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Buck Stockmen
- Thread starter Lenny
- Start date
From what I've read and heard, the new Buck 300's are actually better than the vintage ones. Stronger frames with stainless steel liners and pins, better edges even though they may be not as eye appealing as the old flat grind with long pulls.
They are built like tanks, so no worry on durability issues. I had an old one that I used very hard for 25 years and it's still good to go. If the new ones are even better, it may be the last knife you have to buy for a very long while.
Carl.
They are built like tanks, so no worry on durability issues. I had an old one that I used very hard for 25 years and it's still good to go. If the new ones are even better, it may be the last knife you have to buy for a very long while.
Carl.
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2007
- Messages
- 990
Since I don't own any, I can't speak to the quality of the vintage 300 series. They've been around for several decades, so Buck must be doing something right.
I have one newer 301, and two newer 303's, and like both models immensely. F&F isn't perfect, and the springs are a little on the weak side. The main clip on the 301 and sheepsfoot on the 303 I came with slight, horizontal blade play. Neither of them are perfect, but they are solidl, well built knives, hold a fine edge, and I tote both on a regular basis. I grandfather has always carried Buck, so I am a teensy bit biased toward the brand.
I have a 309, which is a main clip and small pen in a 2-1/2"-ish package, with absolutely none of the above gripes. Fantastic little knife.
I have one newer 301, and two newer 303's, and like both models immensely. F&F isn't perfect, and the springs are a little on the weak side. The main clip on the 301 and sheepsfoot on the 303 I came with slight, horizontal blade play. Neither of them are perfect, but they are solidl, well built knives, hold a fine edge, and I tote both on a regular basis. I grandfather has always carried Buck, so I am a teensy bit biased toward the brand.
I have a 309, which is a main clip and small pen in a 2-1/2"-ish package, with absolutely none of the above gripes. Fantastic little knife.
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2006
- Messages
- 44,464
I have both a "vintage" 303 and several current Buck 300 models.
I actually prefer the current. It is a 3-spring design and the positioning of the blades is a bit different. The 3-spring design means that all of the blades come out straight when extended and therefore are easier to use. My 2-spring "vintage" 303 is no thinner than the 3-spring current model 303.
Among the 4 or so 301's and a couple of 303's which either I have or have gifted, none has had any blade play. I have had a couple of black 301s with a proud rivet. Noticeable, but not to the extent that I have asked Buck to fix it. Buck customer service is pretty good. If you get one with a problem, they will fix it.
I actually prefer the current. It is a 3-spring design and the positioning of the blades is a bit different. The 3-spring design means that all of the blades come out straight when extended and therefore are easier to use. My 2-spring "vintage" 303 is no thinner than the 3-spring current model 303.
Among the 4 or so 301's and a couple of 303's which either I have or have gifted, none has had any blade play. I have had a couple of black 301s with a proud rivet. Noticeable, but not to the extent that I have asked Buck to fix it. Buck customer service is pretty good. If you get one with a problem, they will fix it.
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Will Power
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2007
- Messages
- 33,661
Can't pass judgement on the old ones I'm afraid. But the new 303 in Yellow I got from the Bay has pleased me a lot.
Very credible W&T good finish too no raised springs and minimal gaps. Well sharp on arrival and I very much like the stainless liners, beginning to go off brass. It may look OK but it corrodes and smells quite strongly, so Buck's approach is welcome. Not a big fan of sabre blades in small knives but, they work alright.
Very credible W&T good finish too no raised springs and minimal gaps. Well sharp on arrival and I very much like the stainless liners, beginning to go off brass. It may look OK but it corrodes and smells quite strongly, so Buck's approach is welcome. Not a big fan of sabre blades in small knives but, they work alright.
- Joined
- May 7, 2011
- Messages
- 3,426
Can't compare to the old ones either, but my new 303 is an awesome knife, and I do agree strongly with Frank on the "one spring for each blade" construction and straight blades.
There is really nothing to improve on my yellow 303 in terms of W&T and finish, and I have to say it does get alot of pocket time. Maybe I would prefer a flat grind on the blades, but believe me, you won't go wrong with the new Buck 300 series.
Hopefully, our fellow forumite 300Bucks will chime in, he might have a few words for you on the subject
Fausto
There is really nothing to improve on my yellow 303 in terms of W&T and finish, and I have to say it does get alot of pocket time. Maybe I would prefer a flat grind on the blades, but believe me, you won't go wrong with the new Buck 300 series.
