Look what I found today! Buck 311 Trapper

[Baykeeper]

Sounds like you would be a good friend to have.

Sounds like you are prepping as best as possible also. Keep up the good work. As we have said in the past you guys with collection fever have a tougher road now with more people with more computer info access. When I started they were still just "pocket knives".

I am concerned that the 300 series is not in any Buck Co. spotlight, sort of just an after-thought. Seems like modern flippers and survival knives have taken over the minds of company designers. If I had won the lottery I was going to order a couple thousand jigged bone 300s and sell them off to show folks that some people want a old style pocket knife. But I only had one number......

300

I agree that the 300 Series is kind of an afterthought to them nowadays, it seems that fighting knives, factory customs, hunters, and as you call them "flip knives" are more marketable, (and probably cheaper to manufacture). I also haven't seen any , (or not many), alternate handle materials being offered in the series any more either. Too bad. I am of the opinion also that the knives of the series made in Idaho are of lesser quality, especially fit & finish, as compared to San Diego made knives, and neither approaches the quality attained by Camillus. Again, too bad.
I got in before prices went through the roof, I think I paid $8 for my #307, and got my #301 for around $10, my #303 for less, but even in the last year they have gone up and up in actual selling price. The most I paid for most knives I have of the series, (other than the SFO's), was around $20, so I think I did pretty good. The #315 & #321 cost in the mid $30's, and most of those go well above $60 or more lately. It would cost twice as much to put this collection together now. Speaking of SFO's, the #322 Congress I got several months ago cost me $40, and I thought that was high at the time. I saw the same knife go for over $70 just last week, so that is a good example of how the prices are actively climbing daily.
I may not be a traditional person, but I really appreciate traditional knives. Those modern flippy things look like something an angst ridden teenage boy with inferiority issues would be attracted to...I just don't get it!

[Baykeeper]

Here's a Schrade-made, second version #301 Stockman, (1967/early '71), that I picked up recently on the cheap due to the broken off tippy end of the master, otherwise in good shape. It serves as a good representative of the version despite it's less-than-pristine condition. I now have second version, (this one), third version, (Camillus mid-late 1971), with small handle pins, & fourth version, (Camillus '72), no handle pins, model number on pile side, (both of those pictured earlier in this thread).

I've been thinking about why I am so attracted to this series, and it goes back to the 60's for me. Of course I hunted and fished all of my life, and just used my father's knives most of the time, but I had bought a Schrade 80T w/ carbon blades during the mid 60's. Though a useful knife I was disappointed at how quickly the blades rusted and ended up just throwing it in my toolbox, so when Buck came out with their slipjoints in SS in the late '60's I immediately noticed. Bought my first 300 Series, (#313 Muskrat), right after high school in the early 70's and haven't looked back. Having learned young how to sharpen a knife, I wasn't worried about SS's supposed lack of edge holding ability compared to carbon because I could quickly resharpen most any knife blade, so when these came out I waved goodbye to rusty blades and never regretted that decision. I know there is a segment of the collecting community that regards SS blades as inferior, but I for one don't agree with that. Why would anyone want a tool that rusted in a week? After all, a knife is a tool, and one that won't rust makes it a better tool in my mind.
Another reason is the convoluted history of the series, I find it fascinating. When I decided to actually start collecting with a purpose, the history intrigued me so much it was really a no-brainer because I had been interested in the series almost from it's beginnings. To me the history of the series, and the history of use of each knife is what matters. I feel awkward with a pristine "unused" knife anyway; I don't want a nick nack for my shelf, I want a tool.

[Baykeeper]

Time for a bump.
Not much new to report as far as Buck acquisitions go, especially 300 Series Bucks, but I did obtain a SwissBuck Trekker from a BCCI website auction. It seems the cat's out of the bag as far as the 300 Series is concerned, all of a sudden everyone seems to know they are collectible and the prices have gone sky high. I managed to get my basic collection at a bargain compared to what they are going for right now. There are a couple of SC-made, first version, lined bolster 303's on the bay right now, and with at least a day to go they are up over a C-note already, so they are definitely going for premiums I just can't afford. Of course maybe I'll run into affordable ones somewhere, someplace, sometime, but obviously the bay isn't that place right now. At least I have the "basic" set of CC-made models, and I'm glad I started collecting them when I did, otherwise I wouldn't be able to afford gathering them all together at current prices.

This Wenger-made SwissBuck Trekker is kinda fun, but other than the color and the shield it is entirely a Wenger SAK more than anything else, but it is cool to have one that says "Buck" nonetheless. Got it for a song, but not sure if I should EDC it or not. It is a discontinued model, but whether that makes it "collectible" or not is another question. I'll probably just toss it in my fanny pack to have around in case I have to deal with a wayward cork.
In the meantime the search continues.

