New Buck 302 Solitaire

D

DocT

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Mar 25, 2012
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I just bought a new Buck 302 for a pocket knife. I must say, it is pretty nice for the model level I bought. I got the black Valox scales as I like the no nonsense look. I have always preferred Buck's black to other maker's yellow, or whatever.



Mine was made in 2010, according to the blade stamp.



This knife is about the right size for a pocket knife. The blade is long enough to be useful, but the overall design is nice and slim. The walk and talk on this knife is perfect. Very nicely done, Buck. The blade has a high polish on the flats and spine while the hollow ground part has a nice brushed finish Buck made famous. It looks great.

The knife does have two small flaws. One is that the back of the blade where it meets the spring was ground unevenly and rounded. This is not a problem on this knife, but if it were a lock back it would be. Still, it leaves an unsightly gap. Also, the scale pin on the pile side is very proud and I can actually pick the knife up by it. You may be able to make it out in this poor photo:



However, I have traditional knives that cost a great deal more that are not as well made as this one. So, I am happy with this knife I only spent $22 for.

 
Nice description of the Buck 302, Doc. I've been eyeing a couple of these that are in stock at a local sporting goods store - might have to go take a closer look. OH
 
Nice, I saw that one at a local gun store yesterday. I just bought a rosewood 302, but when I go back Sat. to pick up a new pistol I may buy that black one!
 
The rosewood is nice and I have one in my cart (along with a 301). Personally, though I like the "cherry", I do not like the signature scrawled across the scale.
This black one, to me, looks nice and rugged. It is so no nonsense, which resonates with me. Of course, if it were black buffalo horn that would be pretty fantastic.
 
I have a black 309 and a Delrin 302. I the black valox a lot; it has workmanlike good looks and is very durable. It's got better grip than the delrin, that's for sure. You did good :thumbup:

Ecolite_Bucks.jpg


My 309 has a proud center pin, too. It's a hallmark of the black 300's.
 
My old 301s, 303's, 309s did not have proud pins, but they are/were all from the 1970s and early 80s.

I really like that red wood without the signature. It would be okay if it were my name custom engraved there, though. A knife that is carried and used is a very personal thing and having someone else's name on a knife that is carried is like sharing your girl friend with another man.
 
Here are some 302's. The gray, yellow, and Chairman versions are now extinct. The 2014 catalog only has the black sawcut and the new brass/rosewood.

Buck0422120042-1.jpg
 
DeSotoSky said:
Here are some 302's. The gray, yellow, and Chairman versions are now extinct. The 2014 catalog only has the black sawcut and the new brass/rosewood.

Buck0422120042-1.jpg
Click to expand...

Sweet. I really like that grey. I wish I had bought one when they were easily available.
 
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