Tobias,

Good work removing the BUCK USA.  I am interested in how it will hold up to use

Well so far, I've discovered an interesting way to open the knife one handed without using the thumb stud.  I gave the knife a rather quick underhanded pitch against against the concrete wall from a distance of 11 feet.   The knife hit the wall about 4 feet above ground and then bounced off the floor.  It opened up about half way.  I picked it up and flicked it the rest of the way open.   As far as i can tell the knife is none the worst.    There is small chip int he concrete where the knife hit.  Obviously, not something I do with every knife I buy but I figured what the heck.  LOL

did n't have anything better to do so I went back in the basement and decided to test the liner lock.  I held the knife on the edge of the work bench sharp edge down.   I extended the entire length of the blade as well as the pivot point  beynd the edge of the bench and gave the knife repeated whacks on the spine of the blade with a 1X2 piece of pine about 18 inched long.   There are several indentations in the pine but the lock didn't fail and the blade is as tight as it was when i began.   So far I'm pretty impressed. with this $5  Chinese Knock-off.

This s another Buck, also from China but definitely a Buck.  its an SFO of SMKW.  Its the 2015  Bill Lowen/SMKW fish knife that is contracted through Buck.

Specifications from the SMKW website

Buck  #BU10238

·Stainless steel blades
·Blue smooth bone handle
·Locking master blade
·Nickel silver bolsters
·Brass pins and liners
·Bass shield and custom fish hook bail designed by Brian Wilhoite
·4" Modified clip point blade with signature etch
·4" finely serrated scaler
·Blade widths: 5/8", 5/8"
·Blade thicknesses: 1/8"
·5" closed length
·Made in China

Tobias,

That is a nice looking knife. Made in China takes the edge off for me, but as a "user", I would still consider it.

I was over on AAPK, asking 300bucks a question about my Camillus-made Buck 311 Slimline Trapper, and he came back with quite an answer for me. He posted a hand written list of ALL 300 series Bucks that were made by other US companies, who made them, how long & how many versions were created, etc, etc. Myself and several other who saw the document were amazed at the amount of work he put into the list, and he told us he was going to post a spreadsheet with ALL of his Buck research eventually; can't wait to see that. Of course, when he does I'll post it here. Meanwhile I'll post the jpg scans he posted on AAPK here so we can all take advantage of this great historical resource.

Oops, missed a page, here is page 4.

Syd,

Thank you.  That information is priceless!

Sorry they are out of order, still struggling with the editor here a bit, but yes, it is an amazing document isn't it? I was flabbergasted when he posted it, and recognized it's value to the entire knife collecting community. Never doubt the resolve of a fanatic.

300Bucks has added scans of a spreadsheet he has regarding 300 series Bucks in my AAPK thread, it is several pages long, so I won't take up space here by posting the jpg's, (unless you want me to). Apparently AAPK won't allow uploads of pdf or Excel files, so all he could think of was to upload jpg scans. If you add them to the handwritten scans I posted below, you then have an unprecedented, concise chronological history of the Buck 300 series, with all the pertinent info you could ever want regarding that particular series of vintage Buck knives.

if you can't get to my thread to see the files, send me a PM and I will send them to you. They are an invaluable research tool IMHO.

Here is a pdf of the raw data I have received so far from 300bucks on AAPK. He is working on a complete spreadsheet with all of Buck guru Charles Toft's historical info on the series. Add this to the dating contained in the scans below and you have a pretty complete history of the Buck 300 series knives up to the mid 90's.

For some reason my thread on AAPK became the dumping ground for this data, but I'm glad it did Buck%20300%20Series%20history%20by%20300%20Bucks%20unedited.pdf.

I recently picked up a Buck Clearwater Bait Knife of Amazon.   When it arrived things just didn't seem right. I haven't bought many Buck Knives and the last fixed blade was almost 8 years ago.   but I found it odd that the knife was snapped in the sheath and   tossed in the yellow Buck box.  There  was absolutely no packaging whatsoever.  It was just rattling around in the box.   When I pulled the knife from the scabbard the blade was covered in a light oil.  When I wiped off the oil, the blade appeared to have some kind of black crud on it.    On closer inspection, the blade tip didn't quite look like the one I've seen in the photos.

I bought it from a reputable dealer and when I pointed out the my suspicions they gave a full refund.  And told me to keep the knife.   But as I look at the tip of the blade, if it was re-profiled, it was done by a pro. And the knife is rock-sold and sharp as a razor.    I'm wondering now if the tip is the way Buck is making them like this now and while the knife had been a return it was otherwise just fine.  I' wondering if I jumped the gun on my complaint, at least about the blade tip.

