A Comparison

Trout Hound

Trout Hound

Joined
Sep 28, 2014
Messages
693
Okay, first of all, I apologize if this has been covered a lot before. I'm still kinda new here, and I did some searching around, but couldn't quite find what I was looking for. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts about the differences between the current production Case slipjoints and the Buck 300 line.

Now, I know that this is kind of apples and oranges. But, these are the only traditional slipjoints left that are made in the USA at a "working man's" price, so I'm interested in comparing them.

These are the general points I've been able to gather in here so far:
1. Case is prettier, Buck is more utilitarian in appearance.
2. While Case is reliable, the Buck is generally sturdier, and can handle more abuse.
3. Case offers CV, Buck stainless wears hard and is easy to maintain.
4. Both companies have good customer service, but Buck's Is particularly great (have had great experience with them myself).

Agree? Anything to add or modify?

Now, for the million-dollar question. I know that Case has been through some significant QC issues over the past few decades, some of which still persist, and that many serious collectors will no longer buy a new Case unless they can see it in person first. I also know that the Buck 300s are not the same knives they used to be, with less impressive W&T, spring, liner, and blade configs. changed, and other issues. With all this taken into consideration, each knife being what it is, how does the consistency of fit and finish compare between the two? Is it fair to say that, for what you get, the Buck will be a more consistent product from one individual knife to the next than the Case will? That seems to be what I'm hearing, but I'd like to know what others think.

This is not so much about which brand is "better," just trying to make sure I clearly understand the different options.

Thanks!
 
Trout, Case and Buck are kind of hard to compare, as you noted. You'll have a lot more options with Case. Either way, you can't go wrong, as both companies make darn good knives.
 
I agree with liberando, both companies are great and they offer excellent knives for the price. I have a lot of cases both old and new and they are all ship shape. As far as opinion goes I go for case because they offer CV. Go with what you like!
 
- Comparing similar patterns, a Case knife will cost more
- Case uses more traditional construction and materials
- Buck's bolster and liner are once piece, which is more modern, and simplifies the knife, making it stronger and easier to manufacture
- Buck has that funky saber-hollow grind. Some folks can't see past that
- Case offers more patterns, like jacks, sodbusters, whittlers, etc.
 
I own both and like both, but I do prefer Case (both for the variety and the CV). Both companies have had QC issues and I have returned knives for various reasons so nowadays I prefer to buy in person so I can inspect it and not have to go through the hassle of sending it back.
 
Not sure if you're only asking philosophical questions about Buck and Case, or if you're wanting suggestions for a pocketknife to purchase...

If I had to choose between the looks of a Case pocketknife and the reported durability of a Buck, I'd buy a Boker. :D

And with Great Easterns starting at $65-ish... :o
 
The only blade i have ever had break was on a Buck.
Simply sticking it into some wood while cutting a pile of rope.
Customer service was great, they sent a free replacement.
The second knife broke the same as the first.
I tossed it, as the original had been given by my now
ex-wife. I do have an old 110, and a fixed blade 119
I bought as a teenager.
Don't forget Bear and Son in the American working mans
price category. I have only bought 1 case in the past
8 years or so. Gec and queens schatt and morgan line
seem to get most of my knife$. I just buy fewer knives...
Good luck with your search!
 
Jody744 said:
The only blade i have ever had break was on a Buck.
Simply sticking it into some wood while cutting a pile of rope.
Customer service was great, they sent a free replacement.
The second knife broke the same as the first.
Click to expand...

What model was this Buck? A lot of Buck hunting knives have an extreme clip with a swedge, resulting in a needle point. It may be good for processing game, but not so good for a utility knife.
 
Go to a real knife store, one that is not in another big store. Handle a bunch of them and pick what you like. You can debate this till everyone is blue. Its about what you like, none are perfect......300Bucks
 
I vastly prefer Case knives. They look better and feel better to me. Buck's springs are just too mushy for my taste. Buck's steel is slightly better, but not really a factor for me in a light to medium use pocket knife, as Tru-Sharp is just fine. Having said that, 300 has the best advice-- handle both and decide for yourself.
 
I just hate trying to put and edge on bucks. Never had a problem with other knives especially case, but that hard buck steel seems to take me all day. Durable, but dang. I miss the Uncle Henrys and Old Timers of old. Loved those knives.
 
What have been the common QC issues with Buck in recent years? I have seen a few complaints about blade play and handle finish on 110s. What else?
 
I have 2 Buck knives and 2 Case.

One of each has blade play and the other feels indestructible.

But I would still go for Case, they are nicer to look at, even the workman series.
 
I like both. Bucks are tough and utilitarian and because of that and price point they tend to get a pass on the QC issues many ding Case for. Case makes some pretty tough knives (Case 6375) and some that are a little more elegant.

That being said, if I need a really tough knife...... I'm going fixed blade anyways.
 
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