301 or 303?

L

lightskyam

Joined
Mar 14, 2013
Messages
163
Which do you prefer? I'm trying to get a feel for how the users of both feel about these knives. I've been leaning towards the 301 but might end up getting both.
 
A 303 ends up in my pocket more often that a 301 does. I notice it less in my pocket and it still gets the job done.

I usually have a 110 or a Paradigm along too.
 
Stumps said:
A 303 ends up in my pocket more often that a 301 does. I notice it less in my pocket and it still gets the job done.

I usually have a 110 or a Paradigm along too.
Click to expand...

Not really sure what I'm going to go with. I'm thinking the 301 might be too big too carry in my pocket?
 
I have both and enjoy both, but I find that the 303 is pretty hard to beat for everyday carry. The blade lengths are only slightly less than that of a 301 and I find the 303 more comfortable. On the other hand, the 301 is called the Sherman tank of stockmen for a reason. I guess it just depends on how you will use it.
 
I carry both half the time but always a 303 in the watch pocket. So get the 303 first and if you need more get the 301 to keep the 303 company. :rolleyes:
 
skipper51 said:
I carry both half the time but always a 303 in the watch pocket. So get the 303 first and if you need more get the 301 to keep the 303 company. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I was thinking the other way around. I have an Old Timer thats about the size of the 303 and figured I would give the 301 a shot.
Also, I actually like the fact that the spey is a proud compared to the 303 because I would find it easier to open.
 
I thought this was rather strange. I just watched a 301 review where someone mentioned that there's a chemical smell that comes off the scales. Anyone else with this experience?
 
I was thinking the other way around. I have an Old Timer thats about the size of the 303 and figured I would give the 301 a shot.
Also, I actually like the fact that the spey is a proud compared to the 303 because I would find it easier to open.
Click to expand...

It really depends on what your needs are or maybe just what you like. My experience has been that the 301's are very easy to open so you should like them.

I've never heard of a chemical smell coming off the scales. :confused:
 
Vote for the 303 here. I find the 301 just a tad too big in the pocket, and can fit all 4 fingers of my average sized hand on either one, so my 301 stays home
 
I vote for the 303 for everyday use. There aren't too many things a 301 can do that a 303 can't, and the 303 is barely noticeable in your pocket.
 
Guys, this is like saying which type of socks feels best on your feet. Go to a store you can handle both and let them watch you as you try them in your pocket. Or borrow both from someone for a trial. A 305 is a nice knife for a business suit pocket, but I am not a fan because I don't own a suit.....or even a sport jacket.

If you can't test them, know the 301 is bigger than the 303. The 301 doesn't fit in most watch pockets in jeans in a manner that will keep if from slipping out. A 303 goes in and stays in. I carried one that way for 30 years. ( I took it out at night). I spent 25 years wearing jeans and constantly eating, so a 301 would have stood out in the front hand pocket. My last five, I wore a more slack type uniform pant and could have carried a 301 and it would not have been visible.
300
 
Last edited:
Buy both, carry both, choose one and give the other to someone that needs A knife. It's not Strider vs Sebenza, these are not $$$ knives. Either is fine but I would go with the 301. Bought a 301x at a gun show, had bone scales. Gave it to my brother in law.
 
My Dad uses a 303 and many of my Buck friends use the 303. I have a 303 my hands must be too big because the 303 seems small and due to that I carry a 301DW.
Bob
 
Will be ordering a 301 today from one of the BF dealerships. I'm going to call and ask if they can hand pick one for me and look it over before sending it out.
Should I ask them for anything in particular when selecting the 301 for me? Liners, centering etc?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top