From what I understand, and I am not that informed on these matters, it's more about the heat treatment then the steel. Of course some metals are more useful then others, but what I mean is, you can have two knives of the same steel, 420 for example, and treat them differently. They will hold edges differently and cut differently. I think Tru-sharp is a 420 steel, no?
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Buck 301 or Case Stockman?
- Thread starter chewbacca
- Start date
From what I understand, and I am not that informed on these matters, it's more about the heat treatment then the steel. Of course some metals are more useful then others, but what I mean is, you can have two knives of the same steel, 420 for example, and treat them differently. They will hold edges differently and cut differently. I think Tru-sharp is a 420 steel, no?
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I'm not sure if this has come up yet, but one thing to bear in mind, too, is that the Buck 301 is a (wider) three-spring design and the Case Medium Stockman pattern is a two-spring type - at least mine is. That might be important in the long term when it comes to pocket carry.
I love the Buck, and the nice thick feel of it; but the Case is appealing as well.
Aw, jeez, man, you really oughta know NOT to say something like that around here.
I bet 1/3 of these guys already have little dolls made up in your image stickin' 'em with their favorite slipjoints and all.**
thx - cpr
**ps - not me though. I don't even know what you look like.
I love the Buck, and the nice thick feel of it; but the Case is appealing as well.
Besides, I'm just gonna end up leaving 'em all to you knuckleheads and I probably (but not definitely) won't be worrying about what you do with 'em after that. Then again...
Aw, jeez, man, you really oughta know NOT to say something like that around here.
I bet 1/3 of these guys already have little dolls made up in your image stickin' 'em with their favorite slipjoints and all.**thx - cpr
**ps - not me though. I don't even know what you look like.
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Aw, jeez, man, you really oughta know NOT to say something like that around here.
thx - cpr
**ps - not me though. I don't even know what you look like.
Well, Chris, I've got a pretty strong suspicion that they were doing that already.
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Well,
I get busy and there is a long thread on Buck Slipjoints. Just my luck..........
Like a Tank........I can live with that. To half answer the OP question. At this very moment, if you laid out a tray of Buck slipjoints and said I could only carry one for the next 25 years, I would pick around and pull out a 'light grey' Dymondwood scaled 303. (the buffalo scale limited edition costs too much for a first stockman). When I say light grey, I am saying wood ashes grey. To me it's the best standard issue Buck in either 301 or 303 design (both stockman just different size). You have to go somewhere and hand pick the grey color. Second would be the black sawcut.....AKA 'The Tank'. I pick the DW over the zytel just for "knife beauty". The plastic scale probably has a slightly firmer grip on the liner. But the grey laminated wood looks more like a knife-of-nature......
Now don't speak of this to anyone, but I think I know someone who was related to the sister of a guy who heard that not too long in the future there might be a "special" steel Buck slipjoint. But don't say you heard that from me. Also don't get out your checkbook it might get dusty before it actually happens......but the word 'eventually' gives me hope.
300Bucks
I get busy and there is a long thread on Buck Slipjoints. Just my luck..........
Like a Tank........I can live with that. To half answer the OP question. At this very moment, if you laid out a tray of Buck slipjoints and said I could only carry one for the next 25 years, I would pick around and pull out a 'light grey' Dymondwood scaled 303. (the buffalo scale limited edition costs too much for a first stockman). When I say light grey, I am saying wood ashes grey. To me it's the best standard issue Buck in either 301 or 303 design (both stockman just different size). You have to go somewhere and hand pick the grey color. Second would be the black sawcut.....AKA 'The Tank'. I pick the DW over the zytel just for "knife beauty". The plastic scale probably has a slightly firmer grip on the liner. But the grey laminated wood looks more like a knife-of-nature......
Now don't speak of this to anyone, but I think I know someone who was related to the sister of a guy who heard that not too long in the future there might be a "special" steel Buck slipjoint. But don't say you heard that from me. Also don't get out your checkbook it might get dusty before it actually happens......but the word 'eventually' gives me hope.
