Blade Steel Question

[Mitch W.]

I know it's been discussed elsewhere but what is the different levels of blade steel in ascending order? I have 2 Alpha Hunters NIB I'm fixing to unload and want a good idea of what to expect. I'm not looking for the values (so nobody gets upset), just want to know where the steel stacks up to others.

 

[Old Hunter]

Mitch, we hashed it out pretty well a few weeks ago. I'll post this link for you- covers it but as you will see, there is not perfect agreement on the placement of each steel. Currently the Buck Knives Co. states on their website that the best blade steel available is S30V. OH

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/buck-110-blade-steel-top-down-rating.1551850/

 

[Mitch W.]

I guess any list is open to interpretation.

 

[Badhammer]

Mitch. As a gold level member you are perfectly fine asking value questions.

 

[J Hubbard]

A couple of those charts had some errors in it.

There is no way normal 420 had better wear resistance then 420HC. 420 HC has double the carbon..

 

[MT_Pokt]

Since you’re here, Jeff...

What’s your take? Rank blade steels in your opinion. Economics aside, of course. Assume they all cost the same and Buck is treating them to their best potential.

 

[David Martin]

Mitch, I wouldn't put much weight on charts. They are for Boardroom Meetings, not for a real world comparison. Plus, some are better sharpeners, have different technique and stones that bring out the steels features more than others. DM