Tell me about my Grandpa's 303

[Planterz]

Howdy all. I believe this is the first time I've ventured into the Buck forum. I've come to seek your knowledge and expertise.

This Buck 303 Stockman was one of the knives that was passed down to me after my Grandpa died. MoorMan's is a livestock feed company (now part of ADM), for which my Grandpa was a salesman from 1961-81. I'm guessing this knife was promotional swag for him to give away to clients; I also have a couple of MoorMan's labled Frontier Imperials, and google brings up some examples of Schrade Imperial and Camillus MoorMan's promotional knives, mostly Stockmans.

Any additional information (specific mfg date, steel type, etc) would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ItsTooEarly]

Planterz, that's a nice 303... 300 will here soon to tell you all about your knife... ITE

 

[mbjannusch]

Camillus contracted Buck 303 circa '71-'85, I have several, and I love um. Nice 303.

 

[300Bucks]

All I could add is : These ad knives were contracted quite a bit. There was a minimum order number, my aging memory says that at least 200 units was a minimum but I will stand corrected by Joe H.. Maybe more. It is my understanding Camillus shipped knives in groups to Buck then Buck would print the message on the knife. Lots of different livestock, feed and farm equipment were done. You could also get a custom escutcheon shield made but it cost more.
Don't clean the blade with anything abrasive or you will eventually erase the printing.

If I (ever) win the lottery, you will see a 303 with 300Bucks on the shield, jigged bone scale and something postivie printed on the blade.

300/ch

 

[Planterz]

Thanks for the info. I didn't know Buck contracted Camillus to make some of their knives. It's certainly well-built, much higher quality than the Frontier Imperials. Nice pull, nice snap, and the springs are flush when opened. One of my Imperials is OK, the other is quite lousy with too-light pulls, springs that stick out, and wobbly blades.

What would the steel be on this 303?