Hopefully, our fellow forumite 300Bucks will chime in, he might have a few words for you on the subject
Fausto
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2005
- Messages
- 5,533
OK Fausto,
You guys were doing well and I was letting experience speak. Was thinking on keeping quite. But, here's my comment since I was proded. Will be repeat for some.
Old 301/303 Bucks: Were first contract made by Schrade starting in 1966 for 4 years or so, had a weakness in the bolster pins. Buck changed to Camillus, were serviced by Buck till 1986. Buck took over production used 425M blades till early 90's and then went to 420hc with Paul Boz heat treat and switched to all stainless construction and three spring-uncrinked construction, you know this starts by the use of a date stamp on the tang after the model number stamp. They continue the same today, with additions of scale types and more rounded bolster ends.
Yes, some knives, not hand picked at a store, will have a issue of mass production. To compare a $40 Buck made in the up-teen thousands with a $75 S and M or Queen, made in only a couple of thousand units is just not fair. BUT, if you are not happy BUCK will make it right. It is their creedo and they walk the walk with the talk.
Like other quality knives, with good care, careful and quality sharpening, they should last a normal fellows lifetime. I have carried a Camillus contract 303 on and off for 30 years. But, now due to the penknife rebellion I am carrying a Buck 309 in stag.
Why have a Buck ? -- strong construction, good heat treat of decent steel, decent price, comes sharp and top of the heap service. Its one of the few companies still owned by the family that started it. Yes, some other folks make good knives also.
The original question......I would not turn down a good deal on a old Camillus version, but the new ones are a little better.
There you go...you asked......I collect them as a hobby and use them in "huntin' and fishin'" and slowly working my way to someday being one of Jackknifes "Old Men". 300Bucks/ch
Axis antler, 1988 425M
20 years of collecting
You guys were doing well and I was letting experience speak. Was thinking on keeping quite. But, here's my comment since I was proded. Will be repeat for some.
Old 301/303 Bucks: Were first contract made by Schrade starting in 1966 for 4 years or so, had a weakness in the bolster pins. Buck changed to Camillus, were serviced by Buck till 1986. Buck took over production used 425M blades till early 90's and then went to 420hc with Paul Boz heat treat and switched to all stainless construction and three spring-uncrinked construction, you know this starts by the use of a date stamp on the tang after the model number stamp. They continue the same today, with additions of scale types and more rounded bolster ends.
Yes, some knives, not hand picked at a store, will have a issue of mass production. To compare a $40 Buck made in the up-teen thousands with a $75 S and M or Queen, made in only a couple of thousand units is just not fair. BUT, if you are not happy BUCK will make it right. It is their creedo and they walk the walk with the talk.
Like other quality knives, with good care, careful and quality sharpening, they should last a normal fellows lifetime. I have carried a Camillus contract 303 on and off for 30 years. But, now due to the penknife rebellion I am carrying a Buck 309 in stag.
Why have a Buck ? -- strong construction, good heat treat of decent steel, decent price, comes sharp and top of the heap service. Its one of the few companies still owned by the family that started it. Yes, some other folks make good knives also.
The original question......I would not turn down a good deal on a old Camillus version, but the new ones are a little better.
There you go...you asked......I collect them as a hobby and use them in "huntin' and fishin'" and slowly working my way to someday being one of Jackknifes "Old Men". 300Bucks/ch
Axis antler, 1988 425M
20 years of collecting
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Nothing at all wrong with the newer 300 series IMO. In fact I've got a 309 in my pocket as I type this. I do have one quarrel ( a minute one ) I wish that Buck would reintroduce the full flat ground blades. However that is probably wishful thinking at best. Like Case and Schrade and virtually every other traditional knife company Buck slip joints certainly have a style and flavor all their own.
This is a big point with me as well, I hate the new blade grinds, and wish they had the flat grind again. And if they put a long pull on it, I wouldn't be put off by that either!
Carl.
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2008
- Messages
- 3,371
My only two Bucks, an early 70's 303 and a mid 80's 703, with a replacement shield. I have no newer Bucks, but if they are at least as good as these, as most everyone is saying, they must be fantastic.
Ken
Ken