As you've probably figured out by now, I like traditional slipjoints as EDC knives. I regularly carry knives by Case, Boker, Buck, Rough Rider, etc. For the longest time, my only Buck slippie was the Model 371, which is the Chinese-manufactured version of the classic 301 Stockman. I recently got a 301, and decided to compare the two.
Here they are, the 371 at left, the 301 at right. The most obvious difference is that the 371 has brown hardwood handles, while the 301 has black Derlin. Both knives are the same size and weight.
The second main difference is that the 371 has brass liners, while the 301 has stainless steel ones. Both of these knives have 420HC stainless blades, though newer 371s have different steel.
Blade shapes of the clip and sheepsfoot are identical between the two. The nail nicks on the 371 are larger and deeper than the 301, on all three blades.
The spey blades, however, are quite different. The 301 has a traditional shape to it, while the 371 has more of a pen blade style.
In terms of fit and finish, both of these are excellent. The 301 has one tiny gap on the back, while the 371 is just about perfect! The walk and talk of both are great, with the 301 having a slightly smoother feel to it. Both make great EDC knives, and I basically carry them interchangeably. The 371, though, has one thing going for it - you can pick one up at Walmart for $20! For a blade of this high quality, that's insanely cheap. The 301 will set you back around $35. Either way though, it's hard to go wrong with these fine knives!
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