Buck Cadet 303...

[Jazzman]

Last Saturday I picked up a Buck Cadet from a local military surplus store. For the 26 bucks that I payed for this little knife, I am very impressed. For starters, all of the blades were shaving sharp right out of the package. I've gotten tactical knives with dull blades, so I was surprised that I didn't have to touch up any of the 3 blades. The handle is delrin and it is fit perfectly to the bolsters and there are no protrusions or edges that make holding the knife uncomfortable. The blades open smoothly and the tolerances on this knife look amazing. When shut, the blades are so close together you can barely slip a piece of paper between them, but they don't grind against each other at all. I bought this knife as a rememberance of my grandfather that used to carry a 301 Stockman, but this knife just may become my new EDC. Walmart is selling a version with a poly pearl handle that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a great little pocket knife.
Matt

 

[allenC]

The 303 is an terrific pocketknife.
I especially like the fact that there are no back spacers between the springs.
A very smooth knife.

Allen.

 

[DB1]

One of my favorite slipjoints. Excellent quality for the price. The size is perfect, and it tends to get pocketed before my other, pricier slips...

 

[James Y]

I went to Buck Knives today and visited their factory store. I bought a "factory blemish" cadet with the pearl poly handles for $14. Honestly, I don't know what the factory blemish is, because there's nothing wrong or off about the knife. Ironically, the very first Buck knife I bought in 1978 was a cadet, (old-style, Camillus-made for Buck) and I paid about $15. for that then.

I'm not sure what the pearl-poly is, whether it's some type of nylon, or glass?? It sure looks classy, though.
Jim

 

[Jazzman]

Update:
After some whittlin' and breaking down some boxes (ok, cutting some boxes for fun), I found that although the edge was still sharp, it wasn't nearly what it was. A few strops on the cardboard brought back some "scrape" shaving abilities, but a quick run on the 204 brought it back to a razor. This is probably one of the sharpest knives I own right now! I really like this knife! BTW, congrats on the find!
Matt