Aluminum Buck 110: 430HC Clip Point vs S30V Drop Point?

Buck 110 Aluminum: 420HC Clip Point vs S30V Drop Point

  • 420HC Clip Point

    Votes: 12 31.6%

  • S30V Drop Point

    Votes: 26 68.4%
  • Total voters
    38
  • Poll closed .
The Zieg

The Zieg

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2002
Messages
4,840
I'm going to buy one of these from Copper and Clad, but I can't settle on which. The superior steel is obviously S30V (even Buck thinks so), but I'm torn between the blade shapes. The classic clip point is what I own now (I have three 110s: An old 440C, a recent 420HC, and an LT). There's also the $30 price difference, but with the superior steel, I know I'm getting what I pay for. So, what are some of your experiences here? Do you think the drop point is superior, do you think the steel is the deciding factor, or do you think for my average around-the-farm-occasionally-skinning-game-and-gutting-trout uses it wont really matter?

(For those who haven't read my posts before, I'm keen on the traditional patterns. I'm usually carrying a French knife like a carbon Opinel N°10 or my recent acquisition Le Thiers friction folder. For fixed blades I prefer a puukko or small Dawson bird & trout design. In case this should sway your opinion . . .)

Chime in!!!

Zieg
 
Last edited:
I personally prefer the clip. I do own a drop point S90V (Titan) and while I very much enjoy it and use it, I just prefer the fine tip and aesthetics of the clip point.
 
In my opinion the "average" knife user would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the steels. I have a number of knives with S30V and the only real difference is with the ease of sharpening.
Buck does a great job with the 420HC steel.
I have both the S30V and the 420HC buck 110's in both clip and drop point. You can't go wrong with either given the use you describe. The 30 buck difference puts you almost at the half way point of another C&C 110 with the money you save.
Good luck with whatever choice you make.
 
pjsjr said:
Zieg, if you would like to meet up in Elizabeth, I have a 110 clip point in S30V and a 110 drop point in 420HC. The drop point is not a user but the S30V is and you could take it for a trial. Seeing the drop point in person may help with your decision making. Preston
Click to expand...
Hey, sounds like a plan. Maybe lunch at Catalina's Diner on 86?

Zieg
 
The Zieg said:
Hey, sounds like a plan. Maybe lunch at Catalina's Diner on 86?

Zieg
Click to expand...
I have never eaten there, been wanting to try it it for years! Let me know when it's convenient for you. Email through my profile. Preston
 
The drop point is much thicker at the tip. Although I like the drop point 110 and 112, I often carry the 112 CP. I don't often carry my 110 CP.
 
Scott321 said:
The drop point is much thicker at the tip. Although I like the drop point 110 and 112, I often carry the 112 CP. I don't often carry my 110 CP.
Click to expand...
That sounds like you just prefer the smaller knife, though. Does the DP have trouble with finer work?

Zieg
 
Zieg, no. A good point. I don't think the clip point is capable of finer work than the drop point. In cutting, slicing an apple, skinning, cleaning under finger nails, ect.. General work. In removing splinters, which I get, I have one Bucklite that has a thinner tip a clip point that excels at this. Not all clips come thin. This knife I have also works better in cleaning fish & birds when used in tight bony areas. For me I'm glad
I have both and work with them. This shows me different things about them. DM
 
Last edited:
The Zieg said:
That sounds like you just prefer the smaller knife, though. Does the DP have trouble with finer work?

Zieg
Click to expand...

I prefer the smaller knife for my needs. However, in general, I prefer smaller knives for finer work. Yes, I prefer the CP for finer work, too.
 
You have the 110LT which is comparable in weight with the aluminum version. I'd go with the drop point red micarta s30v just to switch it up a bit.
 
Wallace Mutt said:
You have the 110LT which is comparable in weight with the aluminum version. I'd go with the drop point red micarta s30v just to switch it up a bit.
Click to expand...
Good point! I've been looking at the drop point 110s in older posts and they're growing on me. I also don't have any steel like S30V, so that would be a new experience. Everything stainless I own is 440C, 440HC, Sandvik, and so forth. I'm also quite used to carbon steel, but Buck's 5160 isn't an option with the aluminum handle. So what are the sharpening challenges with S30V? Is it as difficult to sharpen as Buck implies? I'm a mediocre-plus sharpener, getting better as my equipment gets better.

Zieg
 
I have both the drop point S30V and clip point 420HC Copper & Clad aluminum frame 110's. My favorite is the drop point S30V.
 
My custom shop 110 in s30v hasn't seen any hard use but I've had it for over a year and the only sharpening its had so far was a couple of runs on a strop with jewelers red compound. Still pops hair off like nothing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top