New 303 or just use the old?

[knarfeng]

Howdy,
I've carried a Buck 303 Cadet off and on since about 1977. Had to replace it in ~1980 because I lost the first. For about 8 years I carried nothing else. But, I maunder.

The steel in my 303 would be 425M and I think it would have been made by Camillus.

Would it be worth it to buy a new 303 in 420HC? Has anyone noticed a difference in edge holding or any other virtue?

Nothing wrong with the one I got and I carry it a fair amount. Just curious.

Thanks,
Knarf

 

[JD Mandrell]

If it was made by Camillus, which if it was made in 1980 it was, it may not be 425M, I don't think the Camillus contracts used the same steels as Buck factory knives did.

 

[WilltheBarb]

You bring up a really good point, TLC. What steel did Cami use? I bet it was what ever they used for their own knives at the time. Maybe someone on the Camillus forum could fill us in. How’ bout it, Joe? Can you tell us?

 

[JD Mandrell]

I bet it was what ever they used for their own knives at the time.

That's about the best answer I have ever got from inquiries in the past, I get the impression that very detailed records weren't kept of the contract knives then.

I have Camillus patterns from those days that seem to be a mix of 420 and 440A.

 

[knarfeng]

OK, I have a Buck 303, likely made by Camillus of indeterminate steel.

How do you guys think the new Bucks compare to the old ones?

Would a new one hold an edge better than what I have?

Is there some other advantage to the new ones? (Well, other than buying a new blade, of course)

Thanks.

 

[WilltheBarb]

We are all Buck fans here so we know better than some the good qualities of 420HC but another important difference in the new ones is Edge2000. I think the edge profile today is sharper out of the box and 420HC sharpens like a treat as it is. If your old one is used up I am sure you would be very pleased with a new one. Recently we have seen some in stag too which are very nice.

 

[Messersmith]

There was a thread on this awhile back (that I can't find!) and I think the general consensus was that todays 420HC with Edge2000 was just as good if not better than previous steels Buck used.

 

[Joe Houser]

You bring up a really good point, TLC. What steel did Cami use? I bet it was what ever they used for their own knives at the time. Maybe someone on the Camillus forum could fill us in. How’ bout it, Joe? Can you tell us?

I cant really add anything of value to this thread...all I have ever heard was that it was the same steel they used on their knives at the time and it did not have the same rockwells that our steel did. It was softer.

 

[knarfeng]

Thanks to all.

I have to say that, though I've always liked my 1980 Cadet fit and finish, I always thought the steel could use a bit more oomph.

Seems like I should put a 303 on my want list if for nought more than being able to compare them myself.

PS
That's a sweet avatar Mr. Houser.