Pardon my Confusion.. (307's)

F

FordRanger

Joined
Mar 16, 2015
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Recently I've decided I want a couple of extra large stockmen for camping and just regular use that might require a bigger blade. I love the Buck 300 series knives, always have, so I decided a 307 would be perfect. I figured the best place to look would be our friendly neighborhood auction site, but when searching for the 307 I find some priced over $100 while others are "buy it now" for the $40-50 range. Whats the difference?? I don't want a collector piece, I want a good user, so is this the difference? Or is there a particular version that is less desirable? As a knife I intend on using for a lot of different tasks I would much rather be spending less money for a knife that isn't museum quality. Thanks in advance, I'm just wanting to make sure I find the right knife at the right price.
 
Ranger,

All of the 307s are pretty much the same, differences have nothing to do with the basic knife. The first version (1971-1974) has a tang stamp of "BUCK/Made in USA" with "307" stamped on the pile side. The second version (1974-1998) has a tang stamp of "BUCK/317/USA". Both the first and second versions have the knife/hammer/bolt shield. The third version (1985-1987) has the "BUCK/317/USA" tang stamp with a shield that has "BUCK" spelled out. All of the 307s were made for Buck by Camillus. After Camillus closed, some 307s were made from left over parts by former Camillus craftsmen, but there is no way to tell these from the knives that were made before the factory closed; they are the same quality.

The price differences probably reflect the condition of the knives and the dreams of the sellers.

If I have forgotten something 300Bucks will come along and straighten things out.

Bert
 
As David says there is nothing much to add to Bert's reply. But, I will make it simple ( rant a little) for Ranger. Just find the best and least expensive one that looks good to you. Some people have outlandish (Dreams) ideas what old 300 models are worth. Just cause you see one with a silly price somewhere does not mean the knife is really worth it. That's my opinion anyway. Those low prices you mentioned are about right for a fair 307 deal. I think Buck forum people will agree on that.

300Bucks
 
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David,

Thanks for the kind words. However, ninety percent of what I know about the 300 series comes from the patience of 300Bucks when I pester him for information.

Bert
 
Thank you both very much, I had a feeling that this is what I would learn, all too often people jack up prices just because they think its worth it. I don't want mint condition, I'm planning on using it! So I will definitely be going with one of the less expensive options. 300Bucks, you're the reason I found the 307, I did a search for large stockmen just to see my options and saw a post from you showing the 307 in all its glory. That is one impressive knife! If my 307 lasts through even half as much as my old 303 (was my first knife) has, then it will serve me for many years to come.

For anyone who uses one regularly, how do you carry it? Pocket, vertical/horizontal sheath, or other? When camping I usually have a big folder like a 110 in my right front pocket and a fixed blade on my belt, so I'm thinking a left side belt pouch might do it, but I'm still deciding.
 
FR,

There have been threads on how to carry Bucks other than 110s on several occasions in the past. Both here and on the Traditional forum. A 307 is a sturdy stockman folding knife. I favor a belt sheath or a hanging pocket sheath for them.

Here is the first link I found showing some from the on the belt but in the pocket sheaths for folders using the forum search. Might give you a start in looking. I know we have discussed this in more detail in the past.

300

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...in-your-pocket/page3?highlight=pocket+sheaths
 
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FordRanger, the 307 is one of my favorites, a truly great knife. It is usually with me in the field, in my right front pocket.
 
It was your own posts in that thread, 300, that answered my question: sewing a little pocket into a pants pocket is a briliant idea! I can do this on my left front or even back pocket where nothing is clipped, and it will keep the knife riding comfortably in an easily accessible place without adding anything to my belt. It could fit pretty much any knife or even a flashlight without getting in the way of access to the rest of the pocket, perfect idea! Thanks!
 
Just a quick update for anyone who cares to know, I bid on one that was even lower, and for some strange reason nobody else wanted it. I ended up paying less than $30 for it, and I can't see anything wrong with it. I don't think it was ever sharpened, and the only spring that seems worn is the spey blade. It snaps a little loosely and has to be pushed to close completely. I really don't see why I won it for so cheap! Either way, its a great knife. Thanks all who helped!
 
You likely have done this but anytime someone gets a new to them used folder give it a good look with a strong light in the blade well. Crud, likely lint if it was carried, can build up under a blade and make it slow to go down. A good hot water washing followed by some oil won't hurt either....300Bucks
 
It is stamped as follows
Buck
307
U.S.A.

Its pretty clean inside, just some rust spots I sprayed with WD40. It looks like whats happening is as it closes it comes in contact with the side of the sheepsfoot blade, which causes enough friction to stop it from closing. It isn't tough to close after that and if I'm steadily pushing it closes all the way. No big deal, it is in incredible condition. The blades look brand new just dull, and not very dull at that.
 
Ranger,

With that stamp the knife could be anywhere from 1974 to 1998.

Bert
 
FordRanger, I picked up a 307 (at a certain auction site) for about the same price a few years ago, and it is a dandy. Sometimes these bargains slip under folks' radar, for reasons I'm not sure, and we end up as the beneficiaries. Thanks for keeping us posted, and I hope you'll let us know about your 307's performance in the future.
 
I will put in that I bought a couple of these 307's off the bay - one used but in good condition for ~$35, the other one in "mint condition" with box/papers etc. for more, and I was willing to pay a mark-up on the latter *shrug* I carry the more worn one in my pocket as I type, use it every day and love it. I should note that I occasionally carry it in a leather Wenger clip-on sheath - the sheath doesn't close over the top of the 307 (knife is too long) so I cut the flap off. The clip-sheath is a good alternative to belt-loop sheaths as you can clip it anywhere. *shrug* just another idea.
 
I think I'm going to do that, I've got a couple of Tandy metal belt clips, so I'm going to make a pocket sheath for it to clip to my pocket. That way I won't have to sew a pocket in every pair of pants haha.

mbjannusch said:
##############
Mistake , thought we were discussing the 317
Click to expand...

I wish haha, I'd love to find one of those for $30-40!
 
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