[Old Hunter]

Years ago, when these were in the stores, I bought a Swiss Buck for my wife (the little SAK Classic size) and one like yours for my then Girl Scout daughter. Both still have and use them - look to me like a Wenger SAK with different covers, but the name on the knife is Buck and they have held up well. OH

[Baykeeper]

Years ago, when these were in the stores, I bought a Swiss Buck for my wife (the little SAK Classic size) and one like yours for my then Girl Scout daughter. Both still have and use them - look to me like a Wenger SAK with different covers, but the name on the knife is Buck and they have held up well. OH

I think I'll just keep it on my display stump, and won't carry it as an EDC to preserve it. I have other SAK's I can use, but this is the only Wenger I have, and from what I see in this knife I like them better than Victorinox versions. I consider myself a Buck collector, so having a Buck shield on it makes it worth having.
While researching forums for "SwissBuck" I ran across a post by CJ Buck from 2000 explaining some of the dynamics of Buck's collaboration with Wenger on these models. It was a very interesting post. Unfortunately I didn't think to save that post at the time, and now can't find it again or I would share it here; I'll keep looking. According to him it was an effort by Buck to establish a larger market in Europe, but they didn't sell that well in the end so it was a short-lived project. He mentioned that Wenger was a good company to work with though.

[300Bucks]

I am gonna post this anywy and as you say prices will go up. But on the subject of Wenger. The top of the heap, rare version of the Buck Clipper (305 with scissors) is the very last year of its production. actually half year. You will notice Wenger stamped on the scissors as Buck changed to their scissors because they were better at cutting than the old clipper scissors. They will be found only on a red sawcut scale with regular 305 tang stamp and if you are super lucky (I don't have one) a black sawcut version. More rare than the small yellow barlow or the first Buck folder hand made out of surplus lifeboat knives or the first version of the America's Cup 315 Yachtsman. So now you have something else to look for. I have given up on ever finding a black sawcut. I could cheat and find another red sawcut and paint the scales black. But........300

High ....the last small yellow barlow and the second version America's Cup 315 I saw both were sold each for over $400. The good ole days are over for me getting 20 to 40$ rare 300s.

[Baykeeper]

High ....the last small yellow barlow and the second version America's Cup 315 I saw both were sold each for over $400. The good ole days are over for me getting 20 to 40$ rare 300s.

I'm glad I started when I did, I would have to spend more than twice as much nowadays to get the same basic set of 300's that I now have. Thanks for the tip on the scissors, I will put that on my "unobtanium" list and keep my eyes peeled. I think I'll more likely fill the gaps in my collection at estate sales or knife shows rather than ever hoping to find a deal online, looks like the bay prices will just keep going up.
Funny part of shopping on the bay is the number of "rare" and "vintage" Bucks that were actually made last year, seems like a lot of folks think anything made by Buck is automatically rare, valuable and collectible. I sent a message to one guy listing a 2009 #301 as "60's-'70's rare & vintage"; the guy said he had sold "hundreds of knives and you don't know what you are talking about". I even gave him the link to Buck's "How old is my knife" page and he still didn't believe me, (or just didn't want me to spoil his scam). I've always prided myself as being an honest, reputable seller on the bay, guess that means diddly to some.
Watched a small yellow Barlow and a lined bolster #303 go for well over a hundred this week, I guess that's the way it's going to go....like I said, glad I started when I did.

[300Bucks]

Your points bring up tough choices. Just the last few posts on prices rising will likely be read by a hundred or more people. It use to be that kind of information was only passed on at meetings, knife shows or telephone conversations. Then came the internet and even then for a few years it was still a pretty small group of people that liked certain kinds and types of knifes to collect. At first I enjoyed sharing the knowledge given to me by others but now I pause to think how this writing, information sharing or photo posting is going to effect folks like you, trying to accomplish a collecting goal. Some will read the pointers and make a mental to watch for a particular knife because they know it is rare and they can make a few bucks reselling it. The openness of the internet is bad in this way and in the end may cause a shutdown in information sharing open to all eyes locations. I can see that happening in another forum I go to. All the original "collectors" have quit posting and discussing what they collect. Many of the posts are new people learning just some basic facts. It is an enigma that I have only thought about but not quit sharing info yet. We will just go on and hope those that are not really collecting but just "buying" for profit will be unlucky. In a sense the baton passing is occurring by you gathering up your collection, it will be you giving out the info to the new folks. Which is how things should be. Oh well, I gave up on being able to afford several knives a while ago and actually have quit searching the dark corners for them, so you are running the race against one less horse...ha ......300

