C03 Hunter

The C03 Hunter and the smaller sized C04 Executive were Spyderco's response in 1983 to customers requesting models with a robust blade tip. In 1994 a new version of the Hunter was made that uses the blade of the previously released C13 Pro-Grip. This version of the Hunter is also known as the Ironstone Hunter, because it was first marketed by Ironstone (the former Spyderco Factory Outlet), but it has never been an exclusive for Ironstone. In 1995 the Hunter was discontinued.

The C03 Hunter is the starting point for a family of models (cf. C13 Pro-Grip for a chronological overview):

• C13 Pro-Grip: Upgrade of the C03 that uses Kraton in the handle (aka Pro-Hunter or Pro-Venator)
• C33 Pro-Grip: A leightweight version of the C13 with FRN handles (aka Pro-Venator light-weight, SKU changed later to C13)

Appearance in catalogs

The C03 Hunter appeared at least in the 1986, 1990, 1993, and 1994 annual Spyderco product (catalogs. (other catalogs in 1983-1994 range?)

Designer

Spyderco

History, mentionings etc. from the forums

• "ATS 55 Ironstone Hunter Photos...." thread on the Spyderco forums.

Information from the Spyderco catalog on the web

Not listed.

Variations

All Hunter variations are made in Seki City, Japan, and have a

• Back Lock locking mechanism, a
• drop-point style blade, and a
• metal clip in right and left hand versions, tip-down.

Starting around 1992 a "G-2" stamp was put on the blades. In 1994? the stamp was changed to "GIN-1".

SKU	Handle	Edge(s)	Steel	MSRP	Note	Number made	Grind	Clip	Collectors club
C03P	Stainless Steel	PE	GIN-1/G-2	98.95$ (1993)	1983-1993	N/A	Hollow	Metal, right and left hand versions, tip-down
C03S	Stainless Steel	SE	GIN-1/G-2	98.95$ (1993)	1983-1993	N/A	Hollow	Metal, right and left hand versions, tip-down
C03PS	Stainless Steel	PS 40/60	GIN-1/G-2	104.95$ (1994)	1994, new blade style, Ironstone Hunter	N/A	Hollow	Metal, right and left? hand versions, tip-down
C03PS	Stainless Steel	PS	GIN-1/G-2	?	1994, new blade style, with wood inlay (Japanese only? C13-variant?)	?	Hollow	Metal, right and left hand versions?, tip-down
C03PS	Stainless Steel	PS	GIN-1/G-2	?	1994, new blade style, with wood inlay (Japanese only? C13-variant?)	?	Hollow	Metal, right and left hand versions?, tip-down
C03PS	Stainless Steel	PS 40/60	ATS-55	?	?, Hunter handle with new blade style in ATS-55, result of later blade replacement?	?	Hollow	Metal, right hand, tip-down

Most collectible variation

Questions regarding collecting the C03

• There are open questions marked with '?' above and below. Any answers?

Technical information

Measurements of the C03 Hunter:

Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
?	?	67mm	?	?	?	109g
6 5/8"	?	2 5/8"	?	?	1/8"	3.84oz

Measurements of the C03 Hunter with newer blade style:

Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
?	?	?	?	?	?	?
6 5/8"	?	2 3/4"	2 5/8"	?	1/8"	3.75oz