Should I try a Buck?

S

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I was out shopping with the missus yesterday, and one of my local retailers is having a decent sale on their knives. I was looking at a couple of Bucks, namely the Companion and what I "think" is the 301 Stockman. Not sure as the knives were in a display case unmarked.

I don't own any Buck knives. My preference these days is for carbon steel. Case CV being my favorite (not saying it's better than anything else, it's just my personal favorite based on my own crummy sharpening skills. I can get CV and SAK steel hair whittling sharp).

I kind of like the looks of the Companion. Very similar to my favorite Peanut, but it looks like a little more length in the handle, and it's thinner with the single spring. It sure isn't as pretty as the Peanut, but--

As for the Stockman, I've never owned the pattern. I've never owned any knife with more than two blades, other than a SAK. So I'm thinking maybe I should try one out. Pocket feel is a concern, as I am used to smaller knives.

I guess I'm looking for a push in the right direction. Should I try a Buck, or stick with my Peanut/SBJ/Conductor/White Owl...Good lord I don't need any more knives accumulating around here!
 
You cannot go wrong with a Buck. For the price or their forever guarantee. They were getting the 300 series made in China (to their specs) but started to move that back to the states. Check out the Buck area for information on 300 series knives.
 
By all means you should try a Buck. The 309 is a wonderful little knife for edc. I've watched my friend Wayne use and sometimes borderline abuse his little companion, and it just keeps on going. Buck builds a very sturdy knife. If you like the 309, then maybe even try a 303 cadet, a very capable small stockman design. Buck also has some of the very best factory backing you could want.

Carl.
 
Your never gonna find the right one until you try the right one. :thumbup:
I have a used a 301 and a 303 and Buck makes a nice slipjoint. I know they aren't the old fashioned carbon like a lot of guys like, but their steel is not garbage.

I would highly recommend giving them a shot.
 
Yes, but get a US-made one. They're not all US-made any more. The Chairman Series are all US-made. Buck's website makes a point of saying which models are US-made, so that's a good place to start.

I had a Buck Prince small lockback that I really liked and somehow lost. It was a pocket-sized lockback that was also nice and thin.

I'm thinking about a Buck "The 55" next; it's like a pint-sized 110.
 
I had a Buck Prince for years; mine wound up lost also. Bummer.

Yes, you should try one out. They're great knives with great heat treatment. I'm almost sure you'll like it.
 
Buck makes fine knives. The (usually) used 420HC steel is well heattreated by Buck. I own a 110 and a 301. The 301 can get pretty sharp and feels good in hand. It´s a big one. I gonna get some otheres of the 300-series.

I like Buck. There you´ll have a fine working knife and a good EDC.

Kind regards
Andi
 
SubSpace...


Up until this week I hadn't purchased a sub $30 folder in 10 years simply because I associate them with cheap quality,workmanship and steel that just won't last. And I'm here to say that I purchased a Buck 301 and 302 Solitare(single spring /single blade Stockman) and I couldn't be happier. They came just the way you'd like...whittling sharp and fantastic. The 302 would easily disappear in your pocket,the 301 well you'll feel it but it's definitely not uncomfortable and I'm not a Stockman guy either.I liked it so much I went out later and purchased a 301 with there "ComfortCraft Handle" (rounded edges on the bolsters).

And here's an additional review http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/885477-NEW-Buck-301
 
I believe all knifeknuts need at least one or two Buck knives. You have a great opportunity with a local retailer having the knives in stock. Buck is no different than any other manufacturer in that sometimes a knife with "issues" will slip by QC. Examine the particular knife you want to buy, and if doesn't live up to your expectations don't hesitate to ask if they have other ones under the counter, not on display, that you could look at.

If you've never owned a stockman before, and you're used to smaller knives, then as Carl said, be sure to check out the 303 stockman - it's just a smaller version of the 301. Still built like a tank. Three backsprings - one for each blade - so no blade crinking, no blade rub.

And as mentioned by Smaug, definitely check out the 55 if they have one in stock. It's a mini 110, with all the tank-like attributes of its big brother, but suitable for pocket carry.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide! :thumbup:
 
Almost forgot...the tang stamp will give you all the info you need..model number and the good ole Made in USA so need need to worry about an off shore made Buck....
 
got me a 309
cant complain, small, unobtrusive, built like a tank, and it gets sharp as all get out. While it doesn't seem to get QUITE as sharp as case CV, i think its more because of blade geometry (they aren't full flat grind) they do seem much tougher than any of my case knives. Don't let this fool you though, it still shaves arm hair off like nobody's business.

for a smaller knife i haven't seen a task it wasn't up to yet.
the only reason i am still looking is that I prefer something along the lines of a mini-trapper (size, handle shape etc)
dang i wish buck still made trappers, that would be awesome
 
Rsmith_77 said:
well, i appreciate the find, for reasons that are not appropriate on this forum, i'd prefer something manufactured a little closer to home
but thanks for the link and the looking out :thumbup:
Click to expand...

No problem - totally understood. ;)
 
300flagh.jpg

Yeah. Try one.
 
While they may not be for everyone, I don't personally know anyone that has used and carried a Buck knife that hasn't appreciated it. Great quality, great price, and built well enough to stand honest use. Their overall line of folders are working knives, not safe queens.

I think as such they are one of the best values for folders on the market today. If we are talking about any of their stockman patterned knives, I think they are not just the best value, but one of the best working knives out there. They will take a helluva licking, and for years.

Robert
 
I'll join the others and say "yes!" Buck is my favorite knife company right now, because they are manufacturing in the U.S. and they output affordable, well designed, durable knives. I have the 309 and just picked up a Vantage. Love them both. Both these knives cost around $20, so don't expect a high level of refinement. A little sharpening/polishing on your part will bring out the full potential.

The 309 companion is what I carry every day, along with the Victorinox classic on my key chain. It is handsome, feels solid in your hand, yet the weight is negligible. By the way, there are 2 springs and the overall thickness is 3/8". I use it to cut tape, clam packages and other light stuff at work, but I'm sure it can handle tougher chores. Here is a video I made about it:
[video=youtube;2L62E1Hs03s]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L62E1Hs03s[/video]
 
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