I have an older Buck 619 with the Kraton handles. This knife has had very little actual use but might be getting much more in the future. I need to know from some of you guys who have lots experience with 425M steel how it holds up in the long run. I know it's not a "premiere" steel but don't believe it's junk either. It seems to take a razor edge very easily but needs touched up more frequently than harder steels. So, question is if you had this steel and planned on giving it lots of use would you keep it or ditch it for a new 119 Special model with the 420HC? Not a lot of money for a great knife but don't know if it's worth ditching the 425M for.
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425M steel question
- Thread starter Drover
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BG42EDGE
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If you feel the need for a better steel, the easiest thing to do would be to grab an older (1980 or earlier) 440C 119 (or 105 or 120 or whatever, depending on your major intended use) off e-Bay.
Here's a good steel link that has fairly accurate information:
http://zknives.com/knives/articles/knifesteelfaq.shtml
Here's a good steel link that has fairly accurate information:
http://zknives.com/knives/articles/knifesteelfaq.shtml
BG42EDGE
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One last thought on the 425M.......the Buck 425M has the advantage of getting the BOS Heat Treat......which probably means the final product is a cut above ordinary 425M.....same deal with the Buck 420HC.
Not that I've tested any others, but the consensus among most knife knuts that I've ever read is that BOS has a magic touch.
Not that I've tested any others, but the consensus among most knife knuts that I've ever read is that BOS has a magic touch.
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the 425 M was designed as a better rust resistant steel
as a test buck put several in salt water and left them for a long long time
no rust
as well as for other reasons the suppler of it started getting having some purity issues so buck changed steels
but there have been 425 blades show up with bubbles forming under the polish of a mirror finish blade..
as a test buck put several in salt water and left them for a long long time
no rust
as well as for other reasons the suppler of it started getting having some purity issues so buck changed steels
but there have been 425 blades show up with bubbles forming under the polish of a mirror finish blade..
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This is also the steel used in most of the BuckMaster series