Building a Buck - Which Steel?

i like both 440 HC and s30v Equality
for differing reasons
for edc and hard use on the job and not breaking the tip or blade
go with 440
if you are doing hunting and field dressing deer or other game
go with s30v
if it is about split on use
then the 154
tho it is a compromise between the two
if you have no idea what he will do with it and he is a office dude but not a hunter
and you dont know that he KNOWS how to sharpen a edge
go with the 440hc
it shines up great and is what buck uses on gold art knives.
425 M is not a fav of mine for many reasons
edit : if you want a clasic user look for a dot 110 dot dot marked blade
it is the first of Paul Bos heat treating and is Super!!!
 
Buck_110 said:
No, but it does result in a finer edge.
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Right, but S30V is made with the CPM process, which produces very fine edges.

Buck_110 said:
It is not super tough at all. Actually, 425M will take more of a beating before it breaks. It's all give and take! The 425M will also dull faster because it is softer. It will also resist rust better because the chromium content is higher.

It's ALL a matter of give and take. There is quite literally only a beginning to this conversation, with no end...ever!
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True, you trade high levels of stainlessness for edge retention, you trade toughness for stainlessness, etc. ;)
 
Adrock,A nice gift to give your brother.Have you built other folders before? What do you think he'll use it for? Thats a good list Josh posted.Besides S30V,Buck used two other vanadium steels BG42 and D2 that are good should you care to work w/ those. These other steels lack V yet are good edge holders,stainless and easier to polish and work;
154CPM,154CM and 440C. Of these six, in the categories mentioned theres a lot right and not much wrong. From a makers stand point the last 3 tool easier.Good luck and let us know how your project turns out.DM
 
I'd also go with S30V, 154CM a close second and 420HC a more distant third.

S30V as mentioned uses the latest "powder steel" metallurgy, takes and holds a great edge, and is plenty tough - especially for a folder or smaller fixed blade.

As to the discussion about the toughness of 420HC: 420HC is a tough stainless, though it's not a super tough steel as compared with a non-stainless like 5160, L6, S7 and some others.
 
humm my post did not take...
short verson
if the reciver dont know what he will do with it and you
Dont Know thta he Does know how to sharpen a knife
get him the 440HC
best of all use
hunting go s30v
work go 440
154 is a pivot between the two..
 
David Martin said:
Adrock,A nice gift to give your brother.Have you built other folders before? What do you think he'll use it for? Thats a good list Josh posted.Besides S30V,Buck used two other vanadium steels BG42 and D2 that are good should you care to work w/ those. These other steels lack V yet are good edge holders,stainless and easier to polish and work;
154CPM,154CM and 440C. Of these six, in the categories mentioned theres a lot right and not much wrong. From a makers stand point the last 3 tool easier.Good luck and let us know how your project turns out.DM
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Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think BG-42 or D2 are available as options now.
 
"Can anyone else comment on the steels LISTED and those available from Buck currently. Not some steel they used to offer or some dude bending a knife in a vice on youtube."

David Martin said:
No, but Buck has used all those steels.
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True, but the OP was asking for advice on which of the currently available steels he should pick.
 
Buck_110 said:
What steels are left? Buck doesn't offer but a few right now. Speaking of steel, I'd love to have a Busse INFI bladed 186 TITANIUM.
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"154CM, S30V or 420HC"

I believe that those are options for the knife he's wanting to get.
 
He also said he was going to build it and I was offering info. along those lines.Please excuse me...DM
 
I think the OP is asking about the 194 Alpha Hunter Fixed blade.
To get this knife in S30V you'll have to do a Custom Shop order as your title suggests you to thinking of doing. The difference in cost between 154cm and S30V is $13 more for the S30V. That's the way to go. Also, you won't see that many of the S30V so it'll be more coveted as a special piece.

If price is an issue the street price on Fleabay for the 154cm and Rosewood is $82 shipped. That's a pretty good deal. As a practical matter, 154cm will suffice as a premium steel for most people who like knives. But the S30V knife is a better knife IMO

One other thought, the Buck forum is mostly a crowd of regulars and there is quite a bit of digressing and limited thread discipline. If you stay here you should consider getting used to it. Its a bunch of old guys with attention issues if you understand what I'm saying :D:D:D
 
Flatlander1963 said:
I think the OP is asking about the 194 Alpha Hunter Fixed blade.
To get this knife in S30V you'll have to do a Custom Shop order as your title suggests you to thinking of doing. The difference in cost between 154cm and S30V is $13 more for the S30V. That's the way to go. Also, you won't see that many of the S30V so it'll be more coveted as a special piece.

If price is an issue the street price on Fleabay for the 154cm and Rosewood is $82 shipped. That's a pretty good deal. As a practical matter, 154cm will suffice as a premium steel for most people who like knives. But the S30V knife is a better knife IMO

One other thought, the Buck forum is mostly a crowd of regulars and there is quite a bit of digressing and limited thread discipline. If you stay here you should consider getting used to it. Its a bunch of old guys with attention issues if you understand what I'm saying :D:D:D
Click to expand...

:thumbup: Well stated!

When I order custom shop knives, I always get the "premium" steel. Otherwise I would just buy a 420HC version right off the shelf from the local sport shop. Why order a standard blade in a custom knife- (unless a mirror finish is desired) I LOVE Bucks S30V. 154Cm is no slouch though either. for $13.00 more S30V is the only choice to me. Its all personal preference, and this discussion has been going on and will continue to go on forever. We all can't like the same girl....:D

I have and use all of Bucks steel. IF you dont let S30V get dull it is a cinch to keep sharp. However 420HC sharpens easily, even when dulled to butterknife status. (which does take alot of work as well)
 
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