300Bucks
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DallasSTB
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That is absolutely right about the heat treatment. However, on a purely personal note I prefer the Buck 420HC to the Case Tru-Sharp. I just put a wicked sharp edge a couple of days ago on the clip-point blade in my 301 and it's years old. Buck does 420HC better than anyone else IMO. That said, Tru-Sharp is fine steel for pocket-knives and will suit you well if that is your choice.
So what everyone here is saying is BUY BOTH. My first post in the traditional forum, and you guys already know me too well. I guess it will be a game time decision. I will be heading in to town Thursday night, and will probably decide on the way to the store.
What kind of steel did this guy who's sister heard from a guy at Buck mention? 13C26? S30V? This might drive me toward the Case now, holding out for the ridiculous exotic steel Buck later...
What kind of steel did this guy who's sister heard from a guy at Buck mention? 13C26? S30V? This might drive me toward the Case now, holding out for the ridiculous exotic steel Buck later...
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I have a couple of 301's and use them often. I consider them bomb-proof.
I have a hard time differentiating between the edge retention of Buck 420HC and Case CV. Buck 420HC holds an edge better than Case Tru-Sharp.
As some folks grew up with Case knives, I spent a number of years as a young man using a Camillus-made Buck 303. (The current Buck 303 design is actually extremely similar in sizing to the Camillus-Buck 303. I have both.) The result is a penchant towards all things Buck just as some folks around have a penchant for Case. Now about that 301 you'll be buying...
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chewbacca,
Don't think about 'exotic' steel, that was me just pulling the strings on the regular Buck formites. Knarfeng is a metal guy, I respect his opinion. But I think your idea is the best one, go to the store handle both. Which ever floats to the top in your hand get that one. Then when the situation allows get the other. Then you can give us your evaluation after using them both. I collect Bucks, I enjoy having someone show me a quality knife of any kind, I just have to spend my dollars on Bucks. And am not sorry for doing so.
300Bucks
Don't think about 'exotic' steel, that was me just pulling the strings on the regular Buck formites. Knarfeng is a metal guy, I respect his opinion. But I think your idea is the best one, go to the store handle both. Which ever floats to the top in your hand get that one. Then when the situation allows get the other. Then you can give us your evaluation after using them both. I collect Bucks, I enjoy having someone show me a quality knife of any kind, I just have to spend my dollars on Bucks. And am not sorry for doing so.
300Bucks
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Well, now I know just what knife to leave you.
:thumbup:
LMAO
As far as the quality goes between the two, it seems both have stepped up and made some improvements. However there is always a chance of getting one that really shouldn't have left the factory.. I like both, but for different reasons.
I know funds are tight for a lot of us, but if you can swing it, get one of each and do your own comparison to see which you like better
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My grandfather said to never trust a company that would offer a lifetime warranty - he said if they can't fix it, they'll kill you.
slimshaneee
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LOL mnblade that is awesome. I have never heard that said before and it really made me laugh.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Sounds like wisdom to me.
Seriously though, if I were choosing between a knife with a lifetime warranty and a 25 year warranty, all other things being comparable, I'd go with the lifetime. So, I wanted to clear this up for the OP, so that he doesn't base his decision on incorrect info.
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keep in mind that case makes both models that are larger and smaller than the 301 with a choice of carbon and stainless,and different blade shapes in the medium stockman catagory,as well as your choice of handle materials.there is really no single medium stockman to compare to the 301.take a look at the new humpback stockman,it is a retro pattern with really cool handle material options.
Thanks for all the info guys. Things like spring strength are not things I would have known about without your help. Whichever knife I choose, I will know better what too look for.
It also sets my mind at ease that at least I had narrowed it down to two quality products, and that in the opinions of those "in the know" I can't really go wrong with either one.
It also sets my mind at ease that at least I had narrowed it down to two quality products, and that in the opinions of those "in the know" I can't really go wrong with either one.
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Absolutely true.