How old is this BUCK 309C ?

[Hot Wheels Collector]

Hello everyone,
Let me start by saying that I'm not knife collector so forgive me if my terminology is wrong. (I do collect old Hot Wheels though!)

I mentioned to a friend today that I had lost my old pocket knife (not a good one). He dug around in his desk and gave me one he's had "forever". When I took a good look at it later I started thinking that it may be a little too nice for the kind of daily abuse I dish out and thought I should try to find out a little bit of info about it. It's in brand new, never used or sharpened condition.
I don't have a camera but will describe it as best as I can.

At the hinge end of the longer blade it says BUCK
309C
USA

The handle inlay is a black color and has diagonal grooves lightly etched into it.
The metal emblem within the black inlay has a Bowie type knife and what appears to be an axe of some sort etched into it.
Knife is appx. 3" long closed.

Any info would be appreciated. Mostly I worry should this knife be in someones collection, or in my pocket? As a Hot Wheels collector I know there are some models that I'd just HATE to see a kid actually playing with so I thought I'd ask for some feedback from you knife collectors.
Thanks!

John

BTW-- I buy old Hot Wheels from the 60's and 70's. Sell me your cars and buy yourself some knives

 

[Mike Kerins]

Hello Hot Wheels,
Your knife is a Buck "Companion" made of 420HC steel. It was made in 1995 as indicated by the C after the model number. It's a good all around pocket knife that lists for $32 new. I'd say quite a nice knife that your friend gave you. :thumbup: Congratulations!
Mike

 

[Pack Rat]

Welcome to the fourm Hot Wheels...

The emblem is a hammer, knife, anvil. Handles are Delrin if I spelled it right.

Try a search on 309... lot of info about it here.

But be cautious... knife collection could be contageous... you just might be selling off some wheels to buy more knives.

Also,,,if the C is more Blocked than rounded like a normal C, it would be a 1999 model... Sometimes it is hard to tell.

And,,,use that knife... probably not much of a collectable...least right now.... a kid or grand kid will appreciate it down the road someday...

 

[Hot Wheels Collector]

Thanks for the info guys. My friend is in his 60's so when he said he's had it "forever" I thought he meant more than 5 or 10 years, hell I've known him a lot longer than that LOL!
Oh yeah, I found the knife I lost in the first place. It got kinda rusty from several days outside but it still does its job so I guess I'll hold back the Buck as an emergency spare for the next time I misplace "ole rusty".
Happy slicing!
John