Chinese vs Idaho 420HC

I thought 420HC was only on the knives from the Buck plant in Idaho, complete with the BOS method of heat treatment. OH
 
That is of the foreign contract as you noticed. A handsome knife. I wish Buck would bring it out in Idaho. DM
 
I don't see any difference in edge holding or ease of sharpening between my US and Offshore made Buck knives.
I'm happy with both.
 
So I'm gathering then that the Japan made knives with 420HC are not using steel provided by Buck that is made in the US?

Or is it actually vice-versa, Buck is bringing in blade steel from off-shore? Or they contract it here?

Not that I have any particular issues with Japan blade steel. They've been at it for a few years now and seem to be pretty good at it. Lol.
 
The steel on the Selkirks performs well. I have the large and small fixed Selkirks and the small folder and the steel is fine on all of them. The build quality is also excellent and the knives have all performed well for what I have needed them to do.
 
In the foreign contract, that country will procure a steel (in their country) which is closest to the one specified. In many cases it's 420J. Then do their own heat treating. DM
 
DocT said:
I think you meant China, not Japan, yes?
Click to expand...

Yes, thank you. Good catch. :)

So David, are you saying then that the offshore Buck blades, may on occasion, actually use 420J?

Glancing at the intertubes, it would seem the 420J would be somewhat inferior to 420HC, least as far as hardening.

From Wikipedia. So it must be true. ;)

""420HC ( 420C ) is a higher carbon content 420 stainless. The HC stands for "high carbon" and it can be brought to a higher hardness than 420 and should not be mistaken for it. Buck Knives and Gerber Knives use 420HC extensively.""

Not trying to be a pain, just learn a bit. Tnx!
 
Extensively is not the same as exclusively...I'm sure you know that;) I read that Buck offshore knives used 420J steel, not sure where, I'll try to find it. Preston
 
They're both using 420HC but the USA made Buck's have the BOS heat treat. I noticed at a Bass Pro the other day they had a Selkirk folder in clam packaging. On the back they listed it being 420HC but no mention of BOS. I compared it with a few other folders they had in clam packages there as well (USA made Bantam, Fluid, and 110) and there was mention of BOS on the backs of those with the icon.
 
Buck off shore models have been made with 420J2 and now it appears 420HC. As far as the steel source goes I doubt it makes a difference whether the 420HC comes from Latrobe or a foundry in China. It's not a super secret steel by any means. All Buck or anyone else has to do is have the steel analyzed to verify it's makeup. It either is the steel it's stated or it's not. As far as heat treat goes there is no reason Buck can't have their heat treat replicated overseas, possibly under their supervision like it is in Idaho. Ultimately only Buck can answer the questions.
 
Given the lack of IP controls in China, I hope Buck doesn't give them the recipe for the Bos heat treat. Otherwise, Bos heat treat will be reduced to a meaningless marketing label.

Honestly, if Buck is going to drop 420J2 on the imported knives (and I think they should as that stuff is wicked soft), they should go to 8Cr13MoV and call it a day. No need to further dilute the US Buck brand by blurring the line between US and imported Bucks.
 
I'm skeptical as to whether the average purchaser of Buck knives (or other brands), import or domestic knows or cares about the steel or the heat treat. They want price, availability and function in that order. As I noted, just speculation on my part but perhaps someone from Buck will chime in with some facts.
 
Bos heat treat formula is only used in the US plant. All domestic 420HC is made in the US.

Jeff
 
J Hubbard said:
Bos heat treat formula is only used in the US plant. All domestic 420HC is made in the US.

Jeff
Click to expand...

Does this mean that the imported knives will be significantly lower quality when compared to the U.S. made knives or should there be much of a difference?

I like the looks of the Glacier but I'm unsure of it. I've never been given reason to doubt Buck's steel quality but I'd prefer to have the best heat treatment available regardless of the cost.
 
Thanks, Jeff for the info...

David Martin said:
How about pg. 30 in the 2016 catalog. DM
Click to expand...
Maybe pg. 31, David, shows 420J used on those Mr Crappie products, doesn't show it as a listed steel on the 'The Steel Behind The Blades" page...like the second page of the 2016 catalog. Thanks, Preston
 
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