Buck 110 steel?

Culpeper

Culpeper

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What types of steel has been used for the Buck 110 since its beginning? I want to get one but I think the new ones have 420 SS. Seems like that is a sort of surgical stainless steel. Don't know if it will hold an edge or not. I really would like one with a high carbon blade (not stainless steel).
 
In my experience, 420HC doesn't hold an edge very well. Also, ''surgical stainless'' is pretty much whatever stainless the scalpel happens to be made of. ;)

Buck's custom shop will put a 110 together for you in a choice of different alloys. For edge holding, I recommend S30V.
 
SimpleIsGood229 said:
In my experience, 420HC doesn't hold an edge very well.
Click to expand...

:cool:...eww...eww...I'm jus' gonna watch from here ...
tapping.gif
...after readin' that comment...:eek:
 
Looks like the 420HC is approx. .44 carbon. I don't consider that high carbon when compared to 440A at about .64. But the HRC between the two is no different around 57-60. I guess the 420HC is cheaper production wise and most people don't know the difference at the hardware store. Anyway, both are my idea of a kitchen butcher knife rather than a hunting/utility knife. I'm guessing one can get them pretty sharp but does it hold up or does one have to sharpen it constantly like a Chef at Sizzler Steak House? Personally, I would rather have a 110 in something like 1095. I'm just looking for suggestions. I decided to get a 110 and saw the new ones with 420HC and I just can't wrap my head around that.
 
BTW, does Buck still have a custom shop? I thought that closed up a long time ago.
 
Buckaholic said:
I was gonna type my opinion on Buck's 420HC but decided to stick to the question of the original post. Check out the sticky thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4420343#post4420343

The first post of that thread has an attachment that lists the steel used for the different variations. :)

Whirled Peas...
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Thank you very much. I had found that sticky last night and helped me rather quickly to determine blade types. Though I would have liked a non stainless steel blade the older 440C 110s are a nice compromise for me.
 
Culpeper said:
Though I would have liked a non stainless steel blade
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With a lifetime warranty from Buck I think that a non stainless blade would be very difficult! Try any one of them ;) You might be surprised;) (or not :D)
 
As an aside, Bear & Son has a lockback 597D with "Arkansas" Damascus blade Rockwell 56-59. That's equivalent to 1085/95. India stag about $80. Not a bad knife like a Buck 110.
 
Culpeper said:
As an aside, Bear & Son has a lockback 597D with "Arkansas" Damascus blade Rockwell 56-59. That's equivalent to 1085/95. India stag about $80. Not a bad knife like a Buck 110.
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You can buy a Buck Custom Shoppe 110 with BG-42 steel for around $88.00,
and have a really great knife.
 
That sounds great. I asked about the Custom Shoppe but didn't get a response. I guess people are burned out on this issue. How to contact the Custom people?
 
Culpeper said:
As an aside, Bear & Son has a lockback 597D with "Arkansas" Damascus blade Rockwell 56-59. That's equivalent to 1085/95. India stag about $80. Not a bad knife like a Buck 110.
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:cool:...Where did ya see that price and those specs??...On their site it shows $159.95 and no specs for that lockback...:confused::confused:

Here it is
 
DarrylS said:
:cool:...Where did ya see that price and those specs??...On their site it shows $159.95 and no specs for that lockback...:confused::confused:

Here it is
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I emailed Bear & Son...

Med and high carbon steel

Rockwell is 56 to 59
------Original Message------
From: Culpeper
To: Ken Griffey
ReplyTo: Culpeper
Sent: Apr 16, 2008 5:32 PM
Subject: Contact Us Form Submission

==========================================
Client Information
==========================================

Comments : What is the type of steel and HRC for the 5" lockback damsascus 597D? Thanks.
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I got the price from the Blue Ridge Knife catalog.


WH:

Thanks for the Custom Shoppe contact information!
 
:cool:...Thanks for the info Culpeper...Mighty nice lookin' knife...Blue Ridge says the catalog they show is "wholesale" prices only tho...:)
 
Culpeper said:
What types of steel has been used for the Buck 110 since its beginning? I want to get one but I think the new ones have 420 SS. Seems like that is a sort of surgical stainless steel. Don't know if it will hold an edge or not. I really would like one with a high carbon blade (not stainless steel).
Click to expand...

440C
425M
420HC

Custom shop knives
ATS-34
BG-42
154CM
420HC (satin, mirror polished, black oxide coated)
Damascus (when available)
I can't remember the rest if any ;)

Cabelas Alaskan Guide (S30V steel)
Bass Pro shops (CPM154)
 
Thanks for the info WH. I have a printout on the 110 sticky document as well. Those pictures of the 110 with scroll work is on the way. I don't know if Buck did scroll work back in 1980 or not. I sure am high maintenance. But I realized I don't have a Buck 110. That's a shame. Yeah, I want to get a custom shoppe knife. I'll give them a call.:)
 
DarrylS said:
:cool:...Thanks for the info Culpeper...Mighty nice lookin' knife...Blue Ridge says the catalog they show is "wholesale" prices only tho...:)
Click to expand...

It is sort of wholesale pricing. More like semi-wholesale. It's a buyer market right now. I haven't done any homework but I wouldn't be surprised to see them not much higher. Depends on quantity and demand.
 
Culpeper said:
As an aside, Bear & Son has a lockback 597D with "Arkansas" Damascus blade Rockwell 56-59. That's equivalent to 1085/95. India stag about $80. Not a bad knife like a Buck 110.
Click to expand...

Mr. Culpeper, Sir, some people know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Since your looking at a Bear with 1095 damascus blade your obviously not planning on using it. For I'd stack a Buck up against that any day. Especially, those w/ 425, 440C, 154CPM and S30V blade steel, which can be purchased anywhere.(not only at the custom shop) These will out perform 1095 hands down. You should look at, who carries the better guarentee, conducts far better heattreating and places superior craftsmanship into the package? This is about more than merely, price and pretty. Then make an informed decision. DM
 
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