Buck 301 Stockmen

K

kidwholaughs

Joined
Jan 17, 2004
Messages
1,189
Hey guys,

Some of my first "nice" knives were Bucks. I am getting a little sentimental. I'd like to get a 301 stockmen for old times's sake. But I really want a 301 with SS bolsters and liners. Btw, how the fit and finish on the 2009 batches. Are they comparable to Case and Queens? How is the QC ? Thanks

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God Bless
 
Sad to say, they are not up to the level of fit and finish of Case and Queen. (Though they may well come sharper out of the box.)

That said, I've got a 301 in my pocket right now and it's a fine user, warts and all.

I had to have a current year 301 replaced by Buck. To their credit, their customer service was excellent.
 
Don't know about the 2009 batch, but from 2006 - 2008 were no where near Case quality (I don't have a Queen to compare one to). This is why I have been buying imported Bucks. The domestic Bucks all had blade play, bad fit and finish, and some had wierd grind marks on the blades. Spey blades would stick up when closed, springs would settle too deeply, or sorts of things. They were totally useable, but not up to standards. And I looked at a variety of Bucks. 301s, 303s, Companions, etc. Any and all black handled Buck slippie I'd find in the store I would look at, and handle. Always disappointed. I really wanted one, but couldn't justify the price for a less then high quality knife. Hopefully the new ones are better, as I really want a domestic Buck. Just something traditional about a black handled Buck.
 
Blues said:
It's a workhorse. Get one. Carry it Use it. Not exactly collector stuff.
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That's true, but it's the principle though. I can't stand getting a good knife to expect fit and finish problems and using it as a beater. I would rather spend a little more and get a knife that doesn't grind my gears.

Btw, would Buck cover the shipping if I sent one in for quality issues?

God Bless
 
Now Blues, collector stuff is collector stuff, is collector stuff. My insurance man doesn't think they aren't collector stuff. 300Bucks
 
300Bucks said:
Now Blues, collector stuff is collector stuff, is collector stuff. My insurance man doesn't think they aren't collector stuff. 300Bucks
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Well, I was referring specifically to the 2009 version 301 which I'd chance replacing out of pocket should the unthinkable happen. ;)


:p
 
kidwholaughs said:
That's true, but it's the principle though. I can't stand getting a good knife to expect fit and finish problems and using it as a beater. I would rather spend a little more and get a knife that doesn't grind my gears.

Btw, would Buck cover the shipping if I sent one in for quality issues?

God Bless
Click to expand...

Kid, I've bought 2 recent Buck 301's. (OK recent by my standards. One 301 was a 1997 and the other was a 2007) Both were of good quality as far as fit and finish. Not as fancy as a Queen. Not as smooth and rounded as a Case. But the blade steel is good. The scales fit perfectly. The blades are centered and when they are opened, line up perfectly flat and even with the back springs. The springs have reasonable tension.

I carry them often. Got one in my pocket as I type this.
 
I have a 301 from 2008 and it is real close to perfect. I am very happy with it. I say go for it. If you are not happy with the one you get Buck will make it right with you. I have no doubt about that.
Jim
 
Purchased a 301 on line earlier this year. A combination of weak springs and rubbing blades caused the clip blade to not close completely. Threw it on the dresser and forgot about it. Called Buck last week. Was told to "send it in". Got my replacement today. Good fit and finish, strong springs, good grind lines, and sharp! I expect it to be a great edc. I will continue to buy Buck products. Great customer service!
 
After seeing, all these posts. I am more impressed with Buck's customer service than their quality control. I will buy one and post a review about it. It is an American institution after all.

God Bless
 
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