If the tip looked this much different when you received it, and if you had never seen one in person would you have complained?

And if you plan on using it anyway would you bother buying another one right away or wait and see how this one does?

I've gotten pretty good at searching out feebay listings that don't get noticed, and/or are poorly listed and therefore not noticed by most, and here is a fine example of that. Yet another Camillus-made Buck joins the family, a 307 Wrangler, and also a US-made single blade lockback model 450 "Prodigy". I still have to go through 300buck's data to determine the exact origins and date of manufacture of the 307, but I'm reasonably sure this one is Camillus-made. This was one of my better recent finds on the bay, and I got them both from the same listing for $17.06 shipped. Bidding on this one was of course an educated guess, but I am relatively experienced with bay, and this one turned out really well I think.

Both have obviously been used, and the 307 shows normal wear of the handles & has a few light scratches on the blades, but both have tight, sharp blades, (neither needs sharpening), and both walk & talk like a US-made Buck should.

So, the quest for one of each of the US-made Buck 300 series continues, and I got a cool tactical ta boot. I'm also waiting for a 1970's 301 to arrive, and that one I got stupidly cheap, (if it is as described, another listing that fell through the cracks so to speak, I'm good at finding those), but I'll wait til I see that one to crow about it. In the meantime I'll crow about these two, I'm thrilled to have them, I think I got a great deal!

Syd, sometimes I just type in knife and see what happens.  I too have found some oddly listed items at a steal using that strategy 

I searched for "pocket knife" and came up with eight pages of results. I had no idea Etsy was getting so popular, thanks again for the heads up. Of course, like any online purchase I won't really know what I got until it arrives sometime next week. The photos didn't show the master blade profile very well, and that will determine its origins, but it is a relatively early Buck, no matter where it was made. I went ahead and bought due to what I think I saw. Whether I got a good deal or not, of course, is yet to be determined. I'll post pics when it arrives, and describe the features that identify it, (again, thanks to 300bucks from AAPK)..

Found more Buck related stuff today at a yard sale for a dollar, an old #133 Buck Honing Kit with both Arkansas & Washita Stone(s) & a partially used can of Buck honing oil, (no box or knives though). Better than that, there was a 1970's mini catalog with prices & photos of all of their knives that came with the kit. Unfortunately right now my printer is broken, so I can't scan it. I'll take it down to the copy store & get it scanned and will post that here soon too. You guys will get a kick out of it, especially the prices, the list for a 110 Folding Hunter is $25, so in my mind that places the catalog in the 70's. Picked up a #303-sized leather sheath at another yard sale today too, so it was a good Buck day at my house.

Still waiting for the 1960's #303 I have coming, but in the meantime I added a #319 Rancher to my Camillus-made 300 series collection; this one probably dates to the 70's. It is the same closed length as a #301 Stockman, (3 7/8"), same frame, but it has an awl instead of a sheepsfoot blade. This one is farm fresh and well used, but in a complete and "good" used condition. Both blades have been sharpened, sloppily of course, but they have no nicks, just scratches and scuffs. Surprisingly both blades are passably sharp. There are also some marks on the bolsters, and the awl actually looks rusty on one side, (probably just gunk). I'd love to have a pristine version of all of my Bucks, but I also respect an often-used knife as well, they have "character", (most of my Bucks fall under that description). I have no problem owning a knife that has been used and appreciated. I'll clean this one up and add it to the herd. More photos after the #303 arrives.

Ok, here is a lesson on how NOT to buy vintage knives online. Pictured below are two Buck #303 Cadets. On top is a Camillus-made from the mid to late 70's, (it has a carbon spring which dates it pre 1980), below is the same model, but made by Schrade between 1967-1972. Notice any difference? The earlier knife is noticeably of thinner profile, has brass handle pins, and though it's reshaped, the master blade has a small angle on top from the nail nick back, (a Schrade "tell"), it's hard to see but it's there.

I bought that older knife online thinking it was intact, but when it arrived I of course immediately noticed that the master blade had been broken then reshaped, losing nearly an inch of it's original length, (compare the blades in the photo). The seller claimed ignorance of course, but said he would take it back if I wanted to go to the trouble and expense of sending it back. The photos he took weren't clear in his Etsy listing, so I missed that defect when I decided to purchase it, (I wasn't the only one who didn't see that defect BTW). I decided to keep it anyway, at least as an example of the differences between these two versions of the same model knife. The older knife also has no model number on it, and has "Buck" stamped into the pile side of the secondary blades.

