Suggest a good, cheap, stockman

Big Dave

Big Dave

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 18, 1998
Messages
548
Hi,

I've never tried a stockman and I'd like to try one out. Could someone suggest a model about 3 1/4 inch that will hold a good edge. Something in the $30 and below range. I don't want to spend much because I'm really just curious to see what they are like.

It seems like these are popular:
* Buck 303 Cadet. Are they currently produced in the USA?
* Old Timer 340T (vintage one)

Thanks,
Dave
 
:DYou "CANNOT" go wrong w/ the OLD TIMER IMO, great knife just make sure to get one of the original USA made ones, 1095 carbon steel a great EDC.:thumbup::D
 
You can try a Buck 373 Cadet. It's their chinese made version, but it's about 15 dollars, and same quality as the one made in the US. Mine was actually BETTER quality then my black delrin handled american version. If it's just to try one out to see if you like the pattern, I'd go for one of those, and just beat on it.
 
I'm not sure what your calling cheap one of the least expensive that you'll find that holds a good edge and sharpens easy is the Camillus,Roughcuts that you see all over ebay.If your patient you should be able to get one for $12.00 or $15.00 shipped.
 
Case CV in Yellow
Case CV in amber bone or red bone
Moore Maker in Yellow (Delrin version; bone version is much more expensive.)
Camillus, and Remington (made by Camillus) carbon steel knives, often available in
the secondary market.

All can be had at reasonable prices, all are/were made in the USA, and all are very good quality.
 
The Case stockman in this photograph is 3 and 1/2 inches, and has CV (carbon steel) blades which hold a good edge. They are available at www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=114 for $30.95.

IMG_0504.jpg
 
Mine is 20+ yr old - a Buck 301 Stockman - 3.88" OAL. Great knife - I finally found a sharpening device (Spydie 'Sharpmaker'.) that works for me, so it's a triple threat shaver again. The 30X series are still made in the USA - the 37X is PRC-made. The 301 lists for $36, the 371 for $30. Another great one is my Puma Stockman #410675S - Sambar stag scales - bought on a clearance at 'Academy' for $21 - a steal!

Stainz
 
I agree with beau5278 - for <$20 shipped, a Camillus Roughcut (made in USA) is a great deal. If you want to go even cheaper, Rough Rider makes nice stockmen you can get for about $15 shipped (both medium, typically about 3.25" long closed, and large, about 4" closed). I also like the Case CV models but they're more than $30, usually close to $40 shipped.
 
Big Dave said:
Hi,

I've never tried a stockman and I'd like to try one out. Could someone suggest a model about 3 1/4 inch that will hold a good edge. Something in the $30 and below range. I don't want to spend much because I'm really just curious to see what they are like.

It seems like these are popular:
* Buck 303 Cadet. Are they currently produced in the USA?
* Old Timer 340T (vintage one)

Thanks,
Dave
Click to expand...
Yes, the 303 Cadet is made in the USA. The base model has black plastic handles. Stainless steel liners and the springs have a good snap. I really like the size of the Cadet. It should hold up forever. The new ones are made in house by Buck. If your a steel snob, the 420HC steel may not be considered the best. You should be able to get it for under $30. I have seen them at Lowes and they used to be at Walmart. Here are 3 different Cadets with different scales.

http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/e...0&range=1&order=Default&Submit.x=6&Submit.y=9
 
Camillus Roughcut (made in USA) is a great knife.
Solid Worker!!
Find it on ebay.
 
ElCuchillo said:
You can try a Buck 373 Cadet. It's their chinese made version, but it's about 15 dollars, and same quality as the one made in the US. Mine was actually BETTER quality then my black delrin handled american version. If it's just to try one out to see if you like the pattern, I'd go for one of those, and just beat on it.
Click to expand...

The problem with the Chinese Bucks, IMO, isn't that they won't last - it's that they will. Just me, I guess, but everything else in my world says "made in China on it," I don't want the knife I carry in my pocket for years to say it too. I'd be afraid that if I bought one to use as a "beater," I'd never be able to wear it out (I can't bring myself to abuse knives, just use them hard). YMMV.

As to the original poster's question .......... A Buck 303 or U.S.-made Old Timer 340T would be fine choices, as would KeithAM's suggestion of a yellow CV medium stockman by Case.
 
A buck 301 or 303 would serve you well.
As others suggested, a Old Timer(USA made), a case CV yeller handle, or a camillus roughcut would do as well.

Im carrying a roughcut as I write this - good working knife.

Peter
 
ElCuchillo said:
You can try a Buck 373 Cadet. It's their chinese made version, but it's about 15 dollars, and same quality as the one made in the US. Mine was actually BETTER quality then my black delrin handled american version. If it's just to try one out to see if you like the pattern, I'd go for one of those, and just beat on it.
Click to expand...

I'll second that. You can get them at your local Wal-Mart.
 
Find a USA made "old timer". I picked one up at a pawn shop the other day for 10$. I touched up the edge a little bit, and now it's a great user. You also can't go wrong with the Case CV knives. I promise you that you will end up with more than one because they are addicting. I just can't seem to get into the Buck knives though. I guess it's because they sell them at Wally world. I am not real fond of wally world lately, but that's a long story.
 
A Case XX 6318 CV steel in Amber Bone, brand new in the box with paperwork & unused went for $24. on eBay last night at 9:45pm.
 
6.0stroker said:
:DYou "CANNOT" go wrong w/ the OLD TIMER IMO, great knife just make sure to get one of the original USA made ones, 1095 carbon steel a great EDC.:thumbup::D
Click to expand...

Those 1095 Old Timers were great knives. A word of caution to the original poster though -- toward the end, Schrade used stainless on some of the Old Timers, without putting the + on the tang stamp. I bought a 34OT and an 8OT, thinking they were 1095. They were stainless, as I discovered after trying to put a patina on them with vinegar. I seem to remember that someone here mentioned that you could tell the stainless ones by the design of the box, but I don't remember the details.
 
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