Hey all I'm new to blade forums and I figured my first thread I would ask for opinions on whether to get a new buck stockman after misplacing mine or go with the case stockman. My friend recently told me that Case was a better knife, but I've been a fan of buck for many years now so I'm looking for opinions.
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Case or Buck stockman
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black mamba
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IMO the Case is a little "nicer" knife, but the Buck is more rugged and has better edge-holding steel, thanks to the BOS heat treatment. Bottom line is both makes are worth their price, so find the model that appeals to you and go for it. You can't make a wrong choice.
It all depends on what you're looking for.
The Buck and Case are two different approaches tot he same tool. If I can make an analogy, if they were trucks, the Case would be a nice pickup with all the trimmings like nice upholstery, trim, ex. The Buck 301 would be a new army deuce and a half. Rugged, built for heavy duty use. Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the idea. Both are good knives, both will do whatever you need to do, cutting wise. But the Buck, especially the new 301's vs the old Camillus 301, are brutes of a pocket knife. I think the Buck would handle the dirty work better, and I know the Buck 420HC with the Bos heat treat is great stuff.
But I have to admit I have a strong personal prejudice to the Buck. It was an old Camillus 301 I carried for 25 years as my edc, and it took everything throwwn at it, in some pretty rough parts of the world. As I understand from 300 Bucks, the new ones are even better. That would be a tough act to follow.
On the other hand, being at the stag of life I'm at now, I don't need an end of the world rugged knife, and appreciate the nicer touches now more than when I was young. Nice jigged bone, the gentle patina of CV blades, all are nice. I'd rather drive a nice pickup now than a deuce and a half. Both are good knives. And the Buck has way more choices than I had back in the old days. There's yellow scales, black scales, red scales, and some even from the Buck custom shop with horn and stag.
Carl.
The Buck and Case are two different approaches tot he same tool. If I can make an analogy, if they were trucks, the Case would be a nice pickup with all the trimmings like nice upholstery, trim, ex. The Buck 301 would be a new army deuce and a half. Rugged, built for heavy duty use. Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the idea. Both are good knives, both will do whatever you need to do, cutting wise. But the Buck, especially the new 301's vs the old Camillus 301, are brutes of a pocket knife. I think the Buck would handle the dirty work better, and I know the Buck 420HC with the Bos heat treat is great stuff.
But I have to admit I have a strong personal prejudice to the Buck. It was an old Camillus 301 I carried for 25 years as my edc, and it took everything throwwn at it, in some pretty rough parts of the world. As I understand from 300 Bucks, the new ones are even better. That would be a tough act to follow.
On the other hand, being at the stag of life I'm at now, I don't need an end of the world rugged knife, and appreciate the nicer touches now more than when I was young. Nice jigged bone, the gentle patina of CV blades, all are nice. I'd rather drive a nice pickup now than a deuce and a half. Both are good knives. And the Buck has way more choices than I had back in the old days. There's yellow scales, black scales, red scales, and some even from the Buck custom shop with horn and stag.
Carl.
Yes I defiantly need a rugged all around use blade right now as a replacement EDC I'm using a Buck 110 I got a couple years ago but I'm missing having a nice little but still rugged enough that I don't feel that I'm going to break it when I use it. Thanks for the feed back guys!
I would not say one is better than the other. It really depends on your preference. I have pen knives from both companies:
The Case has more traditional construction, materials, and appearance. It is a prettier knife, with more shine and polish, which I believe accounts for its higher price. The Buck is a more modern interpretation of the slipjoint. Bolsters and liners are one piece, which gives the knife a very solid feel. It is handsome, but has a more utilitarian look. Buck scales are made of plastic or resin impregnated wood, as opposed to jigged bone or antler. As for stainless steel, I believe they both use 420HC, but Buck's heat treat is considered tops in the business. CV steel, IMO, is an upgrade in edge holding ability.
As for me, I enjoy both knives, but I like the Buck a bit better. It has stronger springs, no gaps, is a pleasure to hold in hand, and its solid feel inspires confidence. If you prefer a traditional knife, Case is a no-brainer. If you'd like a no-nonsense, dependable knife, go with Buck.
The Case has more traditional construction, materials, and appearance. It is a prettier knife, with more shine and polish, which I believe accounts for its higher price. The Buck is a more modern interpretation of the slipjoint. Bolsters and liners are one piece, which gives the knife a very solid feel. It is handsome, but has a more utilitarian look. Buck scales are made of plastic or resin impregnated wood, as opposed to jigged bone or antler. As for stainless steel, I believe they both use 420HC, but Buck's heat treat is considered tops in the business. CV steel, IMO, is an upgrade in edge holding ability.
As for me, I enjoy both knives, but I like the Buck a bit better. It has stronger springs, no gaps, is a pleasure to hold in hand, and its solid feel inspires confidence. If you prefer a traditional knife, Case is a no-brainer. If you'd like a no-nonsense, dependable knife, go with Buck.
