371 vs. 301

Mr.Bojangles · Oct 19, 2009

Howdy Fellas. I've only posted in this sub-forum a time or two, but I do a good bit of reading. I'm not too old yet, but I am old enough for Buck to have a special place in my heart

. I've been wanting a new slipjoint that wouldn't break the bank lately, so I headed down to my local Wally World, remembering that I had seen a Buck stockman there. Upon arriving at the sporting goods counter, I noticed that the Buck stockman was indeed the 371 imported version, and not the 301 as I had remembered. After inspecting the knife, taking note of it still having Buck's lifetime warranty, and knowing that Buck has great customer service, I ultimately purchased it, not wanting to leave empty handed. I generally prefer my knives be made in the U.S., as I'm sure many of you do. However, I am not totally opposed to owning Chinese produced knives. What I am wondering is, which of these knives do you think offers the best value? The logical assumption is the PRC produced one. I have read that these knives do not receive the same heat treatment as the US produced ones, though. Is the performance of the US knives much better? Also, from what I've read, the fit and finish isn't that much different between the two. On my particular example, there are some slight imperfections: bolster doesn't meet the scale perfectly on one side, springs don't lay completely flush, but there is no blade play when the knife is open, the pins are quite smooth, etc etc. I think certain variations of the US made 301 also come with a pocket sheath, or at least they did at one time? That would make the price difference somewhat more negligible. So, what do you all say? Are the U.S. knives better for the money? Are they even better regardless of price? Or, in this instance, do we just like seeing 'U.S.' on the tang for purely political/nostalgic reasons? Should I return the 371 and buy a 301? Or did I already get the better "bang for my Buck?" (I'm sure that's been said a million times in these parts). Thanks in advance for your insight guys!:thumbup:

Voltron · Oct 19, 2009

I gotta tell you, Mr. B. After having owned both the Dometic and imported versions of Buck's Stockman, I have to go with the import on this one. I buy the Cadet/Trio. I like the smaller size. Having had both, I think the Chinese version is better made. My 303 had blade wobble, poor fit and finish, and the blades were dull out of the box. The Import, a red wood handled "Bass Pro" exclusive, is tight, well made, solidly built, and sharp as a razor out of the box. I bought a Wally World wood handled Trio as well, and it was awesome as well. At about half the price of the "Made in the USA" ones, I think the import is a MUCH better bang for the Buck. As for the steel used? I have never had any trouble with the steel on my Trios. My edc and all time favorite knife is the Buck Canoe. It takes a much better edge then Case CV steel, and holds it forever. I use my knives for everthing, everyday, and have to just strop them once or twice a week to keep them hair poppin sharp. I normally choose US made products if I can, but my budget is tight, and the quality is great. I have no complaints.

imafritz · Oct 20, 2009

I would rather have USA of couse but I like the wood colored dymondwood on the import and the snap of the blade and tightness is superior on the import. I havnt been disappointed in the performance(in fact very happy) of the import as far as blade sharpness and ease of sharpening. I too recently noticed very slight fitment gap on the upper corner of the front of the back scale. Also seems to be a hump like a rivot coming through the dymondwood about 3/4" in front of the eschuteon plate. That being said my wish list is a USA wood colored dymondwood scale with the better heat treating and lack of any blade play like the china model.

Ps, by recent talk by some Buck officials, it seems I may get my wish-I hope

Mr.Bojangles · Oct 20, 2009

Thanks for the input guys. From what I'm hearing, the US made Bucks supposedly have a better heat treatment on them and, IMO, better aesthetics. As unfortunate as it may be, though, the fit and finish on the imports seem just as good as, if not slightly better than, the US knives for 2/3 the price. My 371 in particular has some slight cosmetic flaws as previously noted, but the blades are all razor sharp. I am still interested in purchasing a 301 at some point. However, the 371 seems to be the way to go for a good user as things currently stand. Keep the opinions coming!

mnblade · Oct 21, 2009

Mr.Bojangles, if you haven't seen it already, here is a pretty interesting video comparing the 301 and the imported 371.

I gotta tell you, if I'm in management at Buck I'd have this video playing 24/7 in the break room at the Post Falls plant as a motivator to the folks on the production line.

Doug S · Oct 21, 2009

In regard to the video link above, my experience is exactly the same. I only have one of the Chinese models to compare, but I have about 6 or so of the American versions. The fit and finish on the Chinese is better than every one of the American versions I own. Like the narrator of the video, I like the looks and the blade profiles better on the American versions, but all but one has noticable blade play, and 50% of the American versions have a weak snap when opening and closing the blades. I still like them, but it would be nice to get one of the American ones, that is as nice as the Chinese fit and finish-wise.

wolfdog · Oct 21, 2009

I have two 301s purchased in 1972 and the craftsmanship is fine. No blade play, a good "snap" when opening & closing. I realize these were not in-shop models, but they are American made. One has been an everyday user on and off over the years, the other has never been used, just opened and closed occasionally and oiled occasionally. I guess I should get a Chinese knife to compare.

Oh, one has "301" stamped on the opposite side of the blade from the "Made in USA", the other does not, though it is a 301.

wolfdog · Oct 21, 2009

Mr.Bojangles said:
So, what do you all say? Are the U.S. knives better for the money? Are they even better regardless of price? Or, in this instance, do we just like seeing 'U.S.' on the tang for purely political/nostalgic reasons?

When I lived and worked in Russia for a year, friends that I met over there were fascinated by American products. Russian made goods were so shoddy at that time that I had no problem knowing what to bring over as gifts. Having American made products gives me a feeling of pride when I travel overseas. Sure, I could have given people Swiss Army Knives, but they are so readily available and lower priced in some parts of Europe, why bother? Having a fine American made product to give as a gift was more meaningful.

Locally, I prefer supporting domestic and local craftsmen and women, just as I like supporting local farmers and cottage industries. the more "local" you go, the more personal the service. It's a good way to do business.

JD Mandrell · Oct 21, 2009

wolfdog said:
Oh, one has "301" stamped on the opposite side of the blade from the "Made in USA", the other does not, though it is a 301.

Nice pair, you "split the difference", in the early 70's the Camillus contract knives moved the model number from the "pile" (back) side to the "mark" (front) side.