New everyday carry (Stockman or 2 blade)

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dakota2112

Joined
Oct 20, 2014
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9
New user here, trying to get informed before making a purchase. I've poked around in these forums and there is a lot of knowledge here, so I'm hoping to get some advice.

I've used a little Sheffield Pike as an EDC for years and imho this knife is outstanding. The blade hinges have no play at all, the satin finish on the blades has held up nicely, and it operates remarkably well... the blades open smoothly, and they close with a VERY satisfying snap.:thumbup:

The tip of my Sheffield clip blade has broken off though (my fault) and it's time to upgrade. The Sheffield's weakness is it's too small - I want something that feels more substantial, but without going above 3oz.

I've kind of narrowed this down to a handful of choices and was hoping to get some feedback.

Buck 301 Stockman (Black)
I like the 3 7/8" size of this knife, and I think I am drawn to its workhorse character. I am also drawn to the satin-like finish on these blades vs the mirror polish of a Case. However the drawback is I fear this knife may be substantially wide and therefore not very comfortable in the pocket for an everyday carry, based on what I've read in various online reviews.

Case 128 Stockman
This is also a 3 7/8" knife, and I do like the bone handles, but I'm not sure I like a mirror shine on the blades for an everyday. And silly as it sounds, I think the rounded ends look bad on a knife like this. But if it's not as bulky as the Buck 301, then I might overlook that.

Case Muskrat
This is another 3 7/8" knife, and it only has 2 blades so I suspect it will be nice and slim for a good pocket feel. However it has the mirror finish, and silly looking round ends...

Case Texas Jack
Now this is a good looking Case knife - it has squared ends! :cool: And it should be slim, having only two blades. But it's only 3 5/8" so it takes a hit relative to the other choices listed above.

Can anyone comment on these choices, or suggest something similar? My main criteria is something around 3 7/8" size, at least 2 blades, and a good satisfying snap when closing the blades, while being slim enough to be comfortable in the pocket everyday. Visual appeal is secondary (but still important I guess ;))

Thanks in advance!
 
How's about an old USA made Schrade ? try on ebuy. and plenty of size variation to choose from.
Or go top shelf with an GEC 81.
 
yep, would consider the gec 81 as well (4" closed), the muskrat is ok but has very slim and narrow blades, not really substantial. unfortunatly 3 7/8 is a perfect size and nobody is producing a knife that size (at least not with CV blades and sqared ends) i guess the case 128 has the same slim blades as the muskrat, the texas jack is a wonderful knife but a tad too short, if you dont mind stainless go for buck.
brgds b
 
If you like square bolsters and dislike a mirror polish on blades look at Case Large Stockman 3275 in CV (Chrome Vanadium) steel. It is 4 1/4" closed and the CV steel will quickly patina with use.

You might want to check out the GEC #81 framed Large Stockman or the Moose pattern on the same frame which is 4" closed.


Edit: The Schatt & Morgan Gunstock Jack Quart pattern might appeal to you based on your comments. I've never owned one though.
 
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Are you wanting stainless steel or Case CV steel?? If you are wanting the CV steel than that shiny finish wont last long anyway ant it will take a nice patina pretty quickly. The Case Texas Jack is hard to beat and an excellent pattern. What is your budget your looking to spend?
 
Queen makes a fine stockman in D2 - the no9 sounds about right.

Moore Maker also produces one about that size with 1095 blades and square bolsters.
 
Queen Cutlery's Gunstock with D2 blades in Amber Carved Stag Bone or wood should suit you nicely. Square bolsters, two good blades.

The Buck knives are sabre ground and this in my view, compromises on slicing, they work better in the smaller patterns I think.

A GEC 73 in 2 blade form should please you too, but maybe a bit heavy.... Muskrats are generally two identical long Turkish clip blades, this can put off some people who may want different blades.

Have a look at CASE's Moose pattern, might be viable.
 
meako said:
How's about an old USA made Schrade ? try on ebuy. and plenty of size variation to choose from.
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Seconded. Old Timer and Uncle Henry models can be had at very good prices. Something like an 8OT or an 885 would make a great EDC stockman. Personally speaking, for the type of knife you're after I'd sooner choose a new old stock Schrade than a current production Case.
 
I would recommend a stockman simply for the sheepsfoot blade. I think the Buck 301 is a fine choice if you prefer stainless and the Case is fine if you like carbon. My 2 cents. If you hang around this forum very much you will eventually buy at least one of each anyway.
 
Lots of great ideas in here - thanks to all!

Question regarding snap. I managed to try out a few Case knives recently, and I was kind of underwhelmed by the feel of the products. None of the Case knives had the snap that I love about my cheap little Sheffield EDC. I haven't been able to locate a Buck 301 to try in person, but I've read where people have been unimpressed with its snap as well.

Would a GEC knife offer a good snap? Did I just happen to test drive a few Case knives that were duds? And can anyone comment on the Buck 301's snap? (sorry for so many questions... I'm shopping for my own anniversary gift :cool: and I want my wife to give me a knife that I can be proud of! :))
 
There can be a good bit of variability from sample to sample. With the stockman pattern, remember that sometimes one of the springs is sharing two blades, and usually won't be as strong (less snap).

GEC's in general are pretty strong springs, but i have a few examples of theirs that are not as well. I'm sure you'll be able to find one that meets your criteria though.
 
I have a current production Buck 301 which I carried for a week and love it. It's not for everyone because they aren't carbon blades and the pull and snap is super light but it a great working knife and I don't need anything strong in the pull department when I'm working. Also, when my hands are sore from work or maybe early in the morning when I feel a little arthritis kick in, the 301 is the perfect choice for me.
 
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In general, and of course there will be variations from this, Buck is the lightest snap and pull, Case is next, and GEC is the strongest.

In the past, Canal Street were somewhere between Buck and Case, but they are making their springs stouter now, but I haven't tried one yet.
 
Wow that is good info to have regarding the Buck 301, unfortunately that's a strike against it though. I just really like the feel of a strong spring... not something you need pliers for :p but a good positive snap goes a long way in the tactile feel, for me anyways. I am thinking I will be doing some GEC research soon ;)

Next question - are there any vendors that sell GEC products, who also offer engraving? That was one reason I was kind of locked into Buck and Case... I have located an online vendor for each product line that offers engraving. Since this is an anniversary gift from my wife, she wants to engrave it. (I know, I'm one picky buyer! :rolleyes:)
 
Ribeyeguy said:
I have a current production Buck 301 which I carried for a week and love it. It's not for everyone because they aren't carbon blades and the pull and snap is super light but it a great working knife and I don't need anything strong in the pull department when I'm working. Also, when my hands are sore from work or maybe early in the morning when I feel a little arthritis kick in, the 301 is the perfect choice for me.
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Hey Guy, I can tll ya from experience, that it doesn't get any better with age!:eek:

Learn to love the light pull.
 
Well, that settles it.

If you need spine-chilling snap....:D GEC is your boy. Just keep your fingers clear at all times.......:cool:
 
jackknife said:
Hey Guy, I can tll ya from experience, that it doesn't get any better with age!:eek:

Learn to love the light pull.
Click to expand...

I thought I mentioned that I love the 301. Seems like as soon as the temps dip below 60, that's when i feel the hands less agile. I recommend the BioMed heating pad. Worth every penny. :thumbup:
 
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