503 Prince

Bought this a few years ago because it's a handsome knife, and I'm not a fan of having a clip sticking out of my pocket (it's a pocket knife, not a fashion statement). Foolishly broke the tip off of that one trying to pry something open. Chastised myself for my stupidity, and bought a second. I left that one on the roof of my car after cutting some rope holding down a load. Yesterday, I accidentally shorted an electrical circuit with knife #3, melting a good portion of the blade's edge (and probably weakening the steel further down in the process). So here I am, buying number 4.As an everyday workhorse knife for small cutting tasks, it's a beast. The blade is the perfect size for everything from opening boxes, to cutting twine and rope, whittling wood, and even minor food prep in a pinch. I've had one of these in my pocket every day for years now, and the knife has never let me down. Nickel bolsters and stainless steel means no worries about corrosion. The locking mechanism is as solid and reliable as you could possibly ask from a small knife. All 3 of the specimens I've owned have come out of the box shaving sharp, and don't take much work to keep that way. Holds an edge well enough for the tasks you'd put it to (I mean, I wouldn't go baton wood with it, but then again, it's a pocket knife, and that would be ridiculous anyway)If you like classic styling and a discreet design, you just can't go wrong with this knife. I imagine I'll do something stupid with #4, and I'll be back again for another, but it'll be my fault, and not the fault of my trusty little 503.

Classic, well made.

While I own what I would consider to be some very good knives, I am an office dweller by trade, and most of the knives I own would draw some very unwanted attention in "polite company." I could take bets on how quickly I would be visiting the security office if I pulled out my Kershaw Blur in the middle of the cafeteria. Because I didn't have anything else handy at the time, I'd been carrying around a cheap imported lockback that was stamped "China" on one side of the blade and "Sharp" on the other (which was false advertising, because there was nothing you could do to make that knife sharp). If I remember right, it was a dollar-store stocking-stuffer I got 10 years ago. It did an OK job (I guess), but the blade didn't even close the whole way and I was catching stuff on the point in my pocket. I also wasn't fond of carrying around imported junk for what should be a useful tool.Because I have a habit of over-analyzing purchases for seemingly-mundane items, I actually spent several weeks doing research on all kinds of different knives. I looked at Case, Kershaw, Queen Cutlery, CRKT, and several others. In all honesty, I probably would have bought another Kershaw if it weren't for the fact that their small folders are made in (you guessed it) China. I'm glad I kept looking, because the Buck 503 Prince has everything right. It looks very classy, locks up tight with no wiggling, feels substantial in the hand, isn't too heavy to carry, and is just the right size to perform most small cutting tasks without looking scary or aggressive. The drop point blade is what makes this a gentleman's knife (vs. the clip point on the Buck 55, which looks a bit meaner).The quality is top notch. As I mentioned, the blade doesn't wiggle at all when it locks, and it is reasonably well centered in the handle. When you open this knife up, you know that you are holding a quality tool. Just be careful when you do open it, because this knife came out of the box sharper than any knife I have ever seen. I'm not sure if they all come out like that, but it effortlessly shaved a patch off my arm as clean as any razor blade. The blade is hollow ground, and they left the finish a little rough (which I think looks good). This is not a polished blade (although I think you can order one with a polished blade from their custom shop) which I have seen some reviews complain about. It is personal preference if you ask me, and doesn't take anything away from my impression.I will admit that I was uncertain about buying this knife because it "only" uses 420HC in the blade, but I will say this: While it isn't one of the new fused-powder cryogenically-hardened miracle steels, people (including me) sometimes spend too much time looking at numbers and graphs on the internet. I have several Leatherman Multi-tools which I have used heavily for many many years, and they are also "only" 420HC. I have never had an issue sharpening my Leathermans or keeping them sharp, and Buck's steel is equal-to-or-better-than what Leatherman uses by all reports. My personal experience so far has supported this. Actually, 420HC has been a lot easier to sharpen than the Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel in my Kershaw Blur and holds an edge almost as well.The blade is sturdy enough to do its job, but again, this is a gentleman's knife (whether for a real gentleman, or someone like me who has to pretend to be one for 8 hours every day). It is not made for heavy-duty cutting tasks. Use the right tool for the job at hand and you'll do yourself well.Buy this knife. Whether this is your first pocket knife, a gift for a loved one, or you have a whole drawer full of folders, you won't be disappointed. Even if the price were double what it is, you would still be getting a good deal. This is American craftsmanship that you will carry with you for a long time, and one of your kids might just carry it after that.

It’s slim and fits in your pocket so nice ! The craftsmanship is excellent . I like the size and looks . Highly recommend this knife I use it almost daily

Wow, just wow. I highly anticipated receiving this knife, and it's gorgeous! I was worried that perhaps I should have ordered the Buck 501, but now I'm sure that I made the right decision in getting the 503. This knife is perfect for my hand. A 501 might have been a tad too big and too big to slip unnoticed into my pocket. I have large, slender hands for a woman. The knife is quite slim, which I love. I have other Buck knives, including a 301, 303, 309, a Canoe, and a Bantam...but this 503 is the prettiest one by far. It has a strong locking mechanism, a sharp blade right out of the box (with Buck's good 420 HC steel), and an appearance that is not likely to frighten anyone. It looks refined and elegant for a pocket knife. I only have two complaints with the knife: slight horizontal blade play and the pins aren't flush with the handle. I would prefer to not have blade play at all, especially with a brand new knife. I can live with the pins not being flush. Despite these two complaints, I highly recommend this knife! I love carrying it. It's so slim and lightweight that you're not likely to notice it at all in your pocket.

Nice well made , small pocket knife from Buck. I like it.

I have been carrying at all times a 503 in my pocket for the last 30 years. So so useful. The 503 in this common version is a great value for money. Very sharp and easy to sharpen. the right size that you can keep in all pockets, at the office, going out, on the boat. it is rust free if you just wash off sea water.

Good quality knife! Perfect size and nice weight. Worth the money.