When did Buck 303's blade shape change?

Joe58

Joe58

Joined
Nov 11, 2002
Messages
1,969
Hi guys -

I like the 303 Buck's and I generally like the older ones better for some reason. :)

With the newer models though, I've noticed the blades have changed shape/grind, more so on the spey and the main blade.

The spey seems to have changed more towards a pen blade shape, which I do like better.

So if I'm wanting to stay with an older one, what year did they first change grinds? And does that coincide with Buck commencing their own builds rather Camillus?

I've considered to maybe getting one modded, but that is likely a bit foolish considering the cost of the knives to begin with. But you never know. Lol.

Thanks!! Joe
 
Joe, I don't know where everybody is tonight.?
I recall it was around 2000-2003 that Buck changed the shape of those blades.
Buck brought the 300 series in house about the time of the first year dates 1986. DM
 
Joe,

I am late responding, but I have been watching hawks this afternoon and then watched some of Season 4 of Longmire. It looks like a Buck 110 appeared in Season 4, Episode 3. I will have to look more closely.

Buck started their own production of the 303 sometime in 1985, probably late in the year. The switch from flat ground to hollow ground started in 1999, well after Buck took over production from Camillus. Tomorrow, I will pull out my 303s and look for the possible change in blade shape. I don't have that information at my fingertips, but I will let you know.

Here is one of the hawks I was watching in my neighbors yard. This is a Gyrfalcon.

Bert

Gyrfalcon 2.jpg
 
Thanks guys for the help. Appreciated!

Bertyl - nice picture of the Gyrfalcon. Gorgeous bird. I'm a casual birdwatcher, and while we have many hawk species here in Nebraska, I don't believe I've seen one of those myself. Excellent.
 
Joe,

It looks to me that the shape change occurred in 1985 when Buck first started producing the 303. The top knife in the photo is the last variation produced by Camillus. That version ran from 1974-1985; the tang stamp was "BUCK/303/USA" and the knife may or may not have a brass spacer. Prior to this variation, there either was no model number or the model number was on the pile side. The lower knife in the photo is the first variation produced by Buck in 1985. This knife has "BUCK" spelled out on the escutcheon; there is no date code.
I hope this gives the answer you were looking for.

Bert

303 spay.jpg
 
Yup, that's what I was wanting to know Bert.

Thanks for the info and going thru the trouble on my behalf. Appreciated!!

Now I know I need to find a NIB 1985/86 303 with brass liners. Lol.

Joe
 
mbjannusch said:
"85-"87 the Buck Name was spelled was on the shield, so they will all be the same.
Click to expand...

Awesome - I've been keeping an eye on the 'bay watching for one. I'm sure one in decent shape will pop up. But then I always need to have two since I'm way OCD about having a spare. ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top