Most of the Buck Knives are of 420 HC and though of a low carbon content, it seems to take a good edge and hold it pretty decently, and apparently is quite easy to retouch up to shaving sharpness again.
On the other hand, 420 J2 seems to be at the bottom of the steel spectrum, used mainly now on the cheapy PRC-made knives.
According to my experience thus far (not a lot on the resharpening part yet), 420 HC, although far from a "best" steel (there really isn't an all-around best), seems to me to be an honest, working knife steel that makes pretty good knives. So if they are both 420, why the disparity?
Jim
On the other hand, 420 J2 seems to be at the bottom of the steel spectrum, used mainly now on the cheapy PRC-made knives.
According to my experience thus far (not a lot on the resharpening part yet), 420 HC, although far from a "best" steel (there really isn't an all-around best), seems to me to be an honest, working knife steel that makes pretty good knives. So if they are both 420, why the disparity?
Jim