Buck 440C vs 425M vs 420HC for new collector

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stan4010

Joined
Nov 10, 2011
Messages
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Hi, I'm new to knives and I've been trying to research this and have so and these forums are awesome for info and also I read all the links provided. I generally know most of the info on these Buck steels (440C, 425M, 420HC) in terms of manufacture years, quality, etc. but one question I had was:

If I was buying a Buck knife mostly just to have as the start of a collection and want something that looks the best for display/just to have rather than a knife that will see serious use, which of these steels would be best if given the choice. Are any noticeably heavier than the others (I'd want heavier). Any more scratch resistant, e.g., in general use or if sharpened, etc.? Any of these more "brilliant/shiny"? Do any of these really rust if they aren't used much outdoors? etc.

Thanks.
 
You should post this in the Buck forum under manufacturers. I have Buck knives in all three steels, and I can tell you that the 420HC holds an edge much better than the other two, especially the 440C. At least when field dressing and skinning hogs and deer.
 
stan4010 said:
Hi, I'm new to knives and I've been trying to research this and have so and these forums are awesome for info and also I read all the links provided. I generally know most of the info on these Buck steels (440C, 425M, 420HC) in terms of manufacture years, quality, etc. but one question I had was:

If I was buying a Buck knife mostly just to have as the start of a collection and want something that looks the best for display/just to have rather than a knife that will see serious use, which of these steels would be best if given the choice. Are any noticeably heavier than the others (I'd want heavier). Any more scratch resistant, e.g., in general use or if sharpened, etc.? Any of these more "brilliant/shiny"? Do any of these really rust if they aren't used much outdoors? etc.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

440C will hold an edge far longer than either 425M or 420HC.
Buck used 440C from ~1965 to ~1980
Buck used 425M from ~1980 to ~1985
Buck has used 420HC since then as their primary alloy, though they do make knives in other alloys.
Densities of the alloys are similar.
I suppose 440C might be a bit more scratch resistant. I don't think you'd notice the difference.
420HC is the most corrosion resistant.
 
I have an old 110 that will cut as well as most of the "super steels". The old ones are hard to sharpen unless you have a convex edge but to my mind they are as good as any modern stainless folder.
 
knarfeng said:
That isn't even close to being true.
Click to expand...

knarfeng said:
Densities of the alloys are similar.
I suppose 440C might be a bit more scratch resistant. I don't think you'd notice the difference.
Click to expand...

Wait, what? You realize that you just directly contradicted yourself, don't you? He said he's not going to really use the knife, so typical performance indicators like edge retention aren't important. For the things he asked for like density and scratch resistance, it doesn't really matter, like I said.
 
If its not gonna be used much, I think the modern production stuff in 420hc will fare fine for you. As usual ymmv....
 
I have got old Buck Sirus and I like the steel (420HC) pretty much. Buck Vantage with the blade of the same steel that I have bought in Walmart just a few months ago was a disappointment. It looses the edge after the first cardboard box I cut... So it is not the steel as such I guess.
 
Tsujigiri said:
Wait, what? You realize that you just directly contradicted yourself, don't you? He said he's not going to really use the knife, so typical performance indicators like edge retention aren't important. For the things he asked for like density and scratch resistance, it doesn't really matter, like I said.
Click to expand...

By golly, I did misread his post. I guess he wants a looker, not a user.
420HC will do a tad better at that. It is more rust resistant.
 
knarfeng said:
440C will hold an edge far longer than either 425M or 420HC.
Buck used 440C from ~1965 to ~1980
Buck used 425M from ~1980 to ~1985
Buck has used 420HC since then as their primary alloy, though they do make knives in other alloys.
Densities of the alloys are similar.
I suppose 440C might be a bit more scratch resistant. I don't think you'd notice the difference.
420HC is the most corrosion resistant.
Click to expand...

Check to all of the above. I might add that 420HC will take the nicest polish of the lot.
 
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