I'd like info on my 317's

Plumberdv

Plumberdv

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Sep 26, 2008
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I have two 317's and each is a little different than the other one. I'm hoping someone can fill me in on the date of manufacture and why they are different.

The tang stamps are different, one has 317 on the same side as the other stamps, but on the other one, 317 is on the opposite side. The nail nicks are in different locations also.

317sa.jpg


317sb.jpg


317sc.jpg
 
Thanks John, that tells me that one is an early model, '72-'74. Maybe 300 can tell me more about the other one.

They are really nice, both are very clean and unmarked.
 
We'll have to wait for 300Bucks for the definitive information here, but this is my take.
Both are made by Camillus; the one with the number 317 on the reverse of the main blade is the older (mfg ca. 1971-74); the other with the number 317 on the front is the newer (mfg. 1974-85). Let's see what 300 has to say??
 
Today I confiscated a 300 series Buck from an older Mexican man,and he was so worried he wouldn't get it back.No big deal,he just had to bond out.When his bond was paid,he was so happy to get his Buck Knife back.Then I see two more on this thread.Pretty funny!
 
Dave, The one w/ 317 stamped on the opposite side or inside . Those are refered to as a pile side stamp and are earlier . Like Tin Sue stated 1971 and those with the other stamping are later . But 300 will be along . Nice knives, thanks for showing us . DM
 
Sorry I am late on this but had to drive the church bus last night, in rain, full of kids......now I know why school bus drivers are special people........

Everyone is inflating my ego but you all have it down pat yourselves. Heres the early morning quick answer and after bisquit day morning is over I will expand with photos.

Made in USA is always the oldest Camillus contract stamping on the CAMMILUS CONTRACT MODELS ( such as 313,311,317 321, 322, 319, etc.) There is one rare prototype version with scale rivets, Larry O. has one and I have one. Someone else outthere might also. The MIUSA have model #s on opposite side of main tang as stated.

Next in lineage, are the BUCK, 317,USA stamped Camillus models which had a long run as stated by TS and included, a few in number, variation with a serrated secondary blade.
Thats about the whole story. Have never seen a Yellow or stag factory scale but you never know.
Back with the two Dave didn't show in photos in a minute.

ADDED: Opps, I forgot.....it apparently starts happening after 55.....there are a couple of 317s with blade etches. I know of three, but have only one. They are numbered limited editions, I believe offered by SMKWs. Tangs are stamped BUCK,317,USA.

300
 
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Thanks 300 for the info.. In 98 I saw a 317 with the slab rivets you speak of and didn't know what I was looking at . I do still see the guy during my travels around that owns those 317's . Now, I'm going to seek him out for a chat about them . I'd like to see some photos of your biscuits as well . ;) DM
 
Ok,
I question why I do this sometimes, but Dave watch the prices on these things go up $20 now. Oh, well, everyone enjoys seeing them...

Heres the prototype 317. Has very small scale rivets, just like the 301 and 303 of the early Camillus contract era. Very small nail nic also. Tang stamped Made In USA. So Dave's knife is # 1a in vintage and this one is #1..
317Old.jpg

Next is the serrated secondary blade version. During the mid to late 80's there was a serrated 'movement' both Camillus and then Buck tried different models with, in my opinion hard to sharpen, serrations...
317Serrated.jpg

And last is a photo of one of the etched blade 317s, they are LEs and number is stamped on lower edge of pivot bolster. The example is the Railroad version, also in OTHER peoples collections are farmer tractor in field and Paul Bunyon versions. Main blade is deep stamped with image and secondary is etched. These are BUCK,317,USA tang stamped.
317Railroad.jpg


Just in case someone thinks about starting to get a couple of 317s they are not cheap, most selling up to or over 100, note there is not a period after 1.
300Bucks

PS for DM
Bisq-1.jpg
 
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300Bucks, great post and photos, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge.

I've liked the 317 for a good number of years and just recently found one in great condition at a price I could afford to pay.

The other of that 300 series that peaked my affection is the 315, Yachtsman. I believe you did an excellent post some years ago on that model. Thanks, Preston
 
Thank 300. I appreciate the info. I was real happy to be able to get these. My first "real" knife was a Case folding hunter I bought in 1971 and I've always been fond of the pattern. It's cool that one of these is about the same age.
 
I think 300 pretty much covered it all and as always...incredible pictures! :)
My 2 cents is that MIU.S.A. with modle # on back was only done in 1972-ish. I dont have a ton of info to back that up though.
I do have one with the tiny inlay pins and IMHO, Camillus did a small run of them. I would show a picture of it here except that it would break your heart...the main blade is snapped in half!
I also have here one with the etched combine on the main blade but wont show a pic for the same reason as on the other knife.:( It really hurts my feelings to see them like this!
 
Joe, that's about how my old Case looks.:(

I tried to pry open a floor opening with it, all the while thinking to myself "I'm going to break this blade" and sure as heck I did. Been sick about that for years. Now if it had been a Buck, I'd have just sent it in to be rebladed!:thumbup:
 
Dang, Geat job on the biscuits 300 ... and the knives look good as well . DM ;)

Anybody, getting hungry ?
 
That big thick one, wasn't it.....no factory standard........but you could get lots of odd stuff in the old custom shop ?

300
 
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