301? 303?

[315]

Well, I only have 1 301 and 1 303, but plenty of Schrade 34OT and 8OT knives. I prefer the older Bucks with the 2 spring design over the newer ones. Given that, if it’s just a drop in my pocket and go about my business the 303 would probably be that knife. If I were back on the farm or doing a serious labor job I’d take the 301. A good buddy is a plumber and he uses the daylights out of his 301.

 

[Jared Clinger]

I still have my grandpa’s 301 stockman, my dad’s 301 stockman, and a couple of my own. When my daughter asked why I needed three blades I told her that if you had to scrape cow crap off your pants you still had two clean blades to cut jerky with.

 

[315]

told her that if you had to scrape cow crap off your pants you still had two clean blades to cut jerky with.

In my younger days a quick rinse in the creek or water tank and wiped off on my jeans and I’d be ready again, but I like your line of thinking

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

When I worked in a machine shop, I carried the 301 Stockman, and I carried it for many years. It's the right size for a working knife. I purchased a 307, but I never carry it, it's to big since I am retired and don't need a real big knife knife in my pocket. My wife bought me the 303 at a small knife show for 8 bucks, and it's just the right size, but I don't carry it because I don't want to lose it. It was kinda dirty when I got it, but it cleaned up really well. I wouldn't take anything for it, since she bought it for me.

So, if I were you, I would carry the one I wanted to carry, regardless of what everyone else suggested. I like older knives, like me.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

 

[J Buck]

I have all 3 sizes. Carried a 301 from 1976 - 1985. Then smaller knives. When I carry a stockman now it's usually the 303.

 

[doulos]

I have all 3 sizes. Carried a 301 from 1976 - 1985. Then smaller knives. When I carry a stockman now it's usually the 303.

Love them both! And, prefer the Camillus made Bucks.

 

[afishhunter]

So, if I were you, I would carry the one I wanted to carry, regardless of what everyone else suggested

No can do. I haven't/can't find a 307 that's in good shape,  and is within my budget.
"Best" I can do is carry a 301 or 373, if/when I want a different cover material.

I tried the 373 to see if I would like the 303. I gave it away. Too small, I  know they aren't, but the blades on the 373/303 look ... flimsy ... to my six (with bifocals) old eyes. I am just not comfortable with a "medium" stockman, I guess. Oh well. Leaves more for those who prefer that size stockman.

 

[1911bphil]

I prefer the 307. It fits my XL hands better than the others. I carry mine in my right front pocket. I have other traditional slip joints, but I keep going back to my 307s.

 

[eveled]

The bigger the better.

 

[kyhunt]

I prefer for most days the 301 sized even when it’s not a Buck. There are sometimes when I just prefer the larger 307 size or the smaller 303 size. But to me the 301 size is pretty close to perfect.

 

[kyhunt]

Aside from Official Cub Scout and Boy Scout pocketknives (and a few long forgotten Providence made cheapies), my first good quality pocketknife was a Buck 301, thinking around November 1972. I carried it until my Grandma passed in 1989, it was a gift from her). I put it away and went to smaller Stockman knives made by Schrade USA, but added a Buck 303 after several years. I really prefer a size Buck Knives doesn’t offer - 3-1/2” for me is perfect, so I carry a Case 18 pattern many days. I really, really wish Buck would get serious with a nice line of Idaho made 300 series like they had in the old Camillus days, but until then I alternate a Buck 303, a 34OT, an 897UH, and a box full of Case 18 & 32 patterns for my EDC. OH

I must admit that I really like the Case 18 a lot. I have one I carried for a few years, but it hasn’t been on my pocket in quite some time. I actually love the slender main blade on it.