All About Pocket Knives

I just recently bought this knife and was wondering if one of you bulldog guys could tell me what generation it is. From what I have learned reading these forums I think it is first generation but I am not sure. It is a 4-blade congress, 3 1/2" closed, with red glitter??? celluloid handles that feature the spade shield. The main blade etch reads "Pit Bulls Trade Mark" with the fighting dogs logo. All four blades are tang stamped with the Fighting Dogs logo and "Hand Made" on the front. The two larger blades are tang stamped "Bulldog Brand Hammer Forged Solingen Germany" on the reverse side and the two smaller blades are tang stamped "1985" on the reverse side. Thanks in advance for your help and for once again sharing your knowledge with me.

Be glad to. That is a 1st generation congress with red sparkle handles. It is Bulldog Collector Club # 317. It was released in 1985 in a quantity of 300 pieces. Very nice knife. The red sparkle handles were only put on the 1st generation knives. For a comparison, you can go to ebay where I have an almost identical knife for sale but with the Red/Black stripe handles which was made in the second generation but with the 1985 blades also.
As an aside I will tell you that you need to keep the red sparkle handles wiped often or the shield and bolster will tarnish quicker than other bulldog knives with other handles, they are real pretty though when you keep them nice.
You definitely have a 1st generation knife there.

I see olderdogs beat me to the punch but here is a link to the knife he is talking about:
http://cgi.ebay.com/BULLDOG-CONGRESS-KN ... dZViewItem

This would be item BKC 317A, they would make a very nice set, a first and second generation together, same blades. Can't go wrong, he has the most accurate Bulldog descriptions on ebay.

Thanks olderdogs and Hukk. I appreciate the info. Also those are some really nice knives you have for sale olderdogs I had to put a bid or two in on thiose.

Thanks

Butch