Buck Trio Question

mattz357

mattz357

Joined
Jun 20, 2002
Messages
873
I looked at a Trio at Walmart the other day and was disappointed to see that it was made in China (I think it was China, but not USA for sure). How long ago did this start, and are all of them made overseas now, or just the ones Walmart sells? Is it still possible to find a made in USA model? Thanks in advance!
 
The Buck 370 series pocketknives are made in China.

371 Large Stockman
372 Muskrat
373 Med. Stockman (Trio)
375 Lancer
379 Solo (1 blade)
380 Mini-Trapper
382 Medium Trapper
384 Large Trapper

They are great knives, the 300 series are still made in the USA.
 
The Chinese slipjoints suck! They have harsh edges everywhere. I picked up 3 different models, all of them were brash and unfinished for a pocket knife. Further, the corners were uncomfortable when gripped firmly.

I won't buy Chinese "Bucks". If it ain't made in the USA, throw it back!

Red
 
I have several of the Chinese made slipjoints, including the Holiday tin pair. They vary in quality from very good to fair. And to be perfectly honest - so do the USA made ones I have purchased lately.

My best Buck slipjoint, by far, is a Cadet (model 303) USA made in 2000. It is perfect as to fit and finish.

I agree with the Made in USA sentiment; we should definitely prefer to support out domestic industries to the detriment of off shore. However, we live in a global economy and there are realities to that. Buck has leveraged their production to allow for about 30% of their line to come from China while still producing quality product from the USA. It allows them to make a profit and still manufacture here. Personally, I'm glad they are around and haven't gone under like so many other companies have.

When it comes to the 110 though, nothing touches it. I am absolutely amazed by the cutting performance of my Alaskan Guide 110. Now that's a knife!

My wife thinks the 300 series knives are much better looking than the 370/380 series, Chinese made. So, if you need a slipjoint to attract the fairer sex, go with the 303 and family. :)

Dean
 
Two months ago, if anyone was going to get on the soapbox about praising USA made 300's I would have been there with them, sword (or 307) in hand. BUT, I broke down and actually bought a China Buck as a flight of fancy. Well, I will tell you the 372 Collector's Edition 2006 that I got was fitted and finished as good as the best of my several hundred USA models. I have handled others peoples China's and gun show examples that were not perfect.
All in all this is my statement : You stand a better chance getting a USA 300 with perfect finish when buying one without handling it first. But, if you will put your hands on the China Buck before buying, you can get a gem also. Will always be a 99% USA man no matter what, It must just be in the water.:p
 
I've handled and compared alot of both, and of the ones I have handled and purchased and use, so far it runs about dead even on overall quality between the 300 and 370 domestics and imports.

Whichever line a person chooses, they are a great bargain for the money.
 
My new Trio is made in China. It appears to be very well made to me. It's going to rattle around in my pocket with my keys and cut random things. I'll let you know if it falls apart or otherwise craps out on me.
 
I always follow these import knife threads with interest. For me I don't like to buy an import product from a classic American brand (Buck or whoever) but I don't mind buying an imported knife from a company like CRKT.

I wonder if Buck ever considered creating a separate brand for their imported knives? It seems to work well for Spyderco-Byrd, even to the point where Byrd knives are gaining their own following.
 
I'm with you on this. Classic American brands should be owned and made by Americans. Es tut mir leid Habbei. Aber bin ich sicher dass Sie verstehen konnen. VWs en Mexico gebaut?! Schrecklich.
 
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