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

Sal Glesser

History, mentionings from the forums etc.

• "ATS 55 Ironstone Hunter Photos...." thread on the Spyderco forums.
• Post by "Ted" about the Iron Hunter 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,
• drop-point style blade.

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

SKU	Handle	Edge	Steel	From/To	MSRP	Note	Number made	Grind	Clip	Clip positions	Collectors club
C03P	Stainless Steel	PE	GIN-1/G-2	1983-1993	98.95$ (1993)		N/A	Hollow	3- screw old standard clip	LH+RH, TD	Earlier
C03S	Stainless Steel	SE	GIN-1/G-2	1983-1993	98.95$ (1993)		N/A	Hollow	3- screw old standard clip	LH+RH, TD	Earlier
C03PS	Stainless Steel	PS 40/60	GIN-1/G-2	1994	104.95$ (1994)	new blade style, Ironstone Hunter; left hand version?	N/A	Hollow	3- screw old standard clip	RH, TD
C03PS	Stainless Steel	PS	GIN-1/G-2	1994	?	new blade style, with wood inlay (Japanese only? C13-variant?); left hand version?	?	Hollow	3- screw old standard clip	RH, TD
C03PS	Stainless Steel	PS	ATS-55	2000	82.95$ (2000)	new blade style in ATS-55, Iron Hunter	?	Hollow	3- screw old standard clip	RH, TD	Variant

Most collectible variation

Questions regarding collecting the C03

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

Technical information

Measurements (mm and grams) of the C03 Hunter:

Variations	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
Older blade style	?	?	67mm	?	?	?	109g
Newer blade style	?	?	?	?	?	?	?

Measurements (inches and ounces) of the C03 Hunter:

Variations	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
Older blade style	6 5/8"	?	2 5/8"	?	?	1/8"	3.84oz
Newer blade style	6 5/8"	?	2 3/4"	2 5/8"	?	1/8"	3.75oz

Pictures

C03P Hunter	C03S Hunter	C03PS Hunter (Ironstone Hunter)
C03 Hunter, closed, clip side