[Baykeeper]

I wanted to mention here that I am getting ready for a different kind of knife collecting adventure. Monday morning I'm driving from CA across country to Atlanta, GA to help care for my ailing sister who will be released from the hospital soon after an extended illness. The reason I'm driving is to bring back family heirlooms that have been stored there, but of course I'm going to attempt to do some knife shopping along the way. I'll be traveling along I-40, which goes all the way from Needles, Ca to Nashville, so if you know of any "must stop" places along that route please speak up. I already have made plans to go up into TN for a walk through SMKW, and will visit knife collecting friends from IKC Forums while there, (probably on the drive back), but that is the only solid plan I have in place at the time. I will look for knife shops, pawn shops and maybe even swap meets or a yard sale or two along the way. I'm giving myself nearly a week to get there in order to allow the occasional stop, so if you count coming and going I hope to have a couple of weeks to troll up a collectible knife or two on the trip. Of course, depending on my sister's condition, if I am still in ATL in June I'll try to attend the Blade Show, (even though I dread going through a southern summer; ugh!). Maybe I'll find a local knife show to attend along the way as well.
So, if you have any suggestions of where I might stop for a knife odyssey please let me know. 300, if you will be doing any shows along that route please let me know, I'd love to meet you in person.

On that note, as this was a family emergency that none of us was prepared for financially, my wonderful daughter started a Go Fund Me campaign to raise funds to get me there and back; here's the link to that campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/whpwgpcs.

[Baykeeper]

Two fer at a gun show in Marietta, GA recently. A pair of 1971 1/2 #301 Stockmans w/ small brass handle pins by Camillus. I was relatively surprised to see them both available from the same vendor, (which is my way of justifying laying out $40 for the pair). You can just see them hiding in the upper right side of the showcase in the bottom photo. According to notes in the database the handle pins were eliminated by the beginning of 1972. Both are in "good used" condition, with nearly-full to full blades, no cracks in the handles, tight in the bolsters, and both are absolutely razor sharp; whoever sharpened them last did a superb job!

[300Bucks]

Good find, good price.

300

[Baykeeper]

Good find, good price.

300

Thanks 300. I'm just as happy to have known what I was looking at as anything else....knowledge is power, and the search goes on.

[bertl]

You can't do much better than that, Syd.

Bert

[Baykeeper]

You can't do much better than that, Syd.

Bert

Thanks Bert. I've been carrying one of those 301's everyday since I got them, I think it will be hard for me to part with one of them; seems like they should remain together since I found them that way. Actually got a better deal at an estate sale yesterday. Robeson Barlow for $2. Farm fresh but with full blades, great half stops, and as tight as any slipjoint can be. A little elbow grease and it will clean up nicely. I guess I'm on a roll here in Georgia.
Heading for SMKW in a few days, so the south has been, and will still be very productive for me knife-wise. Missing home though, so after a knifegasm in Sevierville I'm heading back west.

I'd add a photo of the Robeson, but AAPK isn't working very well right now, so I'll do that later.

[Baykeeper]

Now that AAPK has finished their upgrade and I can upload photos again, a photo of the Robeson Barlow I found in Atlanta for $2 at an estate sale. It cleaned up nice, not pristine but nice. Snaps like it was new, feels heavy in the hand, a very substantial pocket knife. From the looks of the master blade it was possibly made by Camillus, (hopeful guess). Whoever made it did a superb job, a good vintage "user" and my first Robeson.

Also just pulled the trigger on a #329 Freedom Trapper on the bay, so excited I stole the guy's photo. Considering the price, (got it for way less than I expected), either no one else caught this listing, (possible, it was vaguely described, I found it in a search for something else), or there are a lot of 1988 Yellow Delrin Buck SFO Freedom Trappers around; strangely, no one else even bid. Last one of these I saw on the bay went for substantially more, so I think I did pretty good at $40, (listed as "unused", photos seem to confirm that, seller had 100% rating). Oh well, good deal or not I'm glad to have another Buck SFO coming my way, it will be my first Yellow Delrin Buck. I'll post my own photos when it arrives.

[300Bucks]

Original SMKWs versions came in a box with a fancy belt buckle with eagle on it. With pledge of allegiance printed under lid, the old version, before they added "Under God" after one nation. 300

[Baykeeper]

Original SMKWs versions came in a box with a fancy belt buckle with eagle on it. With pledge of allegiance printed under lid, the old version, before they added "Under God" after one nation. 300

Well, at least I found the knife. Like you said when I completed my "basic" 300 Series collection, now I can start looking for SFO's, (you may have mentioned something about some kind of addiction too; can't remember). Guess I'll have to start looking for that box & buckle too.

