Alpha Hunter Fixed Blade

M

Morinoko

Joined
Nov 6, 2005
Messages
16
Hello guys .. i've been reading a lot here and found out about the different kinds of metal used in knives.

So, most of Buck's knives are made of 420HC, but there are 2 models of fixed blade alpha hunter: one in ATS-34, and another in 420HC. The price difference might be $20 or $30 (more or less); so it's a matter of wich metal is better for me?

I live in a very humid country (Panama), the purpose of the knive is to take it to camping trips and it usually rains. When not in use, it will stay at my home (i live in an apartment in front of the ocean). The original use was to trow it into my car's trunk, but i am chaning my mind (beutifull knive in my eyes to be trown in a trunk).

So, what is the real gain in investing in a higher quiality ATS-34, vs the 420HC (that i have read is more rust resistant).


thanks!!!!
 
Morinoko,
Here is what is posted on the Buck website about their higher grades steels:

"ATS-34 and BG-42 are two custom steels with much higher carbon content, giving them higher hardness ratings and dramatically higher edge retention.
S30V is a high vanadium stainless steel with even higher edge retention."

It also starts by saying that the 420HC is a stainless steel that is very highly corrosion resistant and has good edgfe retention and ease of sharpening. Which one is for you depends on it's end use. I don't think you can go wrong. If you're just going to throw it in the trunk, go for 420HC but if you want something a little more substantial, go with a higher grade. Better yet, get several knives with each kind of steel and you will be able to see the differences for yourself. :D
Mike
 
"Better yet, get several knives with each kind of steel and you will be able to see the differences for yourself"

wao, Mike, can you read my mind ??


considering there is a black (plastic/rubber) version of the knive, i actually tought about that...
 
Hey, thanks for all the recomendations. Today i finally bought the knives:

http://flickr.com/photos/morinoko/64034278/in/photostream/

the store didn't have the ATS-34 version, so i had to choose the 420HC one, but they trew me a leather sheath and a good discount. Because of their good manners, i also bought a Buck Nighthawk, who will live in my BOB bag in my car.

In the photo you can also see my folder EDC. You guy have also made me lust a 110 that i will buy in the near future, go figure.

Hey, any other Buck recomendations before i start to explore other manufacturer's offerings ??
 
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