Alpha series

[jmh33]

Is that a hollow or flat grind on those?

Looks hollow to me also.
John

 

[matthewtstock]

GPyro

Hollow grind. Tumbled finish. I taped off the spine and applied a satin finish.

 

[GPyro]

GPyro

Hollow grind. Tumbled finish. I taped off the spine and applied a satin finish.

Thanks Matthew.
I looked as such, I think the website even spoke of it.

I just found it odd that those are different than the Pro and Elite.

✌

 

[matthewtstock]

I just found it odd that those are different than the Pro and Elite.

Another oddity regarding the grind on the 664 Select, it starts higher on the Pro & Elite. The 662 & 663 (Select models also hollow grind) are all similar in grind height regardless of price point/level.

Nonetheless, I am digging the Selects. I bought two of the 663 & 664 and selected the finer finished pair for custom scales, perhaps elk. Just need to find a talented knife maker for the job.

Adding a 662 and a custom sheath would make for an interesting twin set or triplet set.

 

[Ruger 44 Redhawk]

Personally, I love and prefer hollow ground 425Mod and 420HC. I get them sharper than any other steel/geometry combination. AEB-L, too, but that’s not a Buck steel in this conversation.

As to why they do it that way, my guess is that the new-fangled powder metallurgy steels with Vanadium carbides need a thicker angle with more matrix metal behind the edge to hold the carbides in place.

What are your thoughts on Buck's 425M? I have two 1995 650 Nighthawk's and can't seem to get them razor sharp. I'm sure it's me and not the steel. Just need to keep trying. But I can never really find many opinions on 425M. I know that Larrin's chart (of Magnacut fame) shows that 420HC is one of the toughest steels out there. Thoughts?

 

[Culprit99]

What are your thoughts on Buck's 425M? I have two 1995 650 Nighthawk's and can't seem to get them razor sharp. I'm sure it's me and not the steel. Just need to keep trying. But I can never really find many opinions on 425M. I know that Larrin's chart (of Magnacut fame) shows that 420HC is one of the toughest steels out there. Thoughts?

I think Buck’s 425Mod is harder and takes longer to sharpen than their 420HC, but is a fine-grained steel that sharpens up fantastic. I’ve been carrying, using, and sharpening Bucks in 425Mod for 33 years, but always thin blades like 700 series, 500 series, and the 110 - not a larger/thicker blade like the Nighthawk.

I get a better edge on 425Mod with a hard Arkansas stone or a super smooth ceramic rod than I do by stropping. That could just be me, but I’ll stick to what works for me.

 

[GPyro]

All of the pieces on the new Alpha Elite, Pro and Select lines are interchangeable including the sheaths. After our initial launch we should have sheath available and sold separately on our Website or through Customer Service.

So I'm assuming they will not be available on the website but may be available thru Customer Service.......?
It's been awhile since their release....

 

[Buck Knives Inc.]

I am not sure when we will have these available on the website but you should be able to contact Customer Service shortly to order directly through us.

 

[GPyro]

I am not sure when we will have these available on the website but you should be able to contact Customer Service shortly to order directly through us.

Thank-you!

 

[Zornhau]

I've been wanting an EDC sized fixed blade from Buck. I like the knife, but the sheath is rubbish. I find that a Bradford sheath fits like it was made for it. And please don't hurt me, but the jimping had to go. Now I just need to make a kydex pocket sheath.

 

[GPyro]

Interesting.
I guess I've never really given a slip style sheath consideration for these.
I have so many sheaths similar to those....
I'll have to go through them and see if I have one that works.

Jumping, hey it's your knife.
Do with it what you want.

Thanks for the inspiration on the sheath.