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I like them a lot. I carried a 301 much longer than I could manage with the 303, but I was used to a large stockman like the Case 75 or the #81 from Great Eastern.
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Buck 301 and 303 Who's Got 'em
- Thread starter TwoDogs
- Start date
I like them a lot. I carried a 301 much longer than I could manage with the 303, but I was used to a large stockman like the Case 75 or the #81 from Great Eastern.
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2013
- Messages
- 4,897
Buck 301 - 1st version
Buck 301 - 2nd version, variation 1
Buck 301 - 2nd version, variation 2
Yeller Buck 301 from 1990
Those are some great looking bucks. Particularly the original schrade version, with excellent swedges that schrade was very proficient at.
I have a 371, the Chinese made 301.
I originally got a 301 and was unhappy with it. The springs were overly weak, it had gaps and fit issues, but most importantly the spey blade tip was proud. I sent it back.
I was going to try a 303 but I found a 371 for $12 and upon looking it up found that many consider the Chinese made knives to be on par with the US made. Plus they still have the warranty. Also, I don't consider 420 a deal breaker especially from 440 so I got it.
I have to say, I think it is built just as well as the US version. Still, the spey blade was proud. I think it's designed that way. But for $12 I just dropped the kick. The spey blade has about a 6.5ish pull, compared to about a 4 on the other two, but can be difficult to open because all three nail nicks are cut with a slant so that your nail slips off. I think I prefer a stockman to have 2 springs, and these blades seem quite thick at the spine and behind the edge. I'm not sure how well it will cut, though it did ok on some cucumbers, tomatoes, and twine today.
I wanted to try a 303 because it looked like a better designed knife and I don't have a small stockman, but I think I'll just stick with this and the forum knife. I'm definitely glad it is just the clip and sheepfoot.
Though I have considered getting one of the Chinese made Canoes.
I originally got a 301 and was unhappy with it. The springs were overly weak, it had gaps and fit issues, but most importantly the spey blade tip was proud. I sent it back.
I was going to try a 303 but I found a 371 for $12 and upon looking it up found that many consider the Chinese made knives to be on par with the US made. Plus they still have the warranty. Also, I don't consider 420 a deal breaker especially from 440 so I got it.
I have to say, I think it is built just as well as the US version. Still, the spey blade was proud. I think it's designed that way. But for $12 I just dropped the kick. The spey blade has about a 6.5ish pull, compared to about a 4 on the other two, but can be difficult to open because all three nail nicks are cut with a slant so that your nail slips off. I think I prefer a stockman to have 2 springs, and these blades seem quite thick at the spine and behind the edge. I'm not sure how well it will cut, though it did ok on some cucumbers, tomatoes, and twine today.
I wanted to try a 303 because it looked like a better designed knife and I don't have a small stockman, but I think I'll just stick with this and the forum knife. I'm definitely glad it is just the clip and sheepfoot.
Though I have considered getting one of the Chinese made Canoes.