Case Stockman G10 vs. Buck 373

BenLankford · Dec 25, 2009

This really isn't a this vs that thread well it actually is. My Dad gave me a Buck 373 Trio for Christmas today. I love the knife but the only problem is the backspring is SUPER weak. I am used to my Case Sodbuster Jr. so is it that i'm just used to the Case or do Buck tradition folders normally have weak back spring. Also on that matter. Does the Black G10 Stockman by Case have a pretty good backspring to it? If anybody does have it can they compare it to a Sodbuster Jr. Thanks everybody and I hope you all had a great Christmas.

Voltron · Dec 25, 2009

I'm thinking that was one of the one's that fell through the cracks. Bucks, specially the imported line, has great F&F, and usually have just about perfect tolerances in the springs, very similar to Victorinox. Mine is similar to my Case CV Soddie Jr. If yours came a little bit weaker then you'd like, send it back to Buck. They will without a doubt make it right.

IVANKERLEY · Dec 25, 2009

the walk and talk varies by knife... i have case knives that slam shut like a gator and others that close gently... the same be said for my other brands like utica and camillus, imperial, etc. You never really know unless you actually try the knives out before you buy. Weak snap can be annoying but generally doesnt hurt the function at all.
cheers
ivan

cutter17 · Dec 25, 2009

I don't have the G10 Stockman, but I do have the Humpback whittler in the black G10. The springs on it are very strong, and Case does a different finish on the G-10 models as they are referred to as work knives. The mirror polish is not there but a machine satin finish is. Comparing the G10 HW to other HW, and the G10 has stronger springs, and just looks good with the satin finish, and it is TUFF, as I've used it for a month and it has done all I asked.

Don't know if this helps because its comparing apples to oranges.....but the G10 models are very nice.

BenLankford · Dec 25, 2009

cutter17 said:
I don't have the G10 Stockman, but I do have the Humpback whittler in the black G10. The springs on it are very strong, and Case does a different finish on the G-10 models as they are referred to as work knives. The mirror polish is not there but a machine satin finish is. Comparing the G10 HW to other HW, and the G10 has stronger springs, and just looks good with the satin finish, and it is TUFF, as I've used it for a month and it has done all I asked.

Don't know if this helps because its comparing apples to oranges.....but the G10 models are very nice.

That is what I needed to know. I love a nice strong spring. The Buck I got could have the lock undone by lightly tapping on the blade. But my Dad got the knife at a store I like and he said that they would give me store credit so i'm happy

300Bucks · Dec 25, 2009

Make sure there is not a gob of grit down in there, I have had to blast out a pivot on two occasions to make it open and close right. Its usually a dark colored polishing medium........but don't do anything that would keep you from taking it back..............life's a beach and then your sand.....
300Bucks

xing · Dec 25, 2009

I have a G10 stockman and it has a fairly strong spring. Just be careful, as there is no half stop and i have nearly chopped the ends of my fingers off a few times

338375 · Dec 26, 2009

Maybe you could take it back, and sort through the other Bucks they have to see if you can find one with stiffer springs.

IMHO there really is no guideline regarding spring tension, as it can vary from knife to knife...

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it from a safety aspect. If the knife is used correctly, it shouldn't be an issue

jackknife · Dec 26, 2009

BenLankford said:
That is what I needed to know. I love a nice strong spring. The Buck I got could have the lock undone by lightly tapping on the blade. But my Dad got the knife at a store I like and he said that they would give me store credit so i'm happy

I'm confused.

You say your dad bought you a Buck trio, but you say the lock can be undone with a tap. Isn't the trio a three bladed stockman model?

In the case of a weak backspring, I'd much preffer that to a backspring that is a nailbreaker. Of course I have arthritits issues, but if a slip joint is used with correct techniques, it may as well be a friction folder. The backspring has very little to do with keeping the blade open while in use, as much as propper knife handling. If your hands get very cold and/or wet, you may well wish it were a bit easier to open some day. Looking back on the diferent knives that came and went during my life, the ones with the very strong backsprings got given away of traded off as I got to be an old fart.

I'd rather have springs on the light side than too heavy.

BenLankford · Dec 26, 2009

jackknife said:
I'm confused.

You say your dad bought you a Buck trio, but you say the lock can be undone with a tap. Isn't the trio a three bladed stockman model?

In the case of a weak backspring, I'd much preffer that to a backspring that is a nailbreaker. Of course I have arthritits issues, but if a slip joint is used with correct techniques, it may as well be a friction folder. The backspring has very little to do with keeping the blade open while in use, as much as propper knife handling. If your hands get very cold and/or wet, you may well wish it were a bit easier to open some day. Looking back on the diferent knives that came and went during my life, the ones with the very strong backsprings got given away of traded off as I got to be an old fart.

I'd rather have springs on the light side than too heavy.

I don't mind weak spring like Swiss Army Knives but if you even touch the back of the blade it folds down.