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Boker. 
I don't have a Buck stockman, but the Case versions recently have been very well made. A bit 'toothy' on the cutting edge, but that'll sharpen right out. Buck might be very well made, I don't know, but they sure don't have anything that looks like this!
Looking at a large Case dealership right now, I see 83 different Medium Stockman variations. Different handle materials, different styles (square bolsters vs. rounded, slanted bolsters, etc.), and special editions.
Still, unless you're set on American-made or are hankering for one particular Case handle, for the same money or less Boker is a more consistent quality.
I don't have a Buck stockman, but the Case versions recently have been very well made. A bit 'toothy' on the cutting edge, but that'll sharpen right out. Buck might be very well made, I don't know, but they sure don't have anything that looks like this!
Looking at a large Case dealership right now, I see 83 different Medium Stockman variations. Different handle materials, different styles (square bolsters vs. rounded, slanted bolsters, etc.), and special editions.
Still, unless you're set on American-made or are hankering for one particular Case handle, for the same money or less Boker is a more consistent quality.
If you like carbon steel, Case is the way to go with the CV blade.
If you prefer stainless, my understanding is that Case's SS is 420HC, but it just isn't the same as Buck's 420HC. My Case fixed blade is the kitchen drawer for cutting meat. Doesn't hold an edge as well as my Bucks.
I, personally, would check twice and avoid the Chinese made versions. Many of them are made with softer 420J2 steel. Fine for cheap gift knives for non-users, but if you want a tough knife, I would stick with Buck's 420HC, which generally means the US made ones (there may be exceptions).
The Case is flat ground and the Buck is hollow ground. I don't understand the merits of hollow ground blades and strongly prefer flat ground ones for general use. YMMV.
Follow your heart. In the end, the technical differences matter less than your happiness when you pull it out.
If you prefer stainless, my understanding is that Case's SS is 420HC, but it just isn't the same as Buck's 420HC. My Case fixed blade is the kitchen drawer for cutting meat. Doesn't hold an edge as well as my Bucks.
I, personally, would check twice and avoid the Chinese made versions. Many of them are made with softer 420J2 steel. Fine for cheap gift knives for non-users, but if you want a tough knife, I would stick with Buck's 420HC, which generally means the US made ones (there may be exceptions).
The Case is flat ground and the Buck is hollow ground. I don't understand the merits of hollow ground blades and strongly prefer flat ground ones for general use. YMMV.
Follow your heart. In the end, the technical differences matter less than your happiness when you pull it out.
Don't overlook the original USA-made Old Timer stockman knives either. Find a new or slightly used 34OT on a particular auction site for the same or less cost than a Case or Boker. The standard 1095 steel used on most Old Timer knives is superior to the stainless from Buck or Case, and even to the Case CV.
What made me mention it, you're particular request for something rugged. The Swinden Key construction, 1095 steel, and Delrin handles - can't get much more durable that than in small pocketknife.
That's all my opinion, of course.
The 34OT was perhaps the most popular single model of pocketknife of all time; it was Schrade's best-seller. But there were several different stockman-like models as well, and many different variations including special editions with bone handles and stainless blades.
From top to bottom, from memory, 108OT, 34OT, 8OT, 61OT, 858OT.
These are the 8OT, the next size up from the 34 med stockman, but the picture shows some of the variety.
What made me mention it, you're particular request for something rugged. The Swinden Key construction, 1095 steel, and Delrin handles - can't get much more durable that than in small pocketknife.
That's all my opinion, of course.
The 34OT was perhaps the most popular single model of pocketknife of all time; it was Schrade's best-seller. But there were several different stockman-like models as well, and many different variations including special editions with bone handles and stainless blades.
From top to bottom, from memory, 108OT, 34OT, 8OT, 61OT, 858OT.
These are the 8OT, the next size up from the 34 med stockman, but the picture shows some of the variety.
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For me, the too thick, hollow ground blades on the Bucks are a deal breaker. They're why I'd choose a Case. To be precise, I'd get one with yella handles and CV steel blades. This is not to say the Bucks aren't fine tools; they surely are. But I prefer more of a flat-ground blade.
-- Mark
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I'll second what Bob said, I would go with a nice German made Boker, if you shop around you can find a nice one for about $35. I have a few stockmans Moore Maker made by Queen pretty decent, great 1095 carbon, but on the more expensive side. I have a large Case 1970 stockman also nice and a Case med stockman no real problems either. I was recently gifted a Buck 301 stockman by Paul Hilborn and it is really a solid knife but not as much as a slicer as any I have mentioned above, I needed to re profile the cutting edge to more of a convexed edge to help with the thick stock binding up. That said I don't think you could damage the Buck if you tried it is a solid knife I am keeping it inside my jacket pocket for when I need a real workhorse. I have a preference for CV and Carbon it's a personal thing I just feel they perform better at work. Out of all my stockman knives I would say my Boker is the best of all, solid build, great carbon blades, easy to sharpen, holds a edge well. I have used the Boker at work for many years ( construction, HVAC installation, metal fabricating shop) and camping, hiking, whittling,in the kitchen, etc. it was my first stockman and only decent traditional for many years, for quality & price, and a lifetime warranty to boot, I would say it has been the best value for my needs. After all these years it is still as solid as the day I got it, it's been dropped and no cracks or chips in the bone, no blade play either.
