Recommendation? Buck's Canoe/ Stockmann

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FinnWolf

Joined
Mar 8, 2015
Messages
23
Hello,

I'm asking opinions about Buck's Canoe or Stockman knives.
Both are quite cheap, meaning I can afford to buy either or both, maybe.

But I'm wondering about the steel, 420J2. Is it ok?
And also are these knives made in China...?

Thank You for any info!
 
Buck's 37x and 38x model lines are made in China using 420J2. The 30x slipjoints are made in the USA using 420HC.

I don't have personal experience with 420J2 steel. I have read enough from other informed people to have an opinion about it. I believe it is considered to be an entry-level steel for blades, with a relatively low carbon content and good corrosion resistance.
 
420J steel is really low quality stuff. Out of those two patterns I prefer the Canoe pattern, but that is a personal preference. If you want a canoe you would be better off with a Case or Queen, both of which can be had for around $50. (Case slightly under and Queen slightly over) If you decide that a stockman is for you there are zillions of options so I will not start listing them.
If you don't mind a knife that is thicker than the two mentioned above, I have a new black micarta Rough Rider Canoe that you can be yours for the grand total of free:) Just send me your address and I will toss it in the mail!
 
I have a couple of Rough Rider knives and the 440A they use is a decent steel. You could try one of the imported Bucks and compare it to a Rough Rider and make your own comparison based on your own usage.

Whether or not a particular steel is good enough depends on a combination of the blade geometry, heat treatment and hardness, type of cutting to be done, sharpening tools and skills of the sharpener, and how frequently you are willing to maintain the edge.
 
I'll second the vote to try Rough Rider knives. Many variations of stockman, sowbelly, canoe, etc. Good knives, well made and hold up well to use. I have about 20 or so of them. IMHO, they are as good (maybe better) than Case.

Rich
 
The Canoe feels better in your pocket, making a better worry-stone, but I find the stockman more useful. I would like the canoe a lot more if one of the blades had a straight edge.

You needn't worry about the steel too much, as the bar for an EDC knife is really pretty low. You will probably never notice the difference in performance between 420HC and 420J.

By all means, look at Rough Rider, too.
 
I own both, although the canoe is currently on loan to someone. I definitely prefer the canoe pattern over the stockman. I'm just not a fan of stockmen for some reason. I find the steel to be decent. Rough riders have much more variety, and their steel is better than the 420j2, but I prefer Buck in general. Either way would be a good choice, in my opinion.
 
I happen to have a couple of the Buck 389 canoes and the 371 stockman, as well as a couple Buck 301 stockman, as well as some Rough Riders in the same patterns.
As for the 371 vs 301, I have not noticed any practical difference in edge holding or in ease of sharpening. I'm not sure if Buck uses the 420HC or 420J, but I do know that whatever the steel, it has a good heat treat.
The 371 is a touch stiffer to open than the 301, a 6, maybe 6 1/2 compared to the 5 of the 301. The 389 has about the same pull as the 371.
The Buck 389 and 371 are both a fine knife. They were all sharp out of the box.
They also have Buck's Forever Warranty.

The Rough Rider canoes and stockman are also a very good knife.
I want to point out that the Buck 371 Stockman is a three back spring design, so none of the blades are offset or krinked.
The Rough Rider stockman are a two back spring design. I don't have a Rough Rider stockman under 4 1/4 inches closed (I like large Stockman. The 301/371 are about as small as I'll go for that pattern) The Rough Rider Spey is slightly krinked, but not enough to really be noticable, when in use. None of the blades rub on my examples.
I can honestly say the Rough Riders are every bit as good in all ways as the Buck and Case knives I have, and at a significantly lower price point - especially between the Case CV canoe and Rough Rider canoe.
Based on my experience, you will not regret getting the offshore made Buck or the Rough Rider. They both make a daRn good EDC.
 
Okkay..Many thanks for info!
I think I'll look those Case knives too.

Ernie 1980, I'll send you a PM.
 
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