The wonderful 703

S

sharkattacksw

Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
626
Today I carried one of my 703s. That little knife did everything that I asked of it, no issues. It’s times like this that I really question the whole tactical/modern folder scene. Obviously, the tactical angle is definitely more of a mall ninja thing, although 99/100 tactical knife owners won’t admit it, lol.

As far as the modern folders go, I appreciate the design that goes into some of them, as well as the use of the various modern super steels.

But in the end, I end up thinking about my dad and great uncle and their knives. They managed to do just fine with simple knives of D2 or some other tool steel. And, chances are they used their knives for a lot more than most guys use theirs for today. Are super steels really needed to open mail, boxes from Amazon, bags of chip, slicing apples, etc. I know a lot of guys like to put themselves in the “hard use” category, but again, 99/100 guys will not admit that their modern tactical folders are nothing more than adult fidget toys/pocket jewelry.

Am I correct about in my thoughts? Anyone else agree?

Rant off...
 
sharkattacksw said:
Are super steels really needed to open mail, boxes from Amazon, bags of chip, slicing apples, etc
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According to the marketing departments:
"YES! Oh! and a Super Steel blade is needed for cleaning your fingernails, too."

"Reality", however, says:
"Yes; but only if you're a 'Mall Ninja' or a 'Mall Ninja Wannabe'.
For regular "people" and/or "humans"? ... No."
 
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The main difference I notice in steels is how often I have to sharpen them, and how hard it is to get a good edge back on them.

As far as cutting performance goes, the main factors are edge geometry and blade grind. Some blades cut well and don't bind up in the things I'm cutting. Some don't cut well and bind on everything.

Better steels do actually hold an adge longer, but simpler steels sharpen easier. It's a trade-off. Some knives I only have to sharpen a few times a year and that's with constant use. Some of my knives I need to sharpen once a month. Doesn't make them any less good, it just means I have to sharpen them more often.

Yes, I do use my knives hard. I do a lot more than open mail and cut apples.
 
The Buck 703 was radical looking when I first saw one - cutting edge modern was how it impressed me. I've owned one for years but it sort of evolved into looking "odd" in my traditional mind (I know, there is no accounting for taste!) As to blade steels, my view; is the steel adequate for the intended job? Can I clean a mountain of whitetail with a Buck 118 made of 420HC? Can I clean the same mountain of whitetail with a blade made of 440C? What do I have to do the the edge to do that - touch it up and keep it clean is all. I like having Buck's with the different steels (S30V, D2, 5260, etc.) but they are really only necessary for my collecting enjoyment and inquisitiveness - not necessary for performing the designed task of a hunting knife. Now I know Mall Ninja's need fast deploying knives made of super-steels for cutting mall hotdogs and pretzels - they really are that tough! OH
 
Old Hunter said:
Now I know Mall Ninja's need fast deploying knives made of super-steels for cutting mall hotdogs and pretzels - they really are that tough! OH
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This is funny, I almost spilled my coffee. :thumbsup:
May I say about your other points= all good. For me processing a large mule deer the in a draw a mile from camp. The knife Must get me through gutting, skinning
and quartering. With those hung in a tree, in the shade I can them hike back to
camp get my pack and help and go get the meat out. Like you I've found a blade of 440C can do this. Where the higher grade steels come into play helping me is right out my back door processing chickens. When I can take One knife and over a weekend process a dozen chickens and get these in the freeze with no issues with the knife this is a big help. For the rest of my year (day in day out use) a blade of 425M steel is just fine. DM
 
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The 700's were a handsome series. I prefer a early 701, with old English script stamp. I have the entire series in my collection which I display
at shows. It is common during a 2 day show that at least one patron will walk by and stop to say, (pointing at the 700 series) when did Buck
make those? A treasure from the early 80's. DM
 
I have a 701 that does not have the Buck shield inlay in the handle ( I think 1999) that is my daily carry. I am not sure which steel it is made of,, but it does a great job!
 
west, it should have a block letter stamp with a year date code. The steel should be 420hc. Yes in 1999 the shield was removed as the
series was declining. By 2002 the series was removed from Buck's catalog. DM
 
sharkattacksw said:
I really question the whole tactical/modern folder scene. Obviously, the tactical angle is definitely more of a mall ninja thing, although 99/100 tactical knife owners won’t admit it, lol.
Anyone else agree?

Rant off...
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I will respectfully disagree with your thinking about the tactical/modern folder being more of a mall ninja thing. Military, law enforcement, firefighters and ETMs need a fast deploying, one handed or automatic knife. Even us old farts who find the opening of a slip joint difficult and painful enjoy the using of a knife that opens easily. I everyday carry the 898 Impact and am not a mall ninja just old. Preston
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David, we think alike as hunters using our knives for that purpose (as you know my hands down favorite deer knife, not to be separated until death, is my Buck 118 Personal two line of 440C blade steel - three deer can be gutted, skinned and deboned with that one before touch up). Of course I have never cut up more than two chickens at a given time so I will defer to your knowledge of appropriate blade steel for that job. Glad you didn't spill your coffee! Bruce
 
I use my 301 fairly often and it works well. One time only 45 long years ago a flip open knife saved me from a bad beating or worse and for many years after that and occasionally even now I feel much better having a bigger easy open knife with a minimum 3" blade..I've let my concealed carry permit expire and there are few times nowadays I feel the need to carry a pistol. But I still like a decent sized blade..
 
The 703 is one of the nicest looking stockman I've seen in a long time, I'd be proud to own one.

As for steels goes I really don't have high demands for my knives, if my blade
holds an edge decently and can be touched up back to razor sharp in no time I'm happy.
I have nothing against those who need or want super steels, they're just not an interest of mine.
 
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My 703 has served me well when I choose to carry it as my EDC. While super steels add various qualities to the metal (toughness, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, hardness, etc.) it's really the great Buck heat treat that brings out the best of the steel that is used in our Buck knives. Typical EDC for many of us, as preiously stated in this thread does not involve use that requires much more capability than provided by Buck's standard 420hc.
 
I appreciate the 700 series very much and wish they were still produced. I have a 701, 703, and 705 all of which I like and use. But I also use and appreciate larger modern folders. I don't understand why so many threads start off stating a preference and then advocating the choice of one over the other. Why does anyone need to reside permanently in one philosophical camp when it comes to preferences in knives? It's like saying no one needs a vehicle bigger than a "Smart Car" because you love yours and it does everything YOU need it to do.
 
I thought the question had centered around super steels vs. standard steels for blades and how much "superness" is really needed to do the basic cutting chores traditionally done by knives - didn't see this as a tactical vs. traditional pattern debate. My preference is for me to use what appeals to me and for you to use what appeals to you. OH
 
I have some handsome traditional folders that have high end steels. i.e. 110, 112 and 500. I have used these and explored their abilities.
At the same time I don't feel I need to carry these on a weekly basis in order to make use of that steel. On a weekly / daily basis I mostly
us my folder to cut up some cardboard, cut up my lunch apple and summer sausage and clean my finger nails. Not much more. Well, lessor
steels have no trouble doing that. So, I end up carrying the knife that has the shape and features I like and that gets these items cut and
I don't fret over the steel. DM
 
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