here's the rub... it was stored all these years in its original display configuration with all blades opened partially.
The liners on both sides have a crack dead center in line with the pin. I'm not really bugged by that too much.
The springs, however, all seem a little lethargic on opening. They have a little snap, but, honestly, not much. It's funny, they snap closed just fine.
Should I expect that the springs have weakened some due to the blades having been partially opened for the last 15 years?
Is this the sort of thing that might improve some if I leave the blades closed for a while?

I'm still very happy, since I've been looking for a flat ground 303, it just seems to lack the authoritative snap of my (much) newer 303.
 
Last edited:
DeSotoSky said:
Pictures please..... :)
Click to expand...
That would help, wouldn't it?!? <facepalm>

I closed the blade and let it sit overnight, and things seem to be improving some. There is decent snap on the sheepsfoot and pen, the clip is showing some snap, too.

303-02.JPG


303-01.JPG


303crack.JPG
 
Good post about not storing knives open for long periods of time. The cracks in the liners are odd. Stress from all the springs pressing on the pin must have been enough. But, I would have bet against it. Everyone should fold up folders in fancy display cases that are put up. Your going to make be dig stuff out of its nook and check to make sure......300
 
Yeah, I've not seen this before. It makes sense, though, as with the blades open, all three springs bear on that one pin. From what I can tell, the cracking is only right there where you see it in the photo--it doesn't appear any higher up on the liners.

Anyway, maybe this can be a cautionary tale for the collectors out there. Sorry for making you have to dig through your collection, 300. :)
As a testament to our beloved Bucks, though, this 303 has not really suffered at all for having that crack. The springs seem just a little wimpy, but it's still solid and reliable. I think it'll make for a great carry.
 
Sure, I suppose I could send it in for warranty repair. But I'd guess that they'd replace it with a new once since this one would need to be totally pulled apart. That would be fine, but I was looking for the flat ground blades on this one, which I'd lose on a new replacement. It really seems to be cosmetic, so I'm not worried.
 
waltmc said:
Sure, I suppose I could send it in for warranty repair. But I'd guess that they'd replace it with a new once since this one would need to be totally pulled apart. That would be fine, but I was looking for the flat ground blades on this one, which I'd lose on a new replacement. It really seems to be cosmetic, so I'm not worried.
Click to expand...

You could always call and find out for sure.
 
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