Mid-price Large Stockman?

[stevomiller]

I used to own several Buck slipjoints, most likely Camillus sub-contracted, which are now long gone. I have been thinking of getting a Buck stockman to fill that void, probably a 301- once I am in a better place financially (whenever that may be). So I handled a few at Bass Pro and must say I was very dissappointed. The F/F was just ok at best, but worse, all I handled had very lazy springs. Now I don't need beartrap springs - but these were just not acceptable. ;-( I was unable to handle the Buck Chinese version (307) to see if it was any better. I also looked at some Case 3 3/4" models, which had much nicer finish, and better grinds, but many had worse fit (gaps, etc). Additionally,they were just as limp sprung, and they had thinner blade spines - too thin I felt. They didn't have a 4 1/4" model to look at, maybe it's better in this last respect? Am I stuck finding either a vintage Buck, Schrade or Camillus large stockman? Or save my $$ and spend 2-4x to buy a Boker, Eye Brand, GEC/Northfield/Tidioute (in my current life circumstance maybe never)?

Side note , I often read that the Chinese made models are essentially equal in material quality to the USA versions. As I looked at their blister packaging I noticed that some were made with 420j2 and not 420HC steel. Soooo, I guess buyer beware!

[Railsplitter]

I think your mention of a vintage Buck is a good idea. If you haven't already considered it, check out the discontinued 701. They are still relatively easy to find new in box for a reasonable price.

[Frostyfingers]

I have a USA made Schrade 8OT that is my go-to stockman. Very nice fit and finish, if a little square around the edges (easily remedied with a little sandpaper). These can still be found for a reasonable price. I paid 35 for mine mint from a vendor at a flea market.

Good luck!

Frosty

[black mamba]

You might also look for a used Moore Maker. I have a 3-1/4", a 3-7/8" and a 4-3/8" stockman from them, and they're all very nice. I believe they are Queen made, from back when that was a very good thing.

[Stich2442]

Check out Boker, the German made ones not the magnium, I have a large stockman 4" their carbon steel takes a very keen edge, I've had mine for five years and used it at work in the trades and it has held up nice. No gaps, no blade play, my scales don't match but I picked it out that way I liked both sides. Plus Boker has excellent coustomer service and a lifetime warranty. They run about $30-$36 depending where you shop more for stag.
And if you don't like carbon their 440c heat treat is really good.

[300Bucks]

Sorry you encountered weak springs, I hardly buy anything new so really can't make statement on that. BUT, it sounds like you need a Buck 307. Found quite frequently on auctions site. Bid what your able, you never know when an auction will slip by the crowd....

300Bucks

[stevomiller]

Gentlemen, thanks for all the suggestions, much appreciated.

Also, thanks for those that tipped their hat towards the Buck 707. I would need to fondle one and see how I liked the ergos and pocketability. I've only used traditional shaped stockmen - round end, square end and cattle patterns.

If I go the new route I think Boker will be the ticket. If not, any of the quality used USA mfg will do.

[whetrock]

You mention an interest in Eye Brand knives. IMO the quality of the newer production Eye Brands is probably, on a good day in the same league as a Case or Buck. I believe that you've developed quite an eye for quality and I don't think you'd be satisfied with a "middle of the road" slipjoint and should opt for something a bit nicer like a GEC or Schatt Morgan.

[stevomiller]

Whetrock,
I definitely appreciate quality, and I appreciate the heads up on Eye Brand's current state of affairs. I own only a single GEC slippie, but grew up with Bokers, Pumas, Hen & Roosters, Hubertus, Schliepers and the usual American suspects (and Jim Sasser custom). Even then I'd open a ton of boxes before putting down my $$$. My eye is keener now, if anything, but the wallet thinner. Not to moan but I just can't justify spending the money in the foreseeable future, but still want a good user.

When I get a few bucks I will hunt the auction site and see what I can poach from under the nose of the big boys.

[willgoy]

I second the carbon Bökers from Germany, Large 4" and Medium 3.75" models. Recent ones have shown very decent quality and their carbon gets there. quite a few scale options too.

[thesouthernguitarist]

Don't forget that Case makes a yellow handled large stockman in CV. I would check that one out! Also the Buck 307 is good knife, my dad carried one for years, and still has it. If push comes to shove, and you can't find anything appealing, or in your budget, you can always buy a Rough Rider, they are great knives to. Hope this helps!

[Obsessed with Edges]

About the Eye Brand knives, I have a 425DS large stag stockman from them. Sort of a mix of very good, and somewhat less-so. Their carbon steel is excellent, and takes an amazing edge. Sometimes fit & finish can look sort of sloppy though. The clip blade on my stockman has quite a bit of sideways play, which is the only major negative on mine. The stag is pretty plain too, but I don't really fret too much about that. If you get a chance to inspect one first-hand, before purchasing, I think that'd be the best way to get one.

[nmcbride]

You might also think about a rough rider they are made in China but fit and finish are pretty good and you can get one for about $10 plus a couple for shipping.

[Humppa]

Carl Schlieper, Solingen (aka Eye Brand knives) make bigger stockmen (like the size of the 301) with yellow delrin or bone handles and carbonsteel blades to a very nice price. They are available here in Germany for roundabout 45 - 55 €. Make good and solid working knives and made in Germany (which not very usual in these days).

Kind regards
Andi

[mnblade]

I was unable to handle the Buck Chinese version (307) to see if it was any better.

Actually, the Chinese version of Buck's large stockman is the 371. Based on this video, I'd say it's worth checking out.

With that said, I'll also echo the recommendations for a German-made Boker. Good knives.

Lastly, it's pretty easy to find old Camillus-made Buck 301 knives on that big auction site that my wife hates.

-- Mark

[stevomiller]

FYI, concidered maybe a 371 since they're less $$$. Buck now lists them as 420J2, and not 420HC. Blech.

[Liberando]

That certain auction site is the way to go....

About a month ago, I picked up a sweet Buck 307 (my favorite style of Buck folder) for 25 bucks...used, but in superb condition, '70s era.

There are some good deals out there.

[338375]

I have a USA made Schrade 8OT that is my go-to stockman. Very nice fit and finish, if a little square around the edges (easily remedied with a little sandpaper). These can still be found for a reasonable price. I paid 35 for mine mint from a vendor at a flea market.

Good luck!

Frosty

The U.S Schrades are always a good bet. Well made, and their 1095 takes a great edge.
I have a new 301, and it is a great knife, but it to has weak springs.
I've owned a lot of Case knives, newer and older. The springs are for the most part, fall into the area I like, but I have had some that were a little soft, and some that were literally bear traps.

Thats the hard part of buying knives you can't handle first.

[Beaver]

I too would recommend the Queen made MooreMaker 5301, 3-7/8" closed. Carbon steel, and what I like most about this knife is the Turkish clip main blade, that the blade seats low into the handles when closed.

Jay

[zinto]

Only a little bit over $40.00, if you look around, will get you a brand new Case 4-1/4" amber bone stockman with CV blades.
The classic #204. It's a great knife and a true bargain. Both of mine, bought within the past couple of years, were razor sharp out of the box
with excellent f&f.


Also, another vote for the Bokers mentioned above, for something smaller and slimmer.