BTW: Having a blast!!

[Baykeeper]

Here it is, #329 CC-made Freedom Trapper. Does not have "Under God" on it so I assume it is an original SMKW version sans decorated box. More akin to a #311 by Camillus than to the later Buck-made #312 & #314, but different from all of the rest in size. This one is 3 7/8" closed, while the #311 is 4", #312 is 3 1/2" & #314 is also 4". I haven't seen a Millenium Trapper in person, but I assume it is completely different than this too. This has the flat ground blades found on the #311, unlike the hollow ground on #312 & #314. This is my first Buck of any ilk with Yellow Delrin, and it also differs in that it has smooth handles with no jig. Beautiful knife, pristine condition, doesn't get much better than that in my world.
Of course more surprises are coming this week, I manged to obtain a NIB Grandaddy Barlow in Yellow Sawcut Delrin to go along with the black version I already have, so there will definitely be more yellow Bucks in my collection soon. As usual the timing wasn't ideal, I really should not have spent the money, but I've learned to grab 'em when I see 'em as I might never see another one; I'll eat beans for a month if I have to, so no harm no foul and I got a little closer to my ultimate goal of having at least one of each Buck SFO to go into my 300 Series collection. Time to look for a shadow box to put these in.

[Baykeeper]

Here it is, 1999 SMKW SFO #331 Granddaddy Barlow in Yellow Sawcut Delrin by Camillus, NIB w/ papers. Indeed it was unused as it was described, and indeed I spent stoopid money to get it, but not as much as I paid for the black one, and less than I have seen these sell for in the past, (and far less than a new Queen or GEC of any kind). There aren't that many out there, so when might I ever see another like this for sale? How much would it have cost me in a couple of years? Whatever, it's here now and I am very pleased with it. Another addition to my slowly growing group of SFO's. Will be selling off a few extra Bucks from my collection to pay for this, but that's the reason I have extras, so no harm no foul. Now I can start looking for #332 Small Barlows, and a #331 in jigged bone.

[Baykeeper]

Bump!!

I've recently been in a drought as far as my Buck collection goes, hence the lack of posts in this thread, but managed to find one of the near-unobtainable SFO's recently.

#322 Congress in Yellow Sawcut Delrin, in perfect condition. As far as I can tell this knife is indeed in "unused" condition, and it seems to me it has seldom ever been opened. This one will soon join it's Black Sawcut Delrin brother, (pictured earlier in this thread), in the glass display case with my other Buck SFO's.

300, as always I thank you and bertl for helping me on this never ending SFO journey, and though I have a few models to obtain, (more than a few actually), I am thrilled after more than two years searching to add this one to my small herd.
I will have another to post soon, just snagged a #310 Whittler for a song, will post here when it arrives.

[bertl]

Great find, Syd. Just keep on picking away at what's out there.

Bert

[Baykeeper]

Great find, Syd. Just keep on picking away at what's out there.

Bert

Thanks Bert, it was on the edge of too expensive, but I didn't think I'd ever find another, so I broke down and grabbed it, (I mean it IS Christmas, and I HAVE been a good boy). However, the plot thickens, I was contacted just this morning by the same AAPK seller who claims to have a #333 Small Barlow in Yellow Sawcut Delrin, (not listed for sale yet), he is of course asking a A LOT for that one too, (more than the Congress by a stretch). Believe me, I am very VERY tempted, and very very conflicted. If I go for it I'll be worrying about spending too much, if I don't I'll be miserable about missing the opportunity. What to do what to do??
On another note, I thought I saw a post from 300 where he said he was looking for one of those too. I think I'll send him a PM, if I can't have it maybe he should. Thanks again Bert.

[bertl]

That may have been me looking for the small Barlow a year or so ago. I found one.

Bert

[Baykeeper]

That may have been me looking for the small Barlow a year or so ago. I found one.

Bert

I just sent a PM to 300, hopefully he will see it. I'm trying to decide if the knife is worth what the guy is asking. Check your inbox, I'll send you a PM too. I'm gun shy mentioning prices on these forums, I've been scolded about that more than once on BF, so I'll just shoot you a PM just in case.

[Baykeeper]

I made a small mistake above, the model number of the Small Barlow is #332, NOT #333, which is the California Toothpick. So, 300, before you box my ears for that one bertl already beat you to the punch.