I don't know anything about this 315

[Makael]

First one I've owned. Pretty good shape. Especially the blade. But I'm not familiar enough with this model to know anything. I know the spring is so damn strong it bites.

 

[Reitwagen]

Quite cool. I always wanted one of those, I don't know why.

 

[bertl]

Here is a guess: 1988-1998. Does it have a double backspring?

 

[David Martin]

The Yachtsman, came out in 1972. Used on boats for cutting rope and the marlin spike for untying knots. DM

 

[sassafrassdogs]

The springs have to be strong to keep the "marlin spike" from folding while using it to undo big knot's in big rope...

Nice find!! It looks like it's in purdy good shape...

 

[Makael]

The hoop doubles as a lock for the spike. Fold the loop down and it releases the spike.

 

[Makael]

Here is a guess: 1988-1998. Does it have a double backspring?

Single double acting backspring.

 

[Makael]

The Yachtsman, came out in 1972. Used on boats for cutting rope and the marlin spike for untying knots. DM

How do you determine the year? Plus it's different with no bolsters, budget model?

 

[Old Hunter]

The bolsterless model was a later variation (four or five variations as I remember), made by Camillus. The real expert on these knives is 300Bucks, maybe he will chime in. I own one myself, in my notes I have it dated as 1988-1998, it is a real snapper too. OH

 

[afishhunter]

Great score.
While I don't have a Buck 315, I do have a couple Marlin Spikes.
In addition to untying knots, the spike is also handy for splicing triple strand lines/halyards/rope, (you'll still need a fid set for splicing double braid, unfortunately.) is also a pretty good leather (and sail) punch, and works as an awl for scribing a line.
I strongly advise you put a 3 foot lanyard (with swivels) on it. That way when you drop it (there is no "if") it will not go overboard.
A 3 foot lanyard is long enough to use the knife without unsnapping it from the lanyard.
I use a 34 inch SAK chain lanyard.

 

[bertl]

Here is another bareheaded 315 with hidden spring rivets (1986-1988).

Bert

 

[sassafrassdogs]

How do you determine the year? Plus it's different with no bolsters, budget model?

They're almost all are made that way Makael. If I remember right the only one I have ever seen with bolsters was a C*se.

 

[MT_Pokt]

Not my knife...

 

[Makael]

Not my knife...
View attachment 906337

Yes, that is the one I've seen the most.

 

[bertl]

Here is one that's a little different.

Bert

 

[Makael]

Here is one that's a little different.

Bert

View attachment 906342

Nice, I was just wondering if their were any customs of the 315

 

[bertl]

Single double acting backspring

Are you sure? Open the marlin spike and take a look at the spring. That version usually has two thin springs, often called a "split spring". It's easier to see if you open the marlin spike instead of the blade.

Bert

 

[300Bucks]

All the 315s are Camillus production, except for custom scales. I did a full write up on these long ago but PhotoBucket dog ate it. There are four reasonly findable standard versions. Two with bolsters: oldest has 315 on reverse of tang, number two does not. Bostlerless, as Bert questioned are three and four. Hidden rivets number 4. ( Edit: Bert was correct, one's with rivets are two spring and one's with hidden rivets are single spring. I do have a Cami with rivets and a single spring. ) Camillus threw in another ringer and put some partially serrated blades in a few of the last made by them. I don't even have a photo but do have the Camillus tang stamped model with half blade serrations that matched the Buck stamp. Very rare but because it was factory not as valuable ($$) as the special order versions. I have a couple of other photos, one showing a nice lanyard I will go search the transfer folder for. There are several folks who collect Marlinspike knives, including the Bucks. Fancy, modern Ti ones are pricey. 300Bucks

Split springs

Here is a very rare version, I don't have one, just a photo. Buck hot stamped in scale of version with no rivets.

These are custom shop, very rare very expensive. Photo only. Since I don't own one can't say if it's ivory or Delrin. One of you ivory Bird dogs will have to find one and tell me. This is the second issue of the America's Cup 315 by Buck. The first version, in issue of 100 only, had Ted Turners winning yacht (and Ted at wheel) scrimshawed on scale, numbered on reverse side of blade. I had one in my hands in the mid 1990's and could have bought it for $355. In a couple of years I would have paid $500. Now you can keep them, but I would like a good photo..

This was a factory special order, Photo only. Produced for West Coast event.

Hey, I actually own one. Factory overrun, not scrimshawed of the one above. Looks like Delrin scale to me.

Salesman sample, never produced, owned by Hkingdom.

Here's the example of the fancy lanyard as spoken about above. Not on a Buck. Just like other military Buck's, I have had several BosunMates tell me they got to carry a Marlinspike on ship and during the time period could buy a Buck in the PX and would braid a small 'mokeyfist' knot on the spike release to hang out of their sheath. Status man.....

 

[DeSotoSky]

A carbon fiber one sticks in my mind...

 

[300Bucks]

I figured you had a set of the four. 300