Buck 297 vs 298 Sirus steels

C

cadjak

Joined
Mar 25, 2005
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I have ended up with a Buck Sirus 297 as my EDC. I have lots of other knives to choose from, but the Sirus has just been the one I carry the most. The blade steel on my 297 is 420HC. I can sharpen it quickly and get a super sharp edge on it. Since I sharpen my knives frequently, I really don't have much of an idea how well the 420HC holds it's edge. Since I like this knife, and it's discontinued, I'm thinking I ought to buy a spare while they are available in the secondary market. My question is, should I get a 298 Sirus, which uses 154CM as it's blade steel, or get the less expensive 297 with 420HC? THe price difference is about $25. Will 154CM give me a lot more in edge holding ability? I don't know if there was a big difference in the heat treat that Buck put on either knife.
 
Only have one model of the ASAP knives. Well, two of the same model. Why two? In case I lost one. That's how much I love my 298GY.

In answer to your questions dadjak...

Yes, get the 298.

Yes, the 154CM will hold an edge longer BUT will also be harder to sharpen.

Get the 298. SIRUSLY... ;)


148333615_aYwak-S-1.jpg
 
I think you should get at least two more!!!

Oh, FYI the 297 Sirus is not discontinued....it's in the 09 catalog.

jb4570
 
Oh great, now I have to buy two 298 Sirus! :D I don't mind sharpening. It's how I relax. I still wonder why I chose the Sirus of all knives. I have a Sebenza and a number of other "high end" folders. I still pick up the Sirus most of the time. It's nice to know that there are other folks who appreciate the knife.

Is the 298 in the catalog too?
 
I just went to Buck's retail web site and only 297's are listed. However, a Tempest in 154cm is in their listing.

Since you really like your 297, I'm with JB and Goose...You MUST get yourself the 154cm version. Great steel.
 
First of all Ive concluded that safari sucks, cause I just lost my whole paragraph, so ill try making this short...

I know that buck 420 hc is heat treated properly(sounds really cheap cause they buy a cheap steel and make it good, and then sell for more) but I have experienced both 154cm and 420hc and I conclude that its worth paying extra and getting the 154.

I also agree that 420 is much easier to sharpen, but I still vote 154.
 
Just did a little catalog diving....Big splash,

Ok the 298GY Sirus was last offered in the 06 catalog....if you want a Sirus with better than 420HC and can find one go for it.

The 297 Sirus is still offered in the 09 catalog, but only in all black with 420HC.

The 295 Tempest is the same knife as the Sirus it is just ventilated and 0.3 OZ lighter...LOL. The tempest is my all time favorite EDC...I never leave home with out it. It is offered in the 09 catalog it is offered in two colors, But only in 420HC.

So if one were to want a 298 Sirus or a 296 Tempest (high end steel on both MOD #s). New old stock is the way to go. There should still be a lot of these available....for now;)
jb4570
 
Yep, the catalog doesn't have a 154cm Tempest listed but the web site still has it offered along with a couple of other Sirus models in 420hc.

I just guessing here; but they may be down to last remaining inventory and selling off via the website. Also, Knifecenter has the 296 in stock. So Cadjak, you better get hot and grab one because if the Dealer catalog doesn't have it listed its likely no more are going to be built.
 
Has anyone here had there Sirus apart? When I got mine used, it had the safety toggle removed. It makes life a hell of a lot easier without it. I'd like to do that to my new knives, but don't know if it is an engineering feat, or more along the lines of wd40/duct tape, level of competence.
 
along the lines of wd40/duct tape, level of competence.


Depending on the actual model in hand, a 1/16 allen and .050 allen along with a T6 torx should get you mostly there. A nice flat blade screwdriver could be additionally handy if used very gently.
Not that I would know though............................;)
If these are around and you have experience in the proper techniques, then the Sirus might take on a whole new level of favortism for you!

Dave
 
I do have to respond to Yadude's comment on steels. 420HC, when properly heat treated, delivers a very good balance of edge retention and corrosion resistance. The 154cm, when properly heat treated to about 61rc will hold a much better edge but you do have to be more careful keepting the edge from corroding. You can lose keen sharpness from rust without even using the knife.
 
CJ Buck said:
I do have to respond to Yadude's comment on steels. 420HC, when properly heat treated, delivers a very good balance of edge retention and corrosion resistance. The 154cm, when properly heat treated to about 61rc will hold a much better edge but you do have to be more careful keepting the edge from corroding. You can lose keen sharpness from rust without even using the knife.
Click to expand...

Do you happen to know what the rc is on the Buck Sirus 298 w/ 154CM? I did go ahead and buy one Sirus 298 with the 154cm blade. It seems as if the 154cm has both benefits and drawbacks. I think that perhaps there should be a version of the Sirus that has a definite premium steel. These days it seems to be M2 or S30v. From my initial question it should be obvious that my knowledge of the qualities of different blade steels is very limited and I rely on the producer to choose wisely.
 
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