buck or case

[HMC]

You're a good friend, and I commend you for taking care of your bud. I would get him a large stockman, if thats what he wants. As said before, the 301 is made in the US, and of 420HC steel, which will be fine for utility use in camp and on the hump, and will be easier to sharpen. Case knives with CV steel are very good, but I'm so-so with their ss steel. Walmart only carries the Chinese made versions, which are pretty good in their own right, but I like the fit better on the USA made ones. I have only seen the Buck US made ones in one sporting goods shop, family owned. I'm sure you can get them anywhere, but a good place to look would be the family owned sporting goods shops. As for Case, most hardware stores like ACE or mom and pop stores should have them.

I see you settled on the Moose. That should serve him well over there. Now c'mon guys, lets see what he can use as a sharpener out in the field? Helen, does he have a sharpening stone?

Yes, he does all his knives "freehand", buys his stones at the hardware store for $5, or less. For us he uses a "Razor Edge" guide or hone (I'm not sure which is which, but it's a metal thing.