Lesson learned? Ask for more photos if the ones you are looking at don't show the knife from every conceivable angle. That's another reason I decided to keep it, I didn't do my homework, so it was partially my fault as well as the seller's.

Oh well, flawed or not this is the oldest Buck that I have, I'll keep it just for that reason if for nothing else.

I was the other person viewing the knife!  Syd is correct, if the pics are not clear or precise ask for more.

In looking at the earlier post though Syd, that Rancher is one sweet knife!!

We both learned something didn't we Jan? Still, I have a very early version Buck, so not a total loss.

I also agree about the Rancher, I like it more than the Stockman, which is the same size. It's nice having the awl available if needed. Next to my Buck Congress the Rancher is one of my favorites for EDC.

Cross-posted in Knives On The Big Screen.  Started watching Dexter over again and look what Dexter used for his first kill.  A Buck 119 with a Cocobola handle.  Good taste!!!

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Use Code HUNT35 at checkout to get 35% Off any Knife.
Offer Expires 9/18/15.
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Discount does Not apply to Custom Knife Shop, Web Specials, Eagle Scout Knife, or Kitchen Cutlery.
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I've been writing a blog about bait knives.  My latest review was on Buck's Clearwater 021.   It is located at:

http://iknifecollector.com/profiles/blogs/the-modern-bait-knife-con...

If you fish and if you're a Buck fan, then you should have this knife.  Heck, I'm not even a true Buck fan, but I do love fishing and this is my bait knife of choice.

Specifications:

Name:  Clearwater Bait Knife
Brand:  Buck
Country of Manufacture:  USA
Pattern:  0021 RDS
Blade Steel:  420HC
Length, overall:  10.5 in [26.7 cm]
Length, blade:   5 in [ 12.7 cm]
Blade Style:   Modified Multi-function skinner - fine edge, serrated-scaler spine, 
Tang:  Hidden Push Tang
Handle:  Over Molded Nylon, tactile feel
Lanyard hole:  Yes (knife and scabbard)
Sheath: Molded Hard Plastic

You can read my full review of Buck's Mr Crappie Slab Shaver at:

http://iknifecollector.com/forum/topics/my-take-on-buck-s-mr-crappi...

I received the knife as a Christmas present.  I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with it.  Some jerk on Amazon slammed the knife giving it one star  simply stating "It's made in China, need I say more?"  My reply back to him  was "yes, you do."

I've also posted a similar review of the knife on Amazon the link to it is:

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1O8P790NSVUSO/ref=pe_1098610_1377162...

The short version of the review is:

The blade is 420j2 which came razor sharp but will need frequent sharpening compared to Buck's 420HC steel.  The scabbard is really nice with a minor flaw, and the grip on this full tang beauty is superb. 

If you're a week-end angler that is more prone to catch and release and only occasionally keep and fillet your catch then this knife will probably be more than adequate for fish cleaning chores.

If you process 20 or more fish every time you go fishing and you fish all the time, then I'd say spend the extra $10 and get the Slab Slinger.  you'll be sharpening this one more often than you like.

The Buck chat is beginning

Good buy there Ron!

Here you go Ron.

http://www.buckknives.com/about-knives/how-old/

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/716179-Buck-Date-C...

I learned the age of my buck 110 today, Ive had it for a while 1972-1986 it is in great shape.

I HAVE A HYBRID 119, BOUGHT IT ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO. I CHECKED WITH BUCK AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE DISCONTINUING THE 639 AND HAD ABOUT 300 BLADES LEFT; SO THEY JOINED THEM TO A 119 HANDLE, BEAD BLASTED THEM AND DISTRIBUTED THEM. I WONDER IF ANYONE ELSE HAS ONE OF THESE. MINE IS MINT, IN THE BOX, ETC.

I am very glad this one worked out for you.  Nothing wrong with a bit of a project to end up with a great user

Are you all entering this one???

Edge of a Legend

BuckKnives.com has new Web Specials up for sale and 2015 Limited Editions at reduced prices. Some cool stuff on there. I encourage everyone to get on their email list.

vid I just shot on my youtube channel comparing Buck, opinel and Case.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4K26WtPI-8

Nice Video, John. 

Question.  I am considering purchasing a 560 Ti model made in 1993. It has been carried, lightly used, and resharpened. The cutting edge has some nicks in it. There are a few tiny spots of rust on the blade. Nice tight lock-up and strong spring.  Is it worth the $75 price tag?

Hey Everyone, BuckKnives.com is having a 25% Off Sale on Kitchen Cutlery.
Use Code KITCHEN25 at Checkout.
Direct Link: http://www.buckknives.com/knives/cutlery/
Free Shipping in USA for orders over $50.

