Attended my first blade show today(Oak Lawn,IL AECA)and purchased a Buck 881 Mini Strider Spear Point with BG-42 blade steel. I have a couple of questions about the blade marks. At the base of the choil it is marked SB.2 and directly underneath is the symbol for 2001,on the other side of the blade it is marked BOS BG-42 U.S.A. An interpretation of the marks would quiet my curiosity. Also the pocket clip is super tight is that normal, or is there a way to loosen it? I must say the knife is truly sensational. My knife knowledge has sure increased the past couple months reading this forum...Thanx and keep up the good work.
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881 mini strider blade markings
- Thread starter 50Base
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- Jan 14, 1999
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- 953
50Base,
I also attended the AECA show today and met several Buck collectors. To answer your questions, the "SB.2" is actually 58.2 and is the Rockwell hardness for that blade. The Bos flame logo indicates that the blade was heat treated by Paul Bos, one of the best in the business. Paul heat treats all of Buck's blades at the El Cajon facility as well as running his own heat treating business for numerous custom makers.
BG-42 is a premium blade steel used by several top makers. You can research these forums for previous discussions on the merit of this fine steel and comparisons to other blade steels.
The pocket clip is extremely tight because that is the way the guys from Strider insisted it was to be. You can loosen it by prying it out from the handle but be careful not to overdue it.
Hope this helps!
I also attended the AECA show today and met several Buck collectors. To answer your questions, the "SB.2" is actually 58.2 and is the Rockwell hardness for that blade. The Bos flame logo indicates that the blade was heat treated by Paul Bos, one of the best in the business. Paul heat treats all of Buck's blades at the El Cajon facility as well as running his own heat treating business for numerous custom makers.
BG-42 is a premium blade steel used by several top makers. You can research these forums for previous discussions on the merit of this fine steel and comparisons to other blade steels.
The pocket clip is extremely tight because that is the way the guys from Strider insisted it was to be. You can loosen it by prying it out from the handle but be careful not to overdue it.
Hope this helps!
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2002
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- 1,273
It's SB.2, not 58.2.
SB1 is the large version of the folder, so the marking on mine says "SB.1". The small version is SB.2.
No difference between spearpoint and tanto in the markings.
SB1 is the large version of the folder, so the marking on mine says "SB.1". The small version is SB.2.
No difference between spearpoint and tanto in the markings.
- Joined
- Jan 14, 1999
- Messages
- 953
AlphalphaPB,
Thanks for that info. I guess it is true that you can learn something new everyday. Now that I think about it, 58.1 and 58.2 are low Rockwell numbers for that steel.
Thanks for your input!
Larry
Thanks for that info. I guess it is true that you can learn something new everyday. Now that I think about it, 58.1 and 58.2 are low Rockwell numbers for that steel.
Thanks for your input!
Larry
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- Apr 29, 2002
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You're welcome. The Rc sounds almost there, I think that the BS should be somewhere around 59-60 Rc.
CJ Buck
Moderator
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- Apr 15, 1999
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We are routinely getting 60-61 rockwells out of the BG-42.
Alpha, thanks for correcting Larry...I was reading this thread and thought finally I can correct larry but you beat me to it...those opportunities don't come around very often and must be taken to full advantage
We have purchased Paul's Heat treating business. Paul is working on training his bench strength so he can take some well deserved vacations and free him up for more promotional duties.
Paul has worked with us...well...since like the early 80's, and maybe even before that while employed for someone else.
The heat treat of the knife is the knife's pedigree. Just like who made it or who did the scrimshaw/engraving etc... We started marking all custom steels with the Bos logo to show that these products are getting better results from their respective steels than anyone else in the industry. I would honestly put Paul's expertise up against anyone alive.
What we have been able to accomplish, consistently with the 420hc amazed even the steel manufacturer.
Even though many manufacturers are using custom steels, Heat treat is so key and I dont think anyone is getting the kind of results we get.
Alpha, thanks for correcting Larry...I was reading this thread and thought finally I can correct larry but you beat me to it...those opportunities don't come around very often and must be taken to full advantage
We have purchased Paul's Heat treating business. Paul is working on training his bench strength so he can take some well deserved vacations and free him up for more promotional duties.
Paul has worked with us...well...since like the early 80's, and maybe even before that while employed for someone else.
The heat treat of the knife is the knife's pedigree. Just like who made it or who did the scrimshaw/engraving etc... We started marking all custom steels with the Bos logo to show that these products are getting better results from their respective steels than anyone else in the industry. I would honestly put Paul's expertise up against anyone alive.
What we have been able to accomplish, consistently with the 420hc amazed even the steel manufacturer.
Even though many manufacturers are using custom steels, Heat treat is so key and I dont think anyone is getting the kind of results we get.
While Larry is correct in that you should be able to pry up on the pocket clip to loosen it's grip a bit, it is much easier to do if you remove the clip and place it in a vice. Just wrap your plier jaws in duct tape to prevent marring the finish on the clip and bend it gently then put the clip back on the knife, being sure to tighten the screws, to check the clips grip. You will probably have to do this several times to get it just right. By the way, the clip screws are #6 Torx.
Have to agree with C.J. on Buck's 420HC...I've been carrying and using a 303 date coded 2000 quite a bit in the last six months or so, and the blade edges have held up wonderfully cutting boxes and string with a bit of whittling thrown in. So far it's only needed light touching up twice with a fine diamond rod along with stropping every month. It's earned a place in my pocket along with the tiny Victorinox that's been there for years.
Take care,
Have to agree with C.J. on Buck's 420HC...I've been carrying and using a 303 date coded 2000 quite a bit in the last six months or so, and the blade edges have held up wonderfully cutting boxes and string with a bit of whittling thrown in. So far it's only needed light touching up twice with a fine diamond rod along with stropping every month. It's earned a place in my pocket along with the tiny Victorinox that's been there for years.
Take care,
- Joined
- Aug 24, 1999
- Messages
- 3,135
For what its worth:
SB1 = Strider Buck larger folder in either tanto or spear point
SB2 = Strider Buck small folder in either tanto or spear point
SB3 = Strider Buck fixed blade in spear point
SB4 ??? Not yet.
SB1 = Strider Buck larger folder in either tanto or spear point
SB2 = Strider Buck small folder in either tanto or spear point
SB3 = Strider Buck fixed blade in spear point
SB4 ??? Not yet.