Custom Buck 110 - BