Not to make enemies, fully independent 2 x 2 is the best traditional slipjoint.

[knarfeng]

Part of what I like about Buck's interpretation of the stockman pattern is that the sheepsfoot does not ride high and the blades are straight because the knife has three springs.

 

[richstag]

Part of what I like about Buck's interpretation of the stockman pattern is that the sheepsfoot does not ride high and the blades are straight because the knife has three springs.

Me too.

I believe it is why my Buck Colt was my favorite knife about 10 years ago before I lost it. Back then I didn't even count number of springs, look for bent blades, gaps in liners, or any of the other stuff this site leads to.

I was lucky to have a friend find me one a lot like my original a few months back.

What a sweet little knife.

 

[supratentorial]

I always thought that three springs were the easy way out for a knife manufacturer. Crinking the blades would be more work. I do see the benefit of having straight blades but there are also drawbacks. Either the springs are thinner or the knife is thicker... or both. Also, it's not a very efficient use of space. There is empty space left in the well (unless there are extension springs.. which is uncommon on a three blade). This empty space is where pocket change and other goodies get lodged. I probably wouldn't be interested in a three spring custom stock knife. But I'm a fan of the 301.

 

[Blues]

I probably wouldn't be interested in a three spring custom stock knife. But I'm a fan of the 301.

I concur. There are other design issues with the 301 which would not be overlooked by me if it weren't such an inexpensive and practical knife for the most part...While I've never had an issue (as yet), I really don't at all like the fact that the tip/point of the spay blade (such as it is) is exposed above the liners. This would be unacceptable in virtually any other knife.
(This issue is not nearly as pronounced in the 303/Cadet.)

 

[hank_rearden]

^
not to mention partial closing. that's one problem with my 301 spey that i've gotten used to. why can't they even just put bronze washers for smoother action?

 

[300Bucks]

Did someone say '301' ? 300

The ole spey above the liner flaw....taken into my own 'unskilled' hands.

Very careful 'hone', no belt grinders.

 

[Rsmith_77]

i wish you'd stop taunting us with those pics 300!

although i would be curious if you had one made up in a jack knife configuration.
Sheepsfoot and Clip point on the same end *swoons*

 

[300Bucks]

Was gonna cost me more back then but debated on it. I just thought the naked end was too much at first... Since then, I think I may be able to get someone more skilled than me to do it on the cheap so you may see one naked ended. And while we have her on the table will just add some stag scales so you can double swoon....300

 

[Rsmith_77]

:thumbup:
double swoon indeed

now your just rubbing it in

 

[300Bucks]

The OP was seeking a knife made in the manner he desires. Then discussion of the esteemed members went to high spey blade tips of the knives I dabble in. I was giving a light reply concerning individual action to deal with issue. BUT, I understand that the maker could deal with that concern also and it would add that extra quality that many seek from them. My personal solution is a do-it-yourself solution and not within everyones grasp. The two blade 301 and 303 above have voided their lifetime warranty because of my actions. As has the knife I will show in this tread. I continue to hope that enough interest would be determined by the maker to increase the quality of the production which would include the spey tip lowering, two blade version, use of special steels ( for those who think it necessary), new blade shape and the spplication of specail scale material to make some knives more than just bubble pack kings.

The knife below started out as a Chairman series (easiest to rescale) was rescaled by me and at that time I honed the blade kicks down as low as I deemed possible. Which required in my mind a liner notch for good access to the nic. I too agree with the OP and would like a two blade 301, but I would take one step fruther and seek a full length warcliff blade(stout) in place of the SF. That I believe would stop my fear of one end naked.......300

PS While on the high horse, I will mention that even with the kicks lowered the corner of the tangs still stand as a acute edge. Would it be possible to widen bolstersliners to cover that angled corner ?

 

[Will Power]

The 303 I have in yellow delrin is one of the most useful and well thought out smaller Stockmans around. I rather wish I'd got the sawn delrin though as it is grippy whereas the yellow is quite slippery, visible though! No Hi-Rider Sheepfoot or Spey above the liner on this example. Very satisfying inexpensive and versatile knife.

Not the best mind....

Nor is a 2x2! Much as I revere my Jacks: Queen Teardrop, Serp Jack, CASE Swayback, GEC 56, 66 all deserve special mention et alia.:thumbup:

No, I go for 2x1 Single-spring knives are works of skill and genius. The good ones don't rub, and they can have approx the same snap (my GEC 26 in Primitive Bone has murderous snap on the Master and only a tad less on the Minor) Slim in the pocket, endless elegance, quite simply impressive. Ones of special mention. GEC Conductor, White Owl, CASE Pen, CASE TB Norfolk, Queen Cutlery Muskrat ( no rub at all) I would like to get a Surveyor although I'm not sure if they are single-spring or not?

Very interesting thread and discussion, thanks to all.

 

[TLARbb]

300,

I really like these:

I would certainly buy at least a couple if they were a production or even limited production model.

By the way, I've been meaning to ask - What caused Buck to change to this style blade grind?

Ed J

 

[silenthunterstudios]

I am discovering that while I love many (and some days it feels like all) traditional knives.

I share in this affliction also.

My head turns for every pretty gal, my head also turns for every nice knife. Like what you like, no shame in it. Just share pics with us.

 

[300Bucks]

Blade Grind

Ed, I wish I knew every step taken. But, it was about 2000 and Buck changed lots of grinds to the EDGE 2000 program. ( The blade date code will start about the ] symbol). That program was promoted by them as the modern future and improved there ability to make a high quality edge grind. This also included new 'fine blanking" process where there is a male and female blade die and the stamping goes all the way thru leaving 90degree edges. This may have reduced some manufactoring steps from the old method ?. There was lots of angle talk at the time. And this new grind was done to reduce the angle of the final grind. Some folks still like the flat grind from the old method as they think it supports a stronger edge. Some are OK with what we got now and Buck says it will keep the edge sharper longer. I have not chosen a side in this war. BCCI members can go the the website and look in the 2000 Buck catalog where this change and process is discussed.

I keep showing those knives and hoping someone might take notice. I need to get one fixed with a regular clip and a custom SF or Warcliff that is full length to the blade well. If I do I will do one opposite end and one same end to promote discussion. No matter which you have you still have to pin each end to hold the thing together........

I will be taking these knvies and traveling to the factory at the end of July 2013, as will lots of other Buck nuts, as we have our 50th year club celebration with factory tours and seminars right there at the factory Idaho. You BCCI folks start reading up on it, the Dec. newsletter is on the way.
300Bucks

 

[bemo]

My 303's and 309 are my most carried Bucks. If they started making 2-bladed jacks in a variety of sizes.... well it just wouldn't be good for the pocket book. I've actually thought about reconstructing one of my 303's into such a configuration as an experiment. Unfortunately it will just stay a thought experiment for the time being.

 

[Mossyhorn]

I share in this affliction also.

My head turns for every pretty gal, my head also turns for every nice knife. Like what you like, no shame in it. Just share pics with us.

Pretty girls sure do turn my head. I preferrer 1 and 2 bladed trappers and folding hunters. This pretty Italian knife I recently acquired is one I can't seem to put down.

 

[whetrock]

I too have reached a similar consensus regarding traditional slipjoints. It doesn't what wide array of knives I try out and put in my rotation, I always seem to veer back, towards the jack knife. My second knife I ever owned was a Case Jackknife, with black composition handles, and it just feel all too familiar.