Sometimes date codes don't help

[bertl]

Here is a 303 where the date code isn't much help.

Bert

[AR Norby]

Okay, I'll bite. Why?

[jerryd6818]

Uh, because it doesn't have one?

[bertl]

OK, here's the deal. Buck started using date codes in 1986. When you look at this knife you can tell it's more recent than 1986. The position of the sheepsfoot blade indicates a 3-spring design from 1988 and later; the hammer handle on the shield is relatively long and straight with a closed end which indicates 1995 and later; and the blades are hollow ground which indicates 1999 and later. By all accounts there should be a date code. The one exception was 2005 when the main blade had no date code but the sheepsfoot blade did have an Idaho tang stamp.This is either a 2005 knife that didn't get the correct sheepsfoot blade or maybe a knife from 2006 and Buck was using some main blades left from 2005. Take your pick, but I consider it 2005.

Bert

[Railsplitter]

Very interesting, Bert. I'll bet you can identify this mark. Not found on any of the date charts. I asked around and I've already gotten a pretty good answer but it threw me for a loop at first.

Not my knife anymore but another member of this forum might recognize it.

[bertl]

Very interesting, Bert. I'll bet you can identify this mark. Not found on any of the date charts. I asked around and I've already gotten a pretty good answer but it threw me for a loop at first.

Not my knife anymore but another member of this forum might recognize it.

The short answer is, "I don't know." A lot of times a mark like that indicates some minor change during production. I like the 500 series but I only have a couple of them.

What's your thought?

Bert

[americanedgetech]

Hey! I know who that kid (505) is, and where she is right now!
I've read quite a bit following your links (RS) backwards, and it seems the most convincing answer is 1984 using the single dot to indicate a blade steel change from 440c to 425m for that particular model. It was only the statement made by a member of the Buck family that brought that info to light.

I THINK I have that right but any new insights are more than welcome.

[Railsplitter]

I think you guys are both right.

Bert, I didn't realize it until I went back and looked just now but you were one of the members that replied to my question. Thanks for your help, by the way.
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/505 ... n.1501458/