But Case, Buck, Boker all very good and all slightly different from one another, comes down to what your needs and preferences are. Chances are it won't be your last knife
Pete
But Case, Buck, Boker all very good and all slightly different from one another, comes down to what your needs and preferences are. Chances are it won't be your last knife
Pete
The Case is also hollow ground... over 90% of the blade, so it appears as a flat grind. I did not realize this until Carl mentioned it in another post. If you compare the case blade to an SAK blade, which is truly flat ground, you will see the difference. You can also see it in the reflection in the photo I posted above.
This is mostly splitting hairs. I agree with you guys, I wish Buck had a different grind on their small knives. But is it not a deal breaker for me.
This is mostly splitting hairs. I agree with you guys, I wish Buck had a different grind on their small knives. But is it not a deal breaker for me.
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Well - I own two Buck stockmen and two Case stockmen.
Very nice knives, without a doubt. It depends on what you want to use it. The regular Buck´s come with yellow or black synthetic handle, I think it´s delrin. On Case you have the choice between bone, delrin, stag etc etc.
If it should be a knife for pretty dirty work - get a Buck. If you want to look at and see nicely jigged bone or whatever get a Case.
The steel on Buck and Case are nice. Both use 420HC for their blades with a nice HT. At Case you have the also choice on CV steel (1095 with some more ingredients). But each of them is well heat-treated. That´s my experience.
I like on Buck, that the sheepfoot is not that high out of the knife like on the Medium Stockmen that Case offers. The Case Medium Stockman in CV steel was my only EDC for roundabout nine months and it worked great.
My recommendation? I don´t know exactely. Each cutleries make very nice knives... if it doesn´t too bad to your budget, I´d get one of each cutlery.
Very nice knives, without a doubt. It depends on what you want to use it. The regular Buck´s come with yellow or black synthetic handle, I think it´s delrin. On Case you have the choice between bone, delrin, stag etc etc.
If it should be a knife for pretty dirty work - get a Buck. If you want to look at and see nicely jigged bone or whatever get a Case.
The steel on Buck and Case are nice. Both use 420HC for their blades with a nice HT. At Case you have the also choice on CV steel (1095 with some more ingredients). But each of them is well heat-treated. That´s my experience.
I like on Buck, that the sheepfoot is not that high out of the knife like on the Medium Stockmen that Case offers. The Case Medium Stockman in CV steel was my only EDC for roundabout nine months and it worked great.
My recommendation? I don´t know exactely. Each cutleries make very nice knives... if it doesn´t too bad to your budget, I´d get one of each cutlery.
What is this nonsense about rugged Swinden key construction?
Knives with that construction loosen up and cannot be fixed without major work.
The more recent Taylor Schrades do not have this fault, and are great knives if you lose your prejudices long enough to give them a chance.
I had several of the post 1960 era made in New York Schrades loosen up on me, and was reluctant to even try the newer ones assuming that they had continued to use the Swinden Key system. When I discovered that they have not done that, and tried some of the new ones, I got a pleasant surprise.
If you want a knife to actually use, Taylor Schrades are good ones
Knives with that construction loosen up and cannot be fixed without major work.
The more recent Taylor Schrades do not have this fault, and are great knives if you lose your prejudices long enough to give them a chance.
I had several of the post 1960 era made in New York Schrades loosen up on me, and was reluctant to even try the newer ones assuming that they had continued to use the Swinden Key system. When I discovered that they have not done that, and tried some of the new ones, I got a pleasant surprise.
If you want a knife to actually use, Taylor Schrades are good ones
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I have both Case and Buck stockman knives. I agree with Jeff. The Case is more elegant. The Buck is the better user. I have a Buck 301 in my pocket as I sit here.
Not only will the Buck hold an edge longer, but the three spring design provides for blades that come straight out of the knife, instead of at an angle. This makes them easier to use for straight cuts. While some of the Case stockman knives are 3-spring, most are two spring.
If possible work to get both. Growing up it was Old Timer and wishing to be able to afford a BUCK. After apprenticeship it was a Buck for work and wishing to be able to afford a nice looking Case. Past the 50 year point now and I carry both the Buck 301 for tough work and the Case Old Red Pocket Worn stockman for man jewelry. Both steels work for me and I do agree that the Case comes toothy and it takes time on a stone to get it smooth.
Bob
Bob