112 in 5160 or 420?

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kraash

Joined
May 26, 2010
Messages
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I used the search function and although there was plenty of combat over 5160 vs 420, but none of it was specific to buck. So those conversations were not taking into account Buck heat treatments and real world use...

Why I am asking, I want to order a 112 on amazon today and they have it in both 420 og and 5160. Does anyone have experience with both? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
 
My advice?
BEWARE Amazon as much or more than ePrey.

I'd suggest buying direct from C&C (they are the only ones I know of that regularly stock the 110 and 112 (and a few Buck fixed blades) with 5160 blade steel.)

Amazon closed and locked my account today, because I filed a dispute with the bank over their charging me twice for a couple orders --- after the items had been delivered. (Amazon does not ship anything unless that item is paid in full.)

I don't mind paying for things I order. I expect to pay for them. However, I don't think I should have to pay for something two or more times. Once is enough!

As for your question of 420HC vs 5160, I think I would go with the 5160, if only because I like carbon steel and the way it takes a patina.
Buck does a good job with the heat treat of whatever blade steel they use.
From what I understand, all their blades get the BOS heat treat, even if it isn't stated on the blade.

I don't have anything by another maker with 420J2 (what Buck uses in the offshore made 300 series and possibly some of their other offshore made knives) to compare it to, but the Buck 420J2 used in my 371's and 389, seem to hold an edge as well and as long as my standard production 301 with 420HC blades, and my not Buck knives with 440A blades.
(obviously my 371's and 389 don't hold a edge as well or as long as my 2018 BF 301, and SK Blades Smoke Jumper 110 with CPM154 blades, or my SK Blades Lil' Jack 112 with a D2 blade.)

Enjoy your new Buck!
 
5160 is said to be tougher. It takes a patina and looks nice and sharpens real easy. Its fun. I feel 420HC holds an edge a little longer though and I like stainless for food. So it depends on what you plan to use it for.
 
For steel pick either! Both should perform well.

As far as sellers, definitely choose a vendor thats reputable.

I will say I bought both of my Buck 110 and 112 LT's from Amazon. However I made sure they were sold by Copper and Clad. I wouldn't have ordered from Amazon otherwise. I could have just ordered from CC but I had some other things in my cart.
 
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I went with a 112 in blue indigo (from C&C); so I didn't have the option of 5160. I know I could buy another 112 - maybe someday I'll find myself wanting a clip blade - in which case I'd likely go with 5160, if it's still available.
 
5160 gets my vote. I love how they heat treat that steel. It gets wicked, slick-sticky sharp and stays that way.

And order from Copper and Clad, not Amazon. That way you know it’s the real deal and in most cases it’s even cheaper.
 
I'd go 5160 cuz it's different. The 420hc is the standard steel, and you will always know you went a step up
 
I have had this same argument with myself so many times... lol I think the 5160 in a pocket knife is kind of pointless, especially when Bucks 420hc is so good but it would be so cool.... I havent picked one up yet, but maybe I will. If I could find a drop point with the carbon steel, thatd be awesome!
 
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