so i'm new here... please enlighten me,

[MerryMadMonk]

Welcome! You'll learn a lot on "The Porch" (nickname for this subforum). There are a lot of knowledgeable folks here who generously share what they know. Additionally, you might find this useful:

Resources

Good to see a young person interested in traditionals

 

[Ace Rimmer]

Welcome!

 

[TrapperMike]

Welcome. You have a very nice collection there. Hope you enjoy your time here!

 

[afishhunter]

Welcome! Nice group of knives you have there.

Your Buck was made in China, but don't let that bother you.
No matter where a Buck was made, they all have the same Forever Warranty.
In the 300 series, a 30x is made in the USA. A 37x or 38x is made in China.

Your white handled knife looks like a "Peanut" pattern. There is a lot of love here for the Peanut.

Close-ups of the tang stamps will help folks date your knives.

Again, welcome to the porch.

 

[The Zieg]

I see a lot of that same Buck in the hands of horsemen here in Colorado. It's a popular model and stands up to endless use and abuse. The others are terrific knives as well.

Welcome!

Zieg

 

[TrapperMike]

As a member of the peanut cult you should visit https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/cult-of-the-peanut-members.931548/. That white handle knife would qualify you to become a member.

 

[dsutton24]

Way back in the previous century when I was learning about knives, Levine's Guide to Knives and Their Values was an invaluable reference. I still use my 3rd edition, it's held together by rubber bands... Look around the usual places, you want the 3rd or 4th edition. The pricing information is going to be outdated, but there are plenty of places on line to find that. What Levine's does better than anyone else is talk about the history of all the old makers, and will give you an education on the parts and patterns and what to call them.

 

[Ratbert]

Welcome to The Porch! Lots of very knowledgeable folks here who share your appreciation for traditional knives. Ask just about any question that you have and the members here will chime in with an answer.
You have a good start to your collection there.

 

[Gevonovich]

Welcome to the forum Your off to a fine start. With those knives and your good taste; you are well on your way to an adventurous future ! Like searching out garage sales and antique stores, attending shows, meeting new people, and following rabbit holes...enjoy

 

[Old Engineer]

Well now you've done it !!!! You are probably on the slippery slope my friend .

Harry