Offer Expires on 4/30/16 so don't delay too long.

Again if you haven't already done so, I recommend you sign up for Buck's email list. They don't bombard you with a lot of emails so that is good and they usually have a discount code of some sort that I post on here for you all.

Thanks for letting me join this group.  I have a very unusual Buck Set.  Pictures attached.  I am trying to gauge the value and would appreciate any advise on how to sell the set, here or elsewhere.  I am not sure of the site protocol so please excuse me and direct me if I am out of line.

Sorry I can't tell you what value to put on it Roy, but you can list if tor sale on this site at this link.

http://iknifecollector.com/forum/categories/knives-for-sale-or-trad...

Guess how much is this knife sold.

Some one is selling this knife for $5.

It looks like a BUCK 271  Alpha Dorado.

I didn't said it is.

What do you think about this?

Needs to be sold for 50.00 or more.

That's a lovely Chi-com ripoff knife that should sell for about $4 - $5.

Regardless of how well made it is, ask Tobias Gibson about his X44, it's still a fake/forgery/counterfeit.

I bit on one of those Chinese fake Bucks when I first joined iKC about three years ago.  I hope I have since learned enough not to do it again.

Sorry Danny, but that is not an USA made knife  regardless of what it says on the blade or the box.  Look for major brands on sites like Ali Express and you'll see knives marked with famous makers' names but with model numbers that have never, ever, been produced by that company. 

Tobias has one, a true genuine boxed and marked Chi-Com fake Buck a few pages back (6 & 5).

There are dozens of sites complaining about Chinese rip off makers and products.

Roy, as to the store counter display box, I saw one being offeredfor $350 a few months ago and the contents would be at present MSRP as they are, AFAIK, all still being produced.

I will try to post a photo of my knife some time.  

You may well have a USA made Dorado model knife but that pictured knife is a fake, a rip off, plagiarized so to speak, 

Why?  Look at the sheath.  Buck USA's sheath have a silver clasp without embellishments (blackening) to the letters and the pair have a retail price of $78.  Also, the sheath pictured is of a different leather and with different stitching

Buck sheath: http://www.buckknives.com/product/sheath-271-alpha-dorado/0271-05-BG/

The knife on Ali Express sells for $12.68 USD with free shipping to Canada.  The sheath alone from Buck is $13.00 USD, shipping additional.

search for Buck Knives on Ali Express

I think I made a mistake here.
I am sorry for I am not familiar with operation, I should open a new discussion instead of making comment here.
I will make a new discussion later.
Thanks for all your replies

A Chinese pirate may buy one sheath from BUCK website and get some old box from eBay, and sell whole set to someone for $80 dollars.
Not every one as wise as you, they don't even know how to reach the BUCK website to see what the sheath looks like.
With the help of high technology, the imitation one may be identical to the genuine one.
The numeric controlled machinery can do good jobs to imitate the genuine version and even get a better result.
"The devil is in the details."

The last two "BUCKs" are from the imitation sheaths while the first two are from BUCK website.

If you compare the letters on the genuine BUCK sheath and the sheath along with the imitation, you will find that there is something weird following the letter "K" on BUCK sheath.
That is a copyright symbol.
The Chinese imitator didn't have the knowledge and might think it was a blemish and no need to copy.
The brass fastener with black letters was made for Buck sheaths before and you can find them on the Buck website.
The imitation got old sheath to imitate.
Unfortunately, Buck knives do not add the copyright symbol on their most Nylon sheaths, but I wish they could register the symbol as a trademark and use on their whatever products.
Piracy somewhat needs a better overall knowledge to make the imitation as close as the real one.
Old methods of imitation for BUCK knives can be identified in seconds because they didn't even try to make anything looks like the real one.
We need more experience to tell which one is knock off from thousands of knives.
If you look at the scales on the handle.
There is no such color of bright hue in most handles of Buck knives.
Buck knives do not tell us what kind of wood they use on scales of dymonwood.
Dymondwood is as simple as peanut butter and jelly, but the veneers used may vary.
I think the Chinese imitator failed to clone a dymondwood scale as Buck's or he just simplely thought that all dymondwoods are the same.
If you check eBay, you will found the Chinese eBayer haorenyige1899 is selling these fake Buck Alpha Dorado on eBay.
eBay has no abilities to handle these knock off knives.
Their focus is on how to attract more sellers and buyers including pirates and victims.
You can tell that his scales on the knives are different from of other sellers.
I think he is one out of many who make money for selling fake Buck knives on eBay.
If I feel something looks weird, I just don't buy it.

I welcome your comments and thank you very much for your time.
I will end up here and make comments on new discussion.