New Buck 303 and 309

[street soldier]

I just received my new 303(Cadet) and 309(Companion) with yellow comfortcraft handles. A couple of initial thoughts:

First the good:
Finish was top rate. All edges smoothed out nicely and all blades were very sharp out of the box. The yellow color of the handles is nice and subdued, which I prefer over a brighter yellow color. I really like the size of the 309. I have been carrying a Case peanut for a while (thanks to jacknife's tales over in the Traditional Forum) and realized that I really don't need a huge tactical folder for my everyday needs (YMMV).

Now the not so good, but not really bad:
Fit left me with something to be desired. All of the blades, both on the 303 and 309, had some side to side play on them. Not enough to make them unusable, but enough to be annoying to me. I was able to crimp down on the bolsters some to tighten them up. They are all tighter now with just a hint of play on the 303's clip and spey blades. I just hope that they don't loosen up with use.

The most annoying thing about it however is that as I was crimping down on the bolsters on the 303, I slipped and ended up scratching it. Purely aesthetic, and it was purchased to be a user, but aggravating nonetheless. Totally my fault, just annoyed that I had to do it in the first place.

I have a second 303 with the black sawcut plastic handles that was suffering from the same problems, and I was able to tighten up all the blades with this same crimping. I was going to send it in, but seeing as this worked, I guess I'll wait. I bought it to carry in my pocket at work as a backup to the Benchmade Griptilian that I have carried for the past 14 years. I have been looking for a good traditional style knife to carry while at work, and this one will fit the bill.

This is not by any means a "bash Buck and their poor quality" rant. I just needed to vent out my frustrations to someone who would actually understand. My wife doesn't get the knife knut affliction, and while I'm slowly exposing my three boys to it, they're not there yet. I have several Buck knives and I plan on continuing to support a great American company that puts out a good, quality product. This is why I picked up the Cadet and Companion. I wanted a Buck knife in my pocket at all times. The Companion is going to be my everything knife and the Cadet is the "Oh look, there's a stick. Let's whittle" knife.

I already have the 302 solitaire with the yellow comfortcraft handles, and I'm thinking I may just have to pick up the 301(Stockman) and 305(Lancer) to complete the set.

Thanks for listening.

John

 

[dogstar]

I have the 309. No play in the blades. I wonder if Buck would fix play if you sent the blades back. Sorry you messed up your new knife.

 

[jackknife]

I wouldn't worry about it. Just use the heck out of them. Bucks were made for using, not looking. Give it 10 or 15 years from now, and they will have picked up some scratches and dings anyways.

I think too many people make too big a deal out of a little blade wobble. I'd rather it be a little loose than too tight. Kind of like the old GI issue 1911's. The bit of looseness gives a chance for the dirt to be flushed out when you rinse off or oil the joint. I've got a few knives with some blade wobble that I've used for 20 years with no ill effect on the function of the knife.

Carl.