Buck 301 help

[RockyNomad50]

I have two Buck 371s and am looking to add a 301 USA made knife to my collection. I know the previous iteration was discontinued and there is a new version, with different handle material, for 2025. I am leaning towards the looks of the previous version but would like any input on a comparison of the two.

 

[knarfeng]

I have two Buck 371s and am looking to add a 301 USA made knife to my collection. I know the previous iteration was discontinued and there is a new version, with different handle material, for 2025. I am leaning towards the looks of the previous version but would like any input on a comparison of the two.

Moving to the home of all things, "Buck", The Buck Forum.

 

[pjsjr]

Welcome to the Buck Forum, these two links should help get you started. A search for Buck 301 will yield more.

M

Thread 'New 301 Stockman & 303 Cadet...Underwhelmed.'

Nov 18, 2025

Received a 301 Stockman and 303 Cadet today. Bought directly from Buck. Have to say. I'm a bit underwhelmed with both. Neither came very sharp out of the box and on the Stockman especially. Neither came very sharp and the clip point on the Stockman is very weak when closed. Ordered both in black. I've also ordered several 100 Series knives in the past this year, all in Cocobolo and several 110's and 112's, either for Christmas presents for friends or for my own collection and they all have been fantastic, flawless and very sharp out of the box. But these particular 301 and 303's have left...

• MustardTiger
• Replies: 4
• Forum: Buck Knives

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Post in thread 'Where are the new 301's & 303's ?'

Aug 24, 2025

Speaking of 301s ... Special "dealer only" runs have begun: Red Hill Cutlery Buck Special Edition Limited Fire Red 301 Stockman

• DrMegabyte

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[AR-Trvlr]

I've got several (or six) of the new 301s, and a large number of older ones. I'd order whichever you like better. Slight difference in the blade arrangement that no one other than a collector will care about. I think there were some initial QC issues with the new 301s, but I think they've worked them out. And if not, Buck will make it right. Order a new one from Buck or find an older one on the 'bay or elsewhere.

 

[FranklinG]

I've got several (or six) of the new 301s, and a large number of older ones. I'd order whichever you like better. Slight difference in the blade arrangement that no one other than a collector will care about. I think there were some initial QC issues with the new 301s, but I think they've worked them out. And if not, Buck will make it right. Order a new one from Buck or find an older one on the 'bay or elsewhere.

Absolutely! R RockyNomad50 it all comes down to your own preferences. I have a couple of 371's I've taken hiking and camping; they're fantastic! If you're just looking for a very useful knife, you could stop right where you are. Your 371 is great.

However, I'm dense and have more knives than I really need. That's probably why I'm here. I have a few older 301's as well as one of the new version. All great knives that work really well for me. I don't know/care enough to opine whether they're "better" than my 371, but I like the different covers, blade grinds, etc. and I've gotten all of them second-hand so I didn't have to pay a premium. Again, it's your preference.

 

[RockyNomad50]

I specifically read somewhere about the difference between the old handle material and the new. Supposedly the old handle material feels hollow and cheap whereas the new one is supposed to be a denser material. However, one of those posts above mentioned that the new handle material felt cheap.

 

[Railsplitter]

I have two Buck 371s and am looking to add a 301 USA made knife to my collection. I know the previous iteration was discontinued and there is a new version, with different handle material, for 2025. I am leaning towards the looks of the previous version but would like any input on a comparison of the two.

I’m not certain but I think the black Sawcut 301’s were constructed the same way as the black Sawcut 303’s. The shield is not glued on and neither are the handles. Not sure about how the new models are constructed.