Bg42 Steel, What is it????

[Centurian]

I just got a Buck Strider in Bg42 steel. The knife is built like a tank. I like it especially for the collection, however, not to sure for an EDC.

Anyways, my question is what is BG42 steel? Also how does it compare to ATS-34, AUS 8 and D2 in strength, edge holding and rust resistance.

Any information would be helpful
Thanks
Centurian

 

[stjames]

From the Chris Reeve Knives FAQ's:

What exactly is BG 42 steel?

The correct name for this steel is Lescalloy® BG42® VIM-VAR. This is a high performance bearing steel made by Latrobe Steel Company in Latrobe, PA. A special manufacturing process combined with a very specific alloy results in a clean steel with good resistance to wear and corrosion. This type of steel is used for domestic, international and military aerospace applications. When compared with other types of steel, BG42 demonstrates superiority in areas of hardness, hot hardness, retention of hardness, corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance and wear resistance. The chemical makeup of BG42 is:

Carbon 1.15 Silicone 0.30
Manganese 0.50 Chromium 14.50
Molybdenum 4.00 Vanadium 1.20
The introduction of 1.2% Vanadium increases the steel’s toughness and edge retention.

 

[Danbo]

BG42 is basically an enhanced ATS34. Nearly identical in alloy, with the exception of a decent amount of Vanadium. BG42 is also double vacuum melted, so it is extremely clean. Those factors make a difference. BG42 is a better steel.

 

[knifenerd]

I believe it is still only available in bar stock, not in sheets, so it is much more expensive to the maker.