Buck 301?

B

BenLankford

Joined
Jul 13, 2009
Messages
1,546
I'm starting to get into traditional knives and this looks like a good one to start. I've had quite a few cheap slip joints but i'm looking it some for my collection.
 
You can get the 301 in both the older type delrin handles or the new grey Dymondwood with the new shield. Great knives and they aren't a budget buster either.
 
I've got one in my pocket right now. A good, sturdy, economical knife that's up to the daily tasks you're likely to tackle.
 
Oddly enough, when I saw this thread, I was cutting off a piece of summer sausage for a snack...with a Buck 301. :D
 
Or you can get the same quality at a lower price with the Buck 371!!! I own a Buck Canoe and Buck 373, and they are awesome, and under $20. Gotta love Bucks.
 
Agree with the others, the Buck 301 is a very good choice. I carry a 301 or a 303 daily, but I think I prefer the larger 301. The new charcoal scales and blue Buck logo make for an attractive knife. The black handles have a more utilitarian look to them.
 
Here's a photo for a look-see at what you'all are talking about.
Top Left: China Buck 373, Top Right: Dymondwood 303; Bottom left: Dymondwood 301, Bottom right: Sawcut Poly 303.
What ever size suits you. Be aware, USA Buck are Bos Heat Treated 420HC and China Bucks are likely 440a or 420HC with their heat treat.
300Bucks
BuckSelection.jpg
 
Yeah the only thing I don't like about it is the 420HC steel I have carried many a buck in this steel and it has never worked out good.
 
The edge would not stay even close to sharp. I would get it up to near shaving sharp and the next day I couldnt cut butter.
 
BenLankford said:
The edge would not stay even close to sharp. I would get it up to near shaving sharp and the next day I couldnt cut butter.
Click to expand...

IF you are saying that it goes dull just sitting on the table, then it sounds like you have a wire edge problem on that Buck.

I've never had problems getting Buck 420HC sharp and having stay sharp in my pocket or sheath. I can get Buck 420HC about as sharp as Carbon steel with about the same amount of effort.

As far as edge retention during manila rope cutting, Buck 420HC lasts longer for me than Case Tru-sharp, but not nearly as long as AUS8.
 
Something sounds wrong there to me also. There are too many (millions?) of satisfied Buck users out there with that 420HC for it to be THAT bad. What are you cutting with it, wire rope?
 
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Well Ben,
Are you speaking of pre-1986 Bucks or recent models post 1990?
Looks like you should try, and I am wearing an American flag on my collar right this minute, a China Buck.
See how you like that steel. It's not a USA knife and some money goes to PRC but some goes to Idaho also. I don't buy China's just USAs because I haven't had your sharp issues.
I am starting to feel a message from the heavens that maybe some premium Buck slippes might occur in my lifetime.
I like a bunch of different companies, you give me one I will take it, but I use most of my knife $$ to collect Bucks. They are not for everybody as is anything made. You can't beat the factory support with a stick.
300
 
I have one that goes up to the inlaws with us twice a year; it handles everything with a smile. I've dropped it down gutters, peeled up old shingles, fished it out of creeks, you name it, it's been there. It's a great knife - and sharpening & edge-holding are on par with any other quality slipjoints I own. My only complaint is that the springs on mine seem to be soft - I haven't handled another in a while, so maybe that's normal.

thx - cpr
 
BenLankford said:
The edge would not stay even close to sharp. I would get it up to near shaving sharp and the next day I couldnt cut butter.
Click to expand...

You know, you might have just gotten a bad apple! Send it back and see what they tell you. A dud will always get through even on the most QC minded companies
 
BenLankford said:
Yeah the only thing I don't like about it is the 420HC steel I have carried many a buck in this steel and it has never worked out good.
Click to expand...

From this statement, I think the OP is saying they are all bad (420HC blades) not just one.
 
Ben, I have to agree with the possibility of you getting a wire edge on your Buck. Something just does not sound right here. The Buck/Bos heat treat gives you a little harder blade, and you may not be getting the wire edge off, and it's rolling on you so it feels dull after just a little use.

What kind of medium are you using to sharpen it, and are you using a strop after?

If you want, I'd like to sharpen it up for you, and give it a good stropping and send it back to you free. I'm curious to see how it acts right off the stone.
 
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