Buck blade steels

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Doc1911

Joined
Jun 25, 2000
Messages
71
Is there an easy way to tell which steel a Buck blade is made of? I thought that at one time they used a 440-series steel, followed by 425M, and now 420HC. Their web page suggests "HC" stands for high carbon, but I thought 420 was defined by its relatively low carbon content? Now that one can order a custom 110 with a variety of blade steels/coatings, if one buys a used 110, how can one know what steel the blade is made of?

Thanks,
Tim
 
I don't know about the 420HC blades from PCKS, but of both of mine are marked "BG-42" on the blade. My master series over-run 110 is also marked "BG-42" on the blade, just in a different location. I'm assuming that if the blade is anything other than 420HC (on the newer knives) it will be marked. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Jeff
 
All of my Bucks but one were purchased in the early 70's and have no letter after the model #. these were done in 440C steel. My latest, a 120, was purchased in the late 80's and has some letter (Iforget what) after the number. These were either 425 or 420. Whatever it is it sure dulls more quickly than the older knives. It is good that Buck is offering better grade steels now. A shame they don't go back to the 440 C or some equivalent on their regular grade knives.
 
Can anyone tell me what year Buck switched from 440-C to its successor? Was 425M the next steel in the line?
 
Doc1911 and all,
I can help you with info on the 110 and 112.
The dots before and after the model #s on the tang stamp tell a story which I will summarize:
(Dates are approximate due to fact that there is usually material in the pipeline which is used up before a scheduled change gets implemented across the board.)
1978 - 1980 2 dots change in tang shape
1980 - 1982 3 dots bushing added to pivot pin
1982 - 1985 4 dots switch from 440c to 425m
In about 1994, Buck switched from 425m to 420hc steel.
The question as to when 425m replaced 440c for Buck's fixed blades is one that I have asked and have been unable to get a final answer. I believe that the process began sometime after 1982 and was phased in across the model line as 440c blades were depleted.
Joe, can you add to this and correct anything
I have misstated?
 
Buck used 440C?!
eek.gif
Gee, according to the dates, that would probably be the steel that was in my original Buck Duke, which held an edge as good as anything I have ever had. Oh man, I didn't realize 440C could be that good! Too bad they went to 425M. I actually noticed a degradation in edge holding in the knives I bought from Buck after that first Duke. Well, up until I bought some BG-42 blades from them!
biggrin.gif


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iktomi
 
Guys,
Buck used files on fixed blades up until 1961 when they switched to forgings of 440c. In 1968 we started useing blanks intead of forgings. These were made of 440c also, i think. Hows that for a useless bit of info?
Of course the 110 (10/1964) and the 112 (5/72) we always made of 440c blanks.
I would have to agree with Larry's assesment of the transition to 425mod in or around 1981-2.
The 500 (7/78)would have been made of 440c at first.
Hope this helps.



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Joe Houser
Director of Quality, Buck Knives Inc.
Buck Collectors club Administrator
 
Just to get something off my chest.... even after I bought a couple ofBucks after that first Duke, and noticed that they didn't seem to hold the edge quite as well... Bucks were still the only non-"tactical" knives that I ever bought. I just knew that the quality of workmanship was superior, and the customer service second to none.

I'm just overjoyed that some of Buck's knives are now becoming available in "better" steels.

------------------
iktomi
 
What do you mean dots?

I have an older 110 (and a 112) which is brass bolstered, squared edges and the bottom of the blade says: BUCK, .110. , USA.

I have a never one, rounded nickel bolsters that merely says: 110 with an upsidedown "U" next to it. The blade seens thinner, smaller and flimsier.

Couldn't Buck made a slimmed down 110 with titanium slabs, BG-42 blade and one-handed opening? It would be a newer version of the original classic. Nothing against the Strider but Buck needs only Buck to make Bucks.

Any info on the 110s I have would be appreciated.
 
I believe the two dots indicate a mid to late 1970s manufacture, but I'm not positive. According to the date chart on Buck's web page, the upsidedown U is the code for 1997 manufacture. Specific date symbols started in 1986.

Originally posted by Nimrod:
What do you mean dots?

I have an older 110 (and a 112) which is brass bolstered, squared edges and the bottom of the blade says: BUCK, .110. , USA.

I have a never one, rounded nickel bolsters that merely says: 110 with an upsidedown "U" next to it. The blade seens thinner, smaller and flimsier.

Couldn't Buck made a slimmed down 110 with titanium slabs, BG-42 blade and one-handed opening? It would be a newer version of the original classic. Nothing against the Strider but Buck needs only Buck to make Bucks.

Any info on the 110s I have would be appreciated.
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