Are BG-42 sebenza's rare?

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Nov 23, 2010
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I can't see an option on chris reeve's website for the bg-42 blade. Don't know much about it but find it strange it's no longer offered.
What are they usually worth?
 
BG-42 was the steel used on the folders before S30V and now S35VN. It has not been offered for some time, you will find it on older Regular and Classic models.
 
BG-42 was the steel used on the folders before S30V and now S35VN. It has not been offered for some time, you will find it on older Regular and Classic models.

I realize that, but is bg42 considered an "inferior" steel compared to s35vn? Could you possibly give me a comparison of bg42, like say....s90v?
Also the model I'm looking at is a classic and the only markings it has on the inside are B00 on the lock side and B03 on the other, trying to see if it really is bg42
 
The BG-42 knives are rarer to see for sale as most people that have them are keeping them it seems. It was, as mentioned, the regular production steel for a time so there is nothing particularly special about it. I personally like BG-42 over S30V but I don't have enough time spent with S35VN to have an opinion on that. They are all good steels IMO and to be perfectly honest there is not much between them as far and end users will be concerned.
 
As it has been stated, CRK used BG42 from early 1997 until Jan 2002. That doesn't make them exactly "rare" but as they have been discontinued for almost 10 years, the supply has naturally shrunk. There is a popular perception that the BG42 blades were superior to the current alloys, but I don't think it's ever been proven scientifically. I personally prefer it, but can't deny that some of that affection is probably nostalgia. I have watched the aftermarket prices for these knives rise fairly consistently, especially in the last couple of years.
 
A NIB BG-42 CRK will garner a premium over later models, maybe $50 to $100 depending on the whim of the buyer, seller and random luck. BG-42 was run a little harder than the later steel choices, but I agree with Steve that my affection for it is similar to how I feel about The Pixies; they just remind me of my youth.
 
I agree with Steve and James have said above.

On a side note James, my wife and I jammed out to the pixies and the smiths last weekend :D
 
I have owned several BG42 Sebes in the past, and currently have a well used Lg Reg with that steel. It seems to be a slightly better choice then the S30v in my own EDC, and I would choose it if it was offered. That said, it's rarity is due to how long it has been out of production, as well as the models (also out of production) it came on. The only blade steel I would prefer to BG42 for my Sebenza, is on my current EDC, a stainless damascus. Has the edge retention, rust resistance, adds uniqueness, and beauty to an already superior product. That is worth the $$ to me.

Your milage may vary, vote with your wallet.
Mike B
 
Not extremely rare, but since they are no longer made, if you prefer the BG42, you better grab one while you can
 
Question then...I have a small regular in BG42 that has a Krein regrind. Knife is used some, usual scratches, but regrind is mint. Thoughts on it's value?
 
Question then...I have a small regular in BG42 that has a Krein regrind. Knife is used some, usual scratches, but regrind is mint. Thoughts on it's value?

not worth much, Ill give you 20 bucks for it ;)

but seriously you'd have to post pics and test it on the market to get a true value it all depends on availability and the desperation of the buyer at the time of the sale and it fluctuates constantly.
 
If BG42 was such a great steel (and I've heard a lot of great things about it) why was it discontinued? Who made it? Did the maker go out of business?

Does anybody know the history? I've often wondered about this

Thanks
 
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