Got my Buck 301 back w/ interesting addition

D

Doug S

Joined
Feb 1, 2006
Messages
605
I posted this in the Buck forum, but since I posted the original thread here, I thought I'd post it here also...

I posted a while back about sending in a new Buck 301 because of some side to side play on a couple of the blades. I can't remember the exact date I sent it in, but I received it back today. I think it took 4 weeks or so. According to the packing slip, my knife was listed as “non-repairable”, so they replaced it with a new one. It came without a box, just wrapped. The main blade is stamped with the same date code as the original (2008), but the blade is a little different. Specifically, it is a little narrower, and the nail nick is much larger (the other two blades are slightly thicker for some reason). The main blade on this one is tighter than the one I sent in. It has a very small amount of side to side movement (less than the one I sent in (or the second one I bought while waiting), but as I’ve posted previously if my limited experience is representative, then I think that this is common with the Buck 301, and not severe enough to be an issue for any but the most picky. Overall, I’m satisfied with the new knife, and I have no complaints.

Now for the interesting part. Along with the new knife was a second much older Buck 301. It is the older type with the long narrow nail nick and "BUCK MADE IN U.S.A" stamped on the tang. No date code that I can find. The other two blades are marked "BUCK". It is beat up with all of the blades worn down by a lot of sharpening and when opened it is obviously broken. The back spring is pushed down, and the left side scale is separating next to the blade. The main blade hangs down a little. The scales are mostly worn smooth. On the box was written, “D-J Loose blade keepsake”. I guess Buck wanted to show me what a “loose blade” was really like:). Kinda neat though. This knife has a history, and it looks like someone put it to good use. I’ll add it to my basement collection.
 
Last edited:
I try to get some pictures up tomorrow.

The blades on the older knife are arranged differently. The sheepsfoot blade opens on the same side as the clip, and closes toward the center. The spey blade is on the opposite side.

On the newer knife the sheepsfoot is located where the spey is on the older model.

Any idea about the date of this knife.
 
Not a slipjoint story but a few years ago I sent back a Buck Model #500 Duke to have a loose handle scale replaced.

Long story cut short Buck fixed the knife at no charge and I to insist that they wouldn't recondition the knife for sentimental reasons.


Buck's customer service is second to none!
 
I drift over from Buck forum once in a while, so I will tell here you already concluded it might be someone else's keepsake and have called Buck on the possible mistake. You got the the note in the box on it not being repairable because it is a early 70s Schrade contract Buck. Made with a blind blade pin (not visible on bolster, see photo in my post here in the recent stockman thread). You have to take the knife completely apart to repair. Thats why Buck switched to Camillus and their visible bolster blade pin, which would allow feasible blade replacement. Looks like the one in my avatar only bigger.
300Bucks
 
Last edited:
Never mind. Just saw that 300 Bucks posted while I was writing
 
Last edited:
I drift over from Buck forum once in a while, so I will tell here you already concluded it might be someone else's keepsake and have called Buck on the possible mistake.
Click to expand...

Yes, this seems to be the case. C.J. Buck responded to the other post also, and seemed to agree this is mostly likely the case. Now I'm waiting for a response from Joe Houser to see how they want to handle it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top