Got me a Buck 302 Solitaire

D

dogstar

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Jan 23, 2011
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Getting a 302 was a matter of time because I liked its simplicity. Single blade knives lack the versatility of different size/shaped blades, but they are comfortable to grip and have a spartan elegance. I'd been eyeing the dymondwood models for some time, but this yellow delrin version came up used at a price I could not pass up. It showed up in very good condition. Aside from small dings on one bolster, my Solitaire was like new.
302folded.jpg

302extended.jpg

I already had a 309, so I had expectations of its larger sibling. I was not disappointed.

The Good:
Walk and talk - Snaps open and closed with authority, but not a nail breaker.
Fit and finish -Smooth transitions between scales and bolster, nice polish on bolsters and springs, no rough edges. When opened, spine/spring/bolsters are all flush :thumbup:
Strength - One piece bolster/liner is solid and confidence inspiring
Ergonomics - Very comfortable handle contours. I do not mind the thinness. Carries nicely in pocket, but at the limit for me lengthwise.
Looks - Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but this is one handsome fella. Delrin is a pleasing shade of yellow, and the partial hollow ground clip blade looks nice in these proportions. I love the simple, clean lines.
Made in USA

The Bad:
Blade grind - Grind on one side runs out, so tip actually has no edge (see photo below). Knowing this is done by hand, I am not too bothered by it.
302blade.jpg


The Nitpicky:
-When closed, spring is slightly sunken at pivot.
-Handle too long - I know this is using parts from the 301, which has extra blades, but the handle is at least 1/4" too long, which is a plus if you have really huge hands.
-There are some uneven corners on bolsters, but 99% of the time, you will never notice this.
-Badge feels like it will fall off.

Easy, big fella! With 309, Case 32087:
slippies.jpg


All-purpose sized, with 444:
302444.jpg


Who da man? With 345 large Vantage:
302345.jpg


The thin men: 302 and Victorinox Bantam:
302thick.jpg


Conclusion: Overall, I am pleased with the 302. It's a good size for general utility, and is good looking to boot. I'll have to sharpen the tip, which should not be too much work if undertaken with care. There is just a hint of blade play, but since I purchased this knife used, I cannot fault Buck for this. This knife will be EDCed, maybe as the only one for a month.

Allow me to describe the feeling of holding a Buck knife for the first time. It never knocks me out at first sight, but then its workmanlike charm takes hold. After I handle the knife for a while, and examine the details, I find a lot of things Buck got right. There is always something to tweak, but that is always so for knives at this price point. I look at it as a form of bonding. Thanks, Buck, for doing what you do.
 
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Very interesting observations. The 302 is a pretty straightforward knife, that's often overlooked. The Yellow Delrin Buck puts out is top notch IMO.
 
dogstar, can you do me a favor, may sound kinda odd, but could you hold that 302 in your left hand, and see if there is enough blade exposed, for you to "pinch" it between you right thumb and forefinger and open it that way?

I'm a southpaw, and would kind like to know if it can be opened like that before buying one.

I can't do it with a 301, because the other blades are in the way.

Thanks
 
Bear Claw Chris Lappe - Not dogstar, but I'll throw in my opinion since it is in my lane. I'm a Disabled Vet & can't use my left arm/hand. As such, I have to do everything with 1-hand. I can easily pinch the blade of my 302, catch the butt of the handle on something, and open it up.
 
Thanks, that sounds like a winner. Always kinda wanted a single blade jack knife from Buck!

And thank you for your service!
 
Halfneck said:
Bear Claw Chris Lappe - Not dogstar, but I'll throw in my opinion since it is in my lane. I'm a Disabled Vet & can't use my left arm/hand. As such, I have to do everything with 1-hand. I can easily pinch the blade of my 302, catch the butt of the handle on something, and open it up.
Click to expand...

Halfneck, thanks for replying. I was incommunicado because I was camping last night. I can second this observation, Bear Claw. You can open the knife without using the nail nick.
 
That yellow is just so classic, but the chairman series 301 is one of the best looking ones, so I gonna have to pick.

Or get both. :)
 
If this Yellow hadn't shown up used, I would have gone with charcoal dymondwood. That said, I had no trouble warming up to the yellow :D
 
Well, I have carried the 302 daily for a month now. A few observations:
+slim profile makes is really comfortable to carry. It does not dig into my leg when I sit. Also lightweight enough for me to forget about the knife.
+everything has held up fine; no additional blade play developed, springs are still nice and snappy
+edge retention is good. I shredded a couple of granola bar boxes, trying to dull the blade, and was pleasantly surprised.
+this size blade is pretty versatile. It can slice a large apple and I can choke way up to score an orange rind. For an only blade, it's a good size.
+I really like the grip without additional blades. It just feels more comfortable to me.
+After a month, I am not sick of carrying this knife.
-blade geometry is not good for slicing. It just has a hard time cutting corrugated cardboard. It was also difficult making a straight slice through an apple without curving.
-I really need 2 blades, one for clean jobs, like cutting fruit, and one for crap jobs that get adhesive all over the blade. I can't imagine opening an old, dusty box and then cutting an apple with the same blade. I guess that's why most people prefer the 301 with its additional blades. I always have a Victorinox classic on my keychain, so it gets the dirty tape cutting jobs.
 
dogstar said:
I really need 2 blades, one for clean jobs, like cutting fruit, and one for crap jobs that get adhesive all over the blade. I can't imagine opening an old, dusty box and then cutting an apple with the same blade. I guess that's why most people prefer the 301 with its additional blades.
Click to expand...

Make it a two blader by adding a sheepsfoot or a Wharncliffe blade and I'd be a big fan.
 
3mrl.jpg


Just a little update. The 302 has been serving me well. I took it camping to see how it would do with some tougher jobs. With a thumb-sized piece of softwood, I made a couple of feather sticks for the fire. I also made a tent stake out of a similar piece of wood. The blade was paper cutting and nail biting sharp when I started. A few observations:

1. I was pleasantly surprised with the blade geometry. It cut wood well, with good control. Most of my feathers stayed on the stick.
2. As you might have guessed, the handle was the trouble spot. On my second feather stick, I was really struggling to maintain a strong grip on the narrow handle. Hot spots formed near my index finger and pinky. Gloves, which I didn't have, might have helped. I don't begrudge the handle on the 302 because its narrowness makes it comfortable to carry.
3. The blade was not noticeably dulled by this work.
4. No additional blade play was caused by this work.
5. The 302 worked well with various grips, like the chest lever grip.
6. I'm very happy with the 302! It can handle urban EDC jobs, and a little bushcraft, too (as all good knives should :p)
 
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Seems like a serviceable folder, for the minimalist. The slightly elongated handle doesn't bother me too terribly much. All in all it seems like a good "user". Certainly no frills. I like that, and could see this one the pocket of some individual that uses their knives for a living.
 
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