I like my Buck 301 black delrin slightly more than my Cuban Stockman ebony

Nathan Dewey

Nathan Dewey

Joined
Nov 29, 2009
Messages
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:cower:
I should explain...
I resolved to buy one last slipjoint this year(I've got dental surgery around the corner and I'm attempting to discipline my spending) so I decided on a crowd favorite. Now what's interesting is that on paper, the cuban stockman wins on all accounts. The cuban has firmer stops, better fit and finish, flat ground blades with the better steel (preference is 1095). However, the 301 "handles" slightly better. Not to say the cuban is uncomfortable, but GEC's tend to be pretty wide in general. I think I qualify in having smaller hands, and it's weird how much difference switching the spey and sheepsfoot blades around and 1/16" less width makes.
The 301 does have lighter pulls, but still has good walk and talk and I never feel like I'm too weak accessing the blades (the pulls are also deeper). Also, I like the triple backspring set up as the internal is more simplistic. It's also lighter (3 ounces) than the cuban (3.6 ounces). I'd personally classify this as a "3-bladed modern" in that this is a more modern spin on a traditional pattern using modern materials, production methods, and grinds. So for me, this would classify as a "larger back up blade" rather than a "in the pocket all the time" knife.

Thoughts?
 
I think I need a GEC cuban stockman! That's what I think! I think that I also need a gec with ebony covers!
 
I think there's a reason why the Buck is such a popular knife. The only issue I have with mine is a proud pin. Carries well, came pretty sharp, classic size and pattern (despite the three spring construction).

I only own one GEC which was gifted to me and is not a stockman but like yours, my Buck is not going to win any side by side comparisons with my many other stock knives on looks, covers or steel.

What it is, though, is an excellent working tool which you don't have to fear using and which has become my designated foul weather slipjoint...And that alone turns the ugly duckling into a prince.
 
Since my budget has been strained a ton lately, I may have to see what all of this Buck thing is all about and grab one if I find one in stores. I find it interesting that it holds its own so well against much higher quality knives like I have heard on the forums for so long. I wonder if it was cheaper for Buck to just add another spring instead of crinking the blades just right; there is less of a chance for QC issues in terms of blade rub, etc. I mean, it seems cheaper to add another spring than paying guys to pump out perfectly crinked blades without issues and pay for the replacement of rejects that made it past QC in mass production.
 
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I also like the 301. I'm not sure that I understand your conclusion though. If it's lighter than the Cuban Stockman and you like it slightly more, why is the 301 a "larger back up blade" rather than your "in the pocket all the time knife"?
 
Blues said:
I think there's a reason why the Buck is such a popular knife. The only issue I have with mine is a proud pin. Carries well, came pretty sharp, classic size and pattern (despite the three spring construction).

I only own one GEC which was gifted to me and is not a stockman but like yours, my Buck is not going to win any side by side comparisons with my many other stock knives on looks, covers or steel.

What it is, though, is an excellent working tool which you don't have to fear using and which has become my designated foul weather slipjoint...And that alone turns the ugly duckling into a prince.
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Well said, Elliot. And for me, there is an undeniable satisfaction of carrying a knife I don't have to (or don't want to) spare the rigors of using it for a tool. Although I have some really nice knives, I find I carry the knives I see have more thought-free utility value in my pocket.

I have gone through a cycle. I bought workman knives because that was what I could afford and that was what I knew I would get the most utility value from. When I started making better money, I bought knives that were much prettier with nicer scales and steels. The knives got smaller and were easier on the pocket.

Now I am in the middle. I don't need a knife with fossilized brontosaurus pelvic bone scales with a reimagined blade shape. Lord knows they are gorgeous to look at and fun to hold, but I no longer appreciate a Rolex type pocket knife as anything more than pocket jewelry. Kinda grew out of that stage. Now I prefer good quality, usable blades housed in a sturdy case. Knives that are all weather, knives I can use to their limits without fear of "messing it up", knives that work. I like not making one bit of consideration for their safety if I am using them as intended (and a bit beyond sometimes) as a knife.

