Camillus EDC 420 hc or 154cm

J

jason_jt1010

Joined
Jul 28, 2002
Messages
20
Please excuse my lack of knowledge in regards to metal types but if I don't ask I will not learn. :) Question is the subject. Thanks
 
420HC is a good standard grade stainless steel. 154CM is more of a premium stainless steel that will hold an edge much longer than 420HC. 420HC is more stain resistant.
The Camillus EDC used 420HC at first, but 154CM is what is now being used. Although 154CM is more expensive than 420HC, Camillus kept the price the same.
Check out Joe Talmadge's excellent article on steel types:

www.bladeforums.com/features/faqsteel.shtml
 
Yeah... I thought they use 154CM instead of 420HC.
There are plenty people who would testify that Camillus does an excellent 420HC heat treat.
I've seen a couple of Kershaw Scallion that they cuts like no tomorrow, and they're 420HC too.
154CM is very similar to ATS-34 and definately a better steel in terms of edge holding, etc...
 
154 CM is called 'super steel' because of its stain resistant and edge holding capability feature.

I don't like 420HC as a blade material. 440C is much better than 420HC.
 
420HC = Easier to sharpen, harder to rust. Will not stay sharp as long. Tougher.

154CM = Harder to sharpen, by a good bit. Harder means more time spent. Will corode easier. Stay sharp much longer.

Depends on your needs. If they are the same price, I would go for the 154CM, if for no other reason than if you decide to trade it or sell it, you will do better than 420HC.

420HC is a mid range steel, 154CM is mid high range.
 
Either of the steels will serve you well in a knife of that size and configuration. I like both materials for the EDC. Were I to call up and order one from 1SKS today and have them ask me which material, I would honestly say that it doesn't matter.
 
Danbo, you are correct that if one were to choose an EDC in 154CM he/she would not regret it.

However, if you are implying that if one were to choose that piece in 420HC he/she may regret it, I have to disagree.

Not trying to slam your post, merely trying to state that this offering in 420HC is a good one. If someone were to see a really good deal on a 420HC model over on the exchange forum or elsewhere, they should take it and be very happy with the deal. Passing up a steal on a quality piece like this just because of the material could be something to regret. :)
 
Don't forget that the EDC is also available in D2 and Talonite. :D
 
You shouldn't read anything into other people's posts. I purposely worded my post that way. But, since it was brought up, I will say that there is no comparison between the two steels as far as performance. 420 is just so-so, and will work ok, if you dont mind sharpening your knife everyday. The main thing I was trying to say the first time, is that the difference in performance is well worth the difference in price.
 
Well worth noting, Shootist16.

Well worth noting also, Danbo, since the price of the two materials mentioned in the topic is virtually identical. Just adding to the discussion on the two materials is all. I don't think I read too much into your post, just adding my input to the 420HC version of the aforementioned piece.
 
154 cm is tougher than 420hc.

If you have D2 as another option, I think you better choose D2.
It's a great steel with stain resistant almost like stainless steel, but edge holding like carbon steel.
You won't have to sharpen your knife every day to say the least....
 
Originally posted by jefroman
420HC is tougher than 154CM?

Jeff
Click to expand...

Am I wrong? I will gladly accept correction. I was thinking 420HC would be lower RC making for an edge that may impact or roll rather than 154CM which is known to be prone to chipping at higher RC. I am not speaking from experience, just what I *thought* I had heard. To me tough means no chipping. Maybe toughness means something else to others? Now I am wondering, somone who knows, please post. Joe Talmadge? Cliff Stamp? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?
 
Toughness in terms of strength of materials means impact strength, although some use the term to imply other things.
154CM is in fact tougher (higher impact strength) than 420HC (given typical heat treatments used for knives). Buck posted some Charpy impact strength information on 420HC(RC58) and ATS34(RC60) here:

http://www.buckknives.com/cms/index.php?ID=28

Since ATS34 and 154CM are the same except for the steel maker (Hitachi vs Crucible), 154CM should perform about the same as ATS34.
The impact strengths given by Buck are 3 ft*lbs for 420HC and 4.5 ft*lbs for ATS34.
 
Everyone thanks for your replies.. I bought the EDC 154cm. Plus I read that they are only making the 154cm now so I will be able to buy more in the futurel.. Thanks again you have all been a great help. Oooh by the way the knife for the price is great. :)
 
420hc is among the worst steels used today. Companies only use it because it's cheap to buy and cheap to machine. If you really don't want to spend much money, you might end up with a 420hc blade.

154CM will perform much better in all areas other than stain resistance, and I haven't had any problems with my 154CM knives staining.
 
Jason: have you even try well made blades with 420HC? I cut myself on two different Scallions. One brand new and one used. And if you didn't realize yet, they're 420HC.
It's cheap to buy, it's cheap to machine, but when done right, it ain't a bad blade.
 
Originally posted by frank k
Toughness in terms of strength of materials means impact strength, although some use the term to imply other things.
154CM is in fact tougher (higher impact strength) than 420HC (given typical heat treatments used for knives). Buck posted some Charpy impact strength information on 420HC(RC58) and ATS34(RC60) here:

http://www.buckknives.com/cms/index.php?ID=28

Since ATS34 and 154CM are the same except for the steel maker (Hitachi vs Crucible), 154CM should perform about the same as ATS34.
The impact strengths given by Buck are 3 ft*lbs for 420HC and 4.5 ft*lbs for ATS34.
Click to expand...

Thanks Frank K! It just goes to show, you never stop learning!
I stand happily corrected! :)
 
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