Was The Model 303 Ever Made In China?

JK Knives

JK Knives

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I had to travel to China in the last year of my employment, and while there a coworker took me out shopping. I picked up a Buck 303 with some fancy wood handles in a wooden box, that had one blade marked China. I`ll post pics later.
 
It must not be a BUCK, The 303s have never been made of shore(china). Post pics and we will be able to tell if it fits the 303 profile.....
 
that should be a 373

allofem6-13-10017.jpg


here it is with a 371
003.jpg
 
Defineatly says 303, with an upside down T on it. Sheepsfoot blade is stamped China. I`m trying to get a decent closeup of the blade markings. It`s the exact same size as my black 303, and all blades are the same.

zn33ip.jpg
 
Huh, I wonder if that was one of the 1st made and they used 303 blades or if there was a shortage and Buck had to send some?


That also looks like the blades are more polished rather than satin(or is it just the pic?)
 
The inverted T is a 2004 date mark, The off shore date marks were in 2005 with the T facing to the left. Hell, I don't know. It doesn't look right to me!!!!!!!
 
Very, very, first model made overseas. Some details were yet to be worked out to present day situations. (aka 373) Still see on auction sites once in a while. Laminated scales, mirror polished blades. They are actually kinda of attractive in sort of glitzy way. I was going to buy a second one to EDC to give it a test but never got a O2it.

PS: To answer the next question I know is coming, no they are not American blades, look at the size of the nail nic.......
300Bucks

ChinaBuckFront-1.jpg
 
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I gotta say, polished blades on a Buck 300 series strikes me as just so very, very wrong. :(
 
Thanks 300Bucks! I`m constantly learning new things here even though I have been buying Bucks since 1974! The best testimony I can give for Buck Knives is that even though I am a full time knifemaker, and can make any fixed blade I want to for myself, I still buy Bucks (and only Bucks!)
 
Dwight,

I understand what you are saying. Its an off-shore knife from several years ago and maybe a different world. But it has happened several times in the past from American run Buck buffers. Usually, limited editions or specials, usually other knives besides 300s. Some of the Yellowhorse 300s come close. With the new blade grind, it is usually left in place know matter how fancy the scale or top edge polish. I would rather spend my fancy knife money on something like the old Aurum etches than mirror polish.....300Bucks

Fancy LE 303 Single blade. I guess the dinosaur to the new 302.
Mirror1.jpg

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JK Knives said:
Thanks 300Bucks! I`m constantly learning new things here even though I have been buying Bucks since 1974! The best testimony I can give for Buck Knives is that even though I am a full time knifemaker, and can make any fixed blade I want to for myself, I still buy Bucks (and only Bucks!)
Click to expand...

I agree . I've made numerous folders as well and still I like Buck's 110 drop point model . Plus, I enjoy the guys here . A great bunch ! DM
 
Thanks for the info,Plumberdave gave me a yellow 301 that never leaves my pocket.I'm still a big 110 fan but now I truly know why 300 Bucks thinks so highly of the 300 series.Heck I'm starting a little collection of those too now.:eek:
 
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