Lost my trusty 501....thinking 301...

T

Takoma

Joined
Dec 30, 2016
Messages
116
Hey gang, I am sad to report that after much searching I have come to the conclusion that my 501 is officially lost for now. It was my main daily user. Yard work, fishing, hunting and a host of other uses it took care of quite well. I am looking for a folding Buck for all around carry and for the uses previously described. I've always liked the idea of back up blades and was wondering if the 301 is as durable as the 501 in terms of blade thickness etc. I don't have the option of handling on in person, so anyone with input I would greatly appreciate your 2 cents.
 
I’m a lock guy myself. That said, the 301 has its uses. A lot of people have carried and enjoyed them for years. I believe it comes down to wether or not you are a multi blade person, and if you prefer a lock. I also prefer a single blade.
 
I carry a 301 every day in my pocket, along with a 110 or 112 on my belt.
To be honest, I reach for the 301 first, 98 times out of 100.
If there is a Walmart near you, you can get a 371 to try it out.
The 371 is identical to the 301, but uses 420J for the blades. (The blades still have a good heat treat and hold an edge almost as well as Buck's 420HC. The 371 also has the same Forever warranty as all the other Buck knife's.)
If you like the 371, you'll like the 301.
If not, you'll only be out roughly half the money.

Yes. I have both the 301 and 371.
 
I lost a 501. Things were not the same until it was replaced. Get another 501, then a 301.
 
Check out SK Blades - they are about to make a special run of the Buck 501 that will be a very cool variation (it was a runner-up design for the Traditional Blade sub-forum 2018 knife). OH
 
the 300 series usually has softer back springs....for those who like hard springed slipjoints, it might be a disappointment.
 
I'd have to say get another 501. I like both...but I carry a 501 everyday. If you're going to only carry one knife it's a more sturdy option...at least I think so
 
My $0.02. Replace with the 501. I have both, but the 501 gets the nod more often. Flatter in my pocket than a 301. Something to be said for the soft backsprings, both positive and negative. I carried a 301 for many years, but not so much now. The 303 gets the watch pocket space now in a slightly smaller package. There's just something very classy about that 501. I got mine from the Custom Shop, so I paid a little more, but I like it. I'll go ahead and say it.....get both.
 
Well if your talkin carry'n two, which I always wondered why bother. For a while now I have been carrying a 486 clipped on outside of my front pocket, but can't seem to not put the 501 in my pocket. I have grown rather fond of the 486!
 
Takoma said:
Hey gang, I am sad to report that after much searching I have come to the conclusion that my 501 is officially lost for now. It was my main daily user. Yard work, fishing, hunting and a host of other uses it took care of quite well. I am looking for a folding Buck for all around carry and for the uses previously described. I've always liked the idea of back up blades and was wondering if the 301 is as durable as the 501 in terms of blade thickness etc. I don't have the option of handling on in person, so anyone with input I would greatly appreciate your 2 cents.
Click to expand...

So to answer you question on blade size. The clip point blade on my 301 is 1/64 of an inch thicker, 3/32 of an inch less from the spine to cutting edge, measured just in front of the choil, and 9/16 of and inch longer than the blade on my 503. Both blades still have their original factory grind.

O.B.
 
Thanks OB. I'm kinda pondering just using my 110 from now on. Kinda big for trips to the city for work...but perfect for the real world. May just leave it in the truck if I need to act civilized.
 
The 110 is a fine knife. I've carried one for years. As for to big for trips into the city for work? I guess that depends on what city, and what kind of work. My kind of work I don't even think about it. I just carry it.

O.B.
 
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