Chinese vs Idaho 420HC

MarkN86 said:
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.
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This is a tricky question to ask Buck. If they say that the Chinese 420HC is a significant step down, they devalue the imported knives that use it like the Selkirk.

If they say it's about the same, they devalue the BOS heat treat.

This is why I think those knives should use an entirely different steel.
 
pinnah said:
This is a tricky question to ask Buck. If they say that the Chinese 420HC is a significant step down, they devalue the imported knives that use it like the Selkirk.

If they say it's about the same, they devalue the BOS heat treat.

This is why I think those knives should use an entirely different steel.
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To be honest I really don't expect Jeff to answer. I'm just trying to give Buck another nudge to move more production to the U.S.

I don't want to be "that guy" and get run off from the Buck forum. I love the company and I think they are doing a great job.
 
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Is Buck obligated to fix under lifetime warranty the overseas knives? If they are made with low quality stainless put to stressful use may cause an overflow in the warranty dept.
 
MICHAEL5135 said:
Is Buck obligated to fix under lifetime warranty the overseas knives? If they are made with low quality stainless put to stressful use may cause an overflow in the warranty dept.
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All Buck knives are covered by their warranty regardless of the location of their manufacture. If I recall correctly Buck has had some models made in China since 2001 or there abouts. Any warranty exposure would surely have been noticed and addressed by now.
 
I arrived at buying Bucks late enough in life to be able to buy "US" (I had the cash), and to buy so many that none of them get enough use to wear out. I was never going to buy a Chinese Buck. But a Chinese stockman for $10 in a pawn shop called to me. I've tried to use it hard but I have an office job. Still it stays sharp. If any of you want to bring me something small to skin I'd be happy to try it. I can't find any fault in the steel. It was very dull when I got it and it sharpened up easier than my larger Buck knives- but the blades are a lot thinner, so I don't think it indicates softer steel. I once sharpened a dull, used 119 - that was a chore!
 
One of just a few Chinese Buck knives I own.I have used it slightly but haven't noticed any downgrade on the steel. Just dont use the Chinese versions enough.
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pinnah said:
This is a tricky question to ask Buck. If they say that the Chinese 420HC is a significant step down, they devalue the imported knives that use it like the Selkirk.
If they say it's about the same, they devalue the BOS heat treat.
This is why I think those knives should use an entirely different steel.
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Admittedly I know nothing about Buck's processes but for the sake of discussion I'll say that I'm not so sure. My take is that any heat treatment Buck uses was developed by Paul Bos. Buck trademarked the Name and flame logo. I'm sure Buck would specify the method of heat treatment used on their import knives so there surely would be an indirect Paul Bos influence there also.

To argue the other side, you can't share your manufacturing secrets with China because they will no longer be secret.... ;o)

Only Buck knows the true answer to this and I'm sure the factory is not going to wade in on this discussion.

I collect the ChinaBuck slippies. Here are some 389 Canoes. All different.
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I carry a 382 from over there everyday. I also picked one up in a pawn shop for a bit of nothing as it had met some live electrical wires at some point in its life and looked much worse than it actually was. I sheepishly took it to the warranty window at the factory, felt bad because of its origin and because it certainly looked as tho I had abused it. With no questions asked and a smile to boot they made it look like new in about 10 minutes and no charge.
I wish they built pick up trucks there.
 
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