Buck stockman

R

rdg

Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
671
I'm interested in a Buck stockman, the large one - 301 I think is the model number. Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of these?
I've been using an Old Timer stockman for many, many years and it's still very good, my favorite in fact. I just got interested in the Buck and wonder how it is for quality and blade sharpness. My OT sharpens up very nicely.
I've carried Spyderco's and folding hunters and still haven't found any shortcomings in the stockman pattern.
Thanks for your input.
Bob
 
First thing rdg is welcome to the forums.
The Buck stockman (301) is a good knife and being a Buck you cannot go wrong.I've had one in the past.
 
I have had both Old Timers and Bucks for many years, and love them both. In my opinion they are of similar quality and price, model for model. The Buck will sharpen as nicely as your Old Timer does, and the steel is more stain resistant. Some consider that a plus and others do not. Make your own decision on that. As far as edge retention, durability and over all quality, I think they are very similar. Besides all that, if you don't have a Buck, you need one!
 
You will not go wrong with a Buck. I have several Bucks and Schrades and like them both. The 301 is an awesome knife and will sharpen up and hold an edge as well as just about any other knife. Buck has great customer service as well. One word of caution, if you buy a Buck you will want to buy more. Hope you enjoy.
 
I have had a Buck 307 stockman since 1988 and it's a great knife.The newer models have a thinner bevel(Buck calls it edge 2000 I think).It will be a little harder to sharpen than your Old Timer since it is stainless,but thats a trade-off for stain resistance.The 307 is 4 1/4 inches long with a 3 1/4 inch main blade,I think it is Bucks largest stockman.
 
I have a 303 Cadet and it is a great knife. My grandfather had a 301 and he used it HARD for years. Sadly, the knife outlasted him and it is now in my hands. The scales are worn smooth, the bolsters scratched, and the main blade sharpened down to about 1/2 of it's original size, but it still cuts like laser.
Matt
 
Hi rdg, welcome to BF.
My wife bought me a Buck 301 so many years ago I would be hard
pressed to know what year. I do know that Buck has change the steel
at least once since then. That knife has done everything that I asked
of it, it is one tough knife. That being said, about 12 to 15 years
ago I started making hunting knives out of D2 ( I never have made folders), I just could not believe how D2 holds an edge. I wanted a
pocket knife that would really hold an edge, so I had Al Crenshaw in OKLA make a knife out of CPM 440V. It does hold an edge very well. Maybe I am silly, but I still carry the Buck too.
Queen Knives makes pocket knives out of D2, you might want to see if
they have the stockman in D2. D2 has some stain resistance, but not
like the Buck. Good luck in your search.
 
I have a Queen Canoe in D2, and it is a wonderful knife. The blades were quite dull when I got it, and it took a while with the sharpmaker to put an edge on it, but I haven't needed to since the first time. It is a VERY wellmade knife, and I know they have stockman's in a variety of handle materials. Good images of them are at http://www.knifecenter.com

That said, it is hard to go wrong with something from Buck. They are solid, and if in 30 years you wear it out, just send it in and they will refurbish it. (Seriously).

Having just replied about Buck 110's in another thread, and Queen in this one, I realize I have on me a Buck 110, the Canoe, a Benchmade Griptilian, a Leatherman Micra and a butterknife-dull balisong to play with. My wife must be right - I am crazy.

Al
 
You'll like a 301. It is every bit as good as the Old Timer (I have both:) ). On mine, the springs seem stronger on the Old Timer, but they are plenty good enough on the Buck. The integral liners/bolsters and in-line blades on the Buck make it unique among stockmen knives. And it really does, especially with diamond stones, take a wicked edge. Can't go wrong!
 
I have a 701 stockman which was my Dad's, and I don't carry it because the springs are too weak. The main blade folds when cutting cheese, which would never happen with my Vic Electrician.
 
"I have a 701 stockman which was my Dad's, and I don't carry it because the springs are too weak. The main blade folds when cutting cheese..."

===================================

If you're interested in that knife as a user, I'd definitely recommend sending it back to Buck for a tune-up (they REALLY stand by their lifetime guarantee). If it's got more sentimental value than anything, well, that's a different story.
 
i don't know much about Buck steels. but my father, who was a tool grinder and machinist has carried one of two Buck stockmans his whole life.

he loves it when i show him a new 'tactical' knife. he just smiles, pulls out the Buck and says: "this is all i've ever needed. and it's older than you are."

:)

Metis
 
Welcome to the forums.
The quality of the Buck and OT slipjoints are pretty equal with a slight edge going to the Buck. Both are great knives. Buck's reputation for customer service is second to none. The stockman is one of the truly great old patterns.

Paul
 
I've had both and liked the 303 a little more. It just seemed to have an edge in quality. Price was not a problem since I paid the same amount for each. The Old Timer didn't let me down, but the Buck seemed to be better built and had a nicer finish. You won't go wrong with either, but why not buy both?
 
I've had an old 301 for at least 16/17 years. I've reprofiled the blades to roughly a 25 degree included angle, so the blades show the scratches from that, but the knife is a bear. It serves and cuts like a gem.

I've got 2 of the new type 301s with the hollow-ground blades and super sharp factory edges.

You can't go wrong with a 301.:cool:
 
I kept wondering why everyone kept talking about a 301 as Bucks largest stockman knife when the 307 is larger.So I went to Buck's website and alas it seems the 307 is no longer made.It describes the 301 as being 3 7/8's inches long closed,with a 4 inch main blade,must be some knife!
 
Willis--I have my new 301 in front of me. The main blade measures about 2 7/8"---closed length is 4". A 4" blade is not going to fit into a 3 7/8's handle.;)
 
Thats why I said it must be some knife,go to Buck's site and check out the snafu.And to think some as*hat got paid to proofread the thing.He or she should be decently fed and then decently shot.:)
 
Thats why I said it must be some knife,go to Buck's site and check out the snafu.And to think some as*hat got paid to proofread the thing.He or she should be decently fed and then decently shot.:)
 
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