A pocket knife is a tool you always have on hand. It should be dependable, easy to carry and able to handle any cutting task you require. A Buck 303 is a knife that does all that, with style. Based on its looks, you could call it a gentleman’s folder, but its roots as a working knife make it a knife for all occasions.

Stats

Overall length: 3.31″
Thickness: 0.49″
Height 0.72″
Main blade length: 2.54″
Sheepsfoot blade length: 1.84″
Spey blade length: 1.75″
Weight: 1.9 oz
Scales: black valox
Bolsters: nickel silver alloy
Blade: 420HC

The design

The 303 Cadet is a traditional 3-bladed stockman design. As the name implies, this design was originally intended for use on the farm. At 3-1/4″ long, the 303 is considered a small stockman, which is perfect for the domesticated lifestyle most of us lead in 2023.

Each blade has a different shape, each with its own merits. The main clip point blade is an all-around design. If the knife came with just one blade, it would be the clip point. Its acute point is good for puncturing, and it is long enough to section an apple or clean a fish. For everyday tasks, the sheepsfoot blade is the star. The tip drops all the way down to the straight edge, like a razor blade in a utility knife. Opening letters, bags, packages, and breaking down boxes is the dominion of the sheepsfoot blade. Finally, the spey blade was designed to castrate livestock. Its curved tip is good for separating skin from flesh if you are a hunter. There is not much these three blades cannot handle. I reckon you can whittle an afternoon away with a 303 and a block of wood.

Knives like the Cadet do not have locks. Like a Swiss Army knife, they depend on back springs to keep the blade open. This type of knife is called a slip joint. Some folks believe that all folding knives need locks to be safe. I disagree; most of my folding knives don’t lock open. If you practice mindfulness when using a knife, a slip joint is perfectly safe.

Buck quality

The knife you see in the photos is 20 years old. I bought it used, gave it a little oil and TLC, and it was like new. Buck knives are made in the USA, with a forever warranty. They stand behind their product. I will add that every Buck knife I have purchased has been of good quality. The blades are made of 420HC, which is now considered a low-end stainless steel. However, Buck’s heat treatment, developed by Paul Bos, is nearly universally acclaimed. I find 420HC to be easy to sharpen, very rust resistant, and have decent edge holding. The construction of the Buck 300 series is notable in that the bolsters and liners are a single piece of nickel silver alloy. Also, each blade has its own spring, rare in a stockman design. What you have is a solid feel in your hand that few knives can replicate.

Pocket sized

Given its size and weight, the 303 can be tossed into your pocket along with keys, pens, and whatever else. I also own a Victorinox Bantam with the same length, and it also has that carefree carry. Larger knives will compete for space, weigh down your pocket, and stick out, which bumps into corners and announces that you have a knife in your pocket.

Compared to a full-sized Swiss Army knife, the 303 Cadet is a bit shorter and lighter. I can carry the Buck all day and forget it is there.

It’s capable

The 303 Cadet is capable of things associated with more specialized knives. Before we had a knife for every purpose, people did everything with one versatile knife. The handle on the 303 is just enough for me to get a four finger grip to do serious cutting. The ricasso (base) of the blade acts as a comfortable finger choil. A fixed blade or a big locking folder comes to mind when one thinks about carving feather sticks, but the 303 can handle it.

The only thing I might argue against this knife is that its utility might be limited compared to a Swiss Army knife. However, the gap might not be as big as one thinks. Can you open cans with the 303? Yes; it’s not great for the edge, but it is possible. Can you turn screws with it? Given there are three blades, I venture that either the spine or tip of one can turn a screw in a pinch. How about opening a bottle? If you know the trick using a lighter, you can use the 303 in the same fashion.

Conclusion

When I started carrying this knife, I worried that it might displace other pocket knives I owned. It is such a complete package, that I really didn’t need to carry anything else. Instead of making my other knives sad, I gifted the 303 to my friend, who was moving far away. I think it is something he can use for the rest of his life, on any occasion, and it will serve him well. One of these days, I will own another 303. Everyone could use a good Buck knife.