Robert
 
I'm a lightweight. 3" closed is pretty much my standard in pocket size. Even 3 1/4" is pushing it. If I'm carrying 2 blades, it'll be a small slipjoint(schrade 108ot) in front pocket and a large folder with pocket clip (Bradley Mayhem). I'm not so big on medium pocket knives, except for the opinel 6 being only 1 ounce. If I'm carrying a 3 1/2-5" pocket knife, it'll be in hoody or coat pocket
 
I had the same feelings when I first got my 309. I had carried a Case Peanut and a Schrade Peanut but when the Buck came along it felt awesome. I like the post and had similar thoughts my conclusion was to carry all of them though.
 
DeadFall27 said:
Since my budget has been strained a ton lately, I may have to see what all of this Buck thing is all about and grab one if I find one in stores. I find it interesting that it holds its own so well against much higher quality knives like I have heard on the forums for so long. I wonder if it was cheaper for Buck to just add another spring instead of crinking the blades just right; there is less of a chance for QC issues in terms of blade rub, etc. I mean, it seems cheaper to add another spring than paying guys to pump out perfectly crinked blades without issues and pay for the rejects that made it past QC in mass production.
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Go to a store and pick one out! Buck knives are great, they really are.
 
richstag said:
Go to a store and pick one out! Buck knives are great, they really are.
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I assume that I can find them at sporting goods and some hardware stores, correct? I have only seen them a few times in stores, but they are very far away from me at the moment.
 
DeadFall27 said:
I assume that I can find them at sporting goods and some hardware stores, correct? I have only seen them a few times in stores, but they are very far away from me at the moment.
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If it's easier to order one via the web don't spend time worrying about getting stuck with a lemon. If you contact their customer support via phone or email they'll get you squared away.
I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised and impressed with the quality of their support staff and their willingness to provide assistance the one time I had occasion to reach out to them.
 
midnight flyer said:
I don't need a knife with fossilized brontosaurus pelvic bone scales with a reimagined blade shape.
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Oooh-- cn' I have yours?

;)

Nathan Dewey said:
I'm a lightweight. 3" closed is pretty much my standard in pocket size. Even 3 1/4" is pushing it.... I'm not so big on medium pocket knives, except for the opinel 6 being only 1 ounce. If I'm carrying a 3 1/2-5" pocket knife, it'll be in hoody or coat pocket
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That's me, as well. Or at least, my "big" pocket knives are 3.5".

~ P.
 
DeadFall27 said:
... I wonder if it was cheaper for Buck to just add another spring instead of crinking the blades just right; there is less of a chance for QC issues in terms of blade rub, etc. I mean, it seems cheaper to add another spring than paying guys to pump out perfectly crinked blades without issues and pay for the replacement of rejects that made it past QC in mass production.
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I believe that to be true.

Buck Knives is a firm follower of Womack's Lean Manufacturing techniques, which are based on the Toyota Production System. Lean teaches that you improve by removing waste from your process. The 301 design maximizes manufacturability and usability for the end user at the cost of the old time elegance of the crinked blade two-spring design. I'm always enthralled each time I pick up and study a Buck stockman. I consider the engineering that went into it to be impressive.
 
knarfeng said:
I believe that to be true.

Buck Knives is a firm follower of Womack's Lean Manufacturing techniques, which are based on the Toyota Production System. Lean teaches that you improve by removing waste from your process. The 301 design maximizes manufacturability and usability for the end user at the cost of the old time elegance of the crinked blade two-spring design. I'm always enthralled each time I pick up and study a Buck stockman. I consider the engineering that went into it to be impressive.
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Thanks for the input, that makes a lot of sense. I have to agree with you on the Buck Stockman's quality...I just picked one up, I guess that I am a convert now :thumbup:

Even though it is stamped China, which would drive many people away, I do not mind at all. It drives the price down and, for the price of the set (the stockman and solitaire), I am very impressed with the quality of these two little guys. The fact that I paid $20 for two Bucks with really nice jigged bone with neat finish and no blade rub makes me one happy kid! I would have easily paid double for it...
 
I've been carrying a Buck 301 lately. I'm impressed with it. Three springs and three blades. And each blade opens with the same force. It carries well in the pocket. And USA made!! I'm addicted!
 
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