Buck 501 vs 503 – Size, Weight & Carry

One of the first names you’ll come across if you’re looking for a new knife is Buck. Due to their Forever Guarantee and 110 years of expertise in the knife industry, the American brand is one of the most reputable and well-liked ones.

We’re willing to assume that if you found your way to this post, you’re looking for a new folding knife. You’re in luck because we’re about to put the 501 “Squire” and the 503 “Prince,” two of Buck’s most well-known folding knives, to the test.

We’ll go through the features, costs, and comparisons of both models to help you decide which knife—the Buck 501 or Buck 503—is best for you.

Here is the main distinction, in case you don’t have time to read the entire article:

• Choose the 501 “Squire” if you want a decent all-purpose folding knife with a reliable sheath carry method.
• We advise the 503 “Prince” if you’re looking for something a little bit smaller and lighter to carry about with you every day.

Buck 501 vs 503 – Key Comparisons

These two knives appear to be quite similar at first glance. They both have a drop point blade made of high-quality 420HC steel and the same Dymalux Red Wood grip. But these two knives differ in terms of size, weight, and carry possibilities.

The 501, often known as the “Squire,” is the larger of the two types, with a blade length of 2 3/4″ and a closed profile of 3 3/4″. While we use the word “bigger,” it’s important to keep in mind that this knife is still rather compact and pleasant to hold.

The 501 is a dream to carry. Even if you don’t use the real leather sheath that is supplied, it just weighs 3 ounces, so you won’t even notice it’s there.

The 503, often known as the “Prince,” is a little smaller knife with a blade length of 2 1/2 inches and measures 3 3/8 inches when closed. With the 503, the weight lowers to only 2oz, making the knife incredibly lightweight and convenient to wield.

There isn’t an external carry system incorporated here because of the 503’s diminutive size and extremely light weight. Most consumers, according to Buck, will just tuck it away in their pockets for regular usage.

Given how comparable the two knives are and how compact they both are in comparison to other folding knives, it is difficult to justify choosing anything other than the 501 due to its larger blade and sheath.

However, like with many knives, it depends on how it feels in your hand. Choose the 501 if you want something a little bit larger. If the 501 does seem a little large, choose the 503 instead because it is the more compact and lightweight alternative, provided you are okay without a sheath being included.

Buck 501 ‘Squire’ – Detailed View

The 501 is no exception to Buck’s tradition of producing excellent folding knives. You can get a top-notch knife from a well-known American manufacturer.

Enter the specifications now. The 501 is a convenient 3 3/4′′ length when closed, making it simple to tuck into your pocket or wear around your neck if necessary. The knife is a suitable size for the majority of daily duties when it is opened up to 6 1/2′′, yet it isn’t heavy because it weighs only 3oz.

Some people who have larger hands than average will remark that this knife is still too tiny. If that describes you, a Buck 110, which we’ll look at later in this article, will make you feel more at home.

Returning to the 501, the blade is a finely constructed 2 3/4″ and is made of 420HC steel, which is typical for Buck’s at this price bracket. You receive a blade with 420HC that works well with the majority of materials it encounters. However, it isn’t as razor-sharp as an S30v.

The knife’s finish is completed with a wonderfully elegant Dymalux oak handle that feels excellent in the hand and is quite simple to clean. The sheath, which is constructed of real black leather and can be connected to a belt, is one of the main advantages of this knife over the 503.

It comes with Buck’s Forever Guarantee and is one of their USA-made versions. It is quick and simple to swap or fix if you experience any issues.

Buck 503 ‘Prince’ – Detailed View

A super-compact folding knife like the Buck 503 Prince is the ideal carry option for anyone who need to control their pocket space. It is one of the greatest all-around compact folders on the market because of how well outstanding quality and small size are balanced.

The 503 is a knife that you will feel at ease carrying around your neck or slipping into the inside pocket of your pants because it is just 3 3/8′′ in size. When fully opened, the entire 5 2/3′′ profile (2 1/2′′ blade) will provide you adequate room to work with for the most of daily activities while still being lightweight at 2oz.

Even while the 503’s blade and handle are made of the same materials as the 501, its smaller size and lighter weight will appeal to individuals who have smaller hands.

Given its compact size, Buck presumes that most users would keep this knife in their pocket, thus a sheath is not included. Although it’s a bit unfortunate that a sheath wasn’t included, you can understand Buck’s reasoning since, considering how little the knife is, we doubt many people would have trouble fitting it in their trousers.

The 503 is generally regarded as one of the greatest little folding knives available. Given Buck’s stellar reputation, we’d recommend the 503 above the 501 and most other pocket knives of this size if you really want one that will fit into your pocket with ease!

Summary – Buck 501 vs 503

We contrasted the Buck 501 and Buck 503 in this post. We’d suggest the 501 and 503 if you’re looking for a tiny folding knife from a reputable American manufacturer.

Size and carry possibilities are the two main differences between the two while making a decision.

The Buck 501 is unquestionably the knife for you if you want a somewhat larger knife with a sheath that will serve all of your daily demands. Instead, if size and weight are more important to you, we would choose the Buck 503, due to its slimmer profile and exceptionally low load.

If you require a plus-size option because you have larger hands, moving up to the Buck 110 could be the best course of action.