- Joined
- Dec 21, 2000
- Messages
- 684
Well, it's been really quiet on the Shrade forum lately. This probably should have been posted somewhere else, but the Shrade forum looked so empty... I read a post recently where a fellow forumite was looking for a usable stockman, and found one in the Buck Cadet 303. I agreed with most of what he said about this knife: I have a Buck 301, it's bigger brother, and have found it to be an outstanding knife. However, in describing his search he listed several that didn't make the cut, including a "cheap Old Timer". Well, I had to look at my 8OT to see just what he was talking about. There is nothing "cheap" about this knife. The fit and finish is very good, it's stout, snaps open and closed crisply, and takes about the best edge of any of my knives. I really feel this is one of my most reliable knives, and it spends more time in my pocket than any other knife, except for my small SAK. I think the Old timer holds an edge longer and gets sharper than the Buck, has better walk and talk, and I like the flat grind better than the hollow grind of the Buck. The hollow grind makes the spey and sheepsfoot seem clunky. The main blade does seem stouter on the Buck, it's neat how the blades fold together when closed (no bend in the sheepsfoot), and I like the black delrin a little better than the brown of the 8OT. I use both in my woodworking, outdoor activities, job, ect... Overall, both knives are very good values, good knives that won't let you down. I just don't think of my Old Timer, or most any Old Timers, as "cheap".