Buck 301 handle recommendations?

jc57

jc57

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Nov 28, 2012
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I don't have any traditionals from Buck yet, unless you count my venerable old 110. I was thinking I might pick up a 301 Stockman. I've read several of the review threads and discussions after searching a bit but I need some help deciding on which handle style to go with:

- Yellow "ComfortCraft" Delrin
- Black sawcut synthetic
- Black Dymondwood

Anyone have any recommendations or preferences? I know that both of the synthetic handles have been discontinued but they are still available for now. I don't especially care for the new Rosewood with brass bolsters version.

Appearance-wise, they both have their charms. I was wondering if the feel or pocketability is significantly different between the apparently smooth yellow Delrin versus the sawcut? Or is the Dymondwood the happy medium?

Thanks for your opinions.
 
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- Black Dymondwood
Get it while it's still available.
Looks the best (to me, anyway) You can always pick up one of the sawcut synthetics in the future.
 
I think the sawcut synthetic may have been discontinued as well.
 
The black saw cut is my favorite by far, it is the only one with a sort of pinned shield that can never fall out, the other are glued in and not as classy looking in my opinion.
Plus I like the way the saw cut looks and feels.
 
i have the yellow. one or two people have mentioned that the sawcut black handles are a little grippier. if you do work where your hands will get wet or sweaty the black may be preferable. (i initially wanted the black sawcut but that big store i was shopping at only had one left and the blade was wobbly. thats what i get for shopping a couple days before christmas. lol)
 
Well, to be honest I'm more of a "gentleman folder" kind of guy, meaning lazy and no-account. I do use pocket knives on a regular basis but just for little simple cutting tasks, the kind a Case Peanut or SAK would no doubt be enough for most of. But the idea of a good workhorse of a knife appeals to me, so at least I can imagine that I might do some honest work some day, and I like 3-blade Stockman patterns. :D

Maybe I better see if I can find some at a local store before I make up my mind.
 
Of those choices, I like the Dymondwood best. I have a couple of knives in that medium, although most of my Buck traditionals are rosewood/brass.
 
Black sawcut says "Buck" to me. I love natural materials, but prefer delrin to composite "wood".
 
I went through the same dilemna a year ago and settled on the yellow delrin. You can't make a wrong choice, though.
 
I have the charcoal Dymondwood and I like it.


I think that Dymondwood has gotten a bit of a bad rep due to the use of the funky multicolor stuff on poorly made cheap import knives. The single color variety looks much nicer and is very durable. It wouldn't be my first choice compared to natural materials, but it is a nice option among manufactured products.
 
I have a black saw it synthetic from 2002. I haven't ever regretted the basic black. It's worn very well on a knife that has seen a lot of action. Still nice and tight, too.

I think the main reason I like that model best is the shield. The newer shield looks nice, but I like the hammer/knife/bolt shield I'm used to seeing on that series.
 
Discussion from the Buck forum indicates: charcoal dymondwood and yellow delrin are being discontinued for the 300 series. Black sawcut, cherrywood dymondwood, and rosewood dymondwood are still available.

I have a 309 in black sawcut and 302 in yellow delrin. Like them both. Yellow delrin is definitely handsomer, but slippery.
 
dogstar said:
Discussion from the Buck forum indicates: charcoal dymondwood and yellow delrin are being discontinued for the 300 series. Black sawcut, cherrywood dymondwood, and rosewood dymondwood are still available.
Click to expand...
Thanks, dogstar, that's very helpful information!
 
I'd get the yellow, it's very ergonomic, and on the way out now, if you can find one in stock I'd recommend getting one. Then again I'm a sucker for yellow Delrin. I just think it's a practical handle material, and a bit easier to find if dropped than black.
 
I'm leaning towards the yellow myself, just because of the looks. Sounds like I can still get the black Zytel down the road if I change my mind. dogstar's comment about the Delrin being slippery is the only worry.
 
I like the yeller ones. Get one while you can.
 
jc57 said:
I'm leaning towards the yellow myself, just because of the looks. Sounds like I can still get the black Zytel down the road if I change my mind. dogstar's comment about the Delrin being slippery is the only worry.
Click to expand...

Don't worry about it; if you like it, go for it. "Slippery" is relative. I haven't dropped my yellow delrin knife, yet. I've dropped my wood handled sodbuster a few times already.
 
I appreciate everyone's input. While it sounds like the black sawcut zytel is the more robust option, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on a yellow Delrin version, just for the looks and the fact that they aren't making them any longer. Thanks for the help!
 
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