Older Buck Cadet

C

ColoradoDave

Joined
Dec 28, 2002
Messages
233
Reading/searching the archived discussions on BladeForums, I've been made aware that there's some interesting history behind the manufacture of various Buck models.

I've had a 303 Cadet since about 1977-78, when it was given to me new, and am curious about its origins. The main clip point blade and sheepsfoot are both hinged on the same end, with the spey hinged opposite. The clip blade, rather than having a smallish, "crescent moon" nail nick, has a much longer rectangular groove for pulling the blade open. Pins are steel, handles are Delrin ... and it's certainly proven itself over the years to be one rugged, well-made knife.

Can someone tell me, is this a Buck-manufactured knife, or was it manufactured under contract? Would also like to know what steel is used for the blades.

Thanks!
 
ColoradoDave,
If your 303 has a tang stamp of BUCK / 303 / U.S.A., then it is a Camillus made contract knife. I have an in-depth article on the 300 series written and scheduled for publication in the September Buck Collectors Club newsletter. That article will tell you how to correctly identify Schrade or Camillus contract knives from each other and how to identify Buck-made 300 series knives. It is an improved version of the article I wrote for KnifeWorld's Jan. 2000 edition. For a quicker, less detailed lesson, please see Levine's Guide 5th edition. The sections on Buck knives were updated in the 5th edition and are more accurate than what is found in the four preceding issues. As I have pointed out in the past, this is not a criticism of Vern's contributions of the original Buck articles. Selective publisher editing to reduce the length of Vern's articles and a bit of newer research made some changes necessary.
 
Tang stamp is exactly as you describe: BUCK / 303 / U.S.A. Perhaps this also explains why the Camillus stockman I picked up some years ago as a stocking-stuffer for my brother-in-law seemed so remarkably similar.

Seems like many of the knives and other tools I've put to good use over the years have a lot more interesting histories than I'd ever imagined. Probably just another indication that I'm getting old.

Again, your help is much appreciated. -Dave
 
Originally posted by Larry Oden
ColoradoDave,
If your 303 has a tang stamp of BUCK / 303 / U.S.A., then it is a Camillus made contract knife. I have an in-depth article on the 300 series written and scheduled for publication in the September Buck Collectors Club newsletter. That article will tell you how to correctly identify Schrade or Camillus contract knives from each other and how to identify Buck-made 300 series knives. It is an improved version of the article I wrote for KnifeWorld's Jan. 2000 edition. For a quicker, less detailed lesson, please see Levine's Guide 5th edition. The sections on Buck knives were updated in the 5th edition and are more accurate than what is found in the four preceding issues. As I have pointed out in the past, this is not a criticism of Vern's contributions of the original Buck articles. Selective publisher editing to reduce the length of Vern's articles and a bit of newer research made some changes necessary.
Click to expand...

Larry,
I hope your article will include mention of the 1989 301N1 / Cat#1784 ...an interesting variation on a Stockman with a serrated sheepsfoot blade. I understand very few were made and I'm not sure if IT was a contract knife or not. I only bought ONE and it is still in the box it came in. Now I wish I had picked up a few more. These seem to be extremely rare. A serrated sheepsfoot blade is a wicked tool !!!!

Looking forward to your article.

Thanks,
Dan L.
 
Dan,
My article does mention that several 300 series knives with serrated blades were available and featured in catalogs from the early 1990s.
Please remember that your knife may have a blade with the 1989 year mark but the knife may have been manufactured later.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top