Kershaw Black Gulch II #3320ST, Fine Edge

MAKER:   Kershaw

PATTERN:   #3320 Black Gulch II fine edge

LENGTH (Closed):   4-1/8”

BOLSTERS/LINERS: Sintered zinc alloy frame

HANDLES:   Cross-grooved ABS inlay scales

BLADES:  Half serrated locking clip blade of 440A stainless steel

TANG STAMPS:   KERSHAW/BLACK GULCH            Rear Stamp:  3320/OREGON USA

CONDITION:   Excellent

DAMAGE:   Minor wear, (see pictures) tiny ding in the mark side rear bolster.

BLADE WEAR:  Approx 5% or less

SNAP:  Like new

CARRY SYSTEM:   Kershaw camouflage factory nylon sheath

MADE IN:   USA

ADDITIONAL INFO:      This knife is part of the Officer Ranch Series. I have very few Kershaw catalogs from 1983 to 2004, but the officers Ranch series was introduced about 1984. The first part of a series were mostly single blade lockbacks with sandalwood handles. These included the Whiskey Gap, Lil’ Cody, Wild Turkey and Big Joe. The second grouping of knives in the Officer Ranch Series with those with the Task Force handles. The first and most successful of this group was the DWO, was introduced in 1986. It was named for Delley Wade Officer, one of the members of the officer family I was shot and killed by a careless elk hunter. Also in this group with the rubberized Task Force handles were the Black Horse, Canyon City, Black Colt and Outlaw Bill. These knives were made in Japan. There were also Black Horse II, Black Colt II, Canyon City II and Outlaw Bill II. The second version, denoted with the Roman numeral II, were made in 1999 after Kershaw established a manufacturing facility in Wilsonville Oregon. There they begin making the II versions of these knives with 440A and ATS34 steel.

It was about this time will also in that they begin a third style of knives in the Officer Ranch Series, these knives had checkered ABS handles and sintered metal frames. The original series was made in Japan but there was also a second series made in Oregon with the Roman numerial II added to its name. The Corral Creek II (#3315), Wildcat Ridge II (#3340) and the Black Gulch II (#3320) all appear in the Kershaw 1999-2000 catalog and are listed as having 440A blade steel. These knives have a rear tang stamp with the model number over the words OREGON, USA.

I had originally thought these models were made in Japan as many of the early Kershaw knives had OREGON in the front tang stamp and JAPAN in the rear tang stamp.

The knives with the checkered ABS handles reminded me very much of a popular series of Puma knives made in Germany in the 1980s. By comparison the Kershaw was about one third the price of the Puma with superior fit, finish and quality, in my opinion.

A great addition for anyone’s vintage Kershaw collection or a really good knife for someone who appreciates using a quality knife!

*By Purchasing, The Buyer Confirms It Is Legal For Them Purchase And Own This Knife.

Shipped by Priority Mail flat rate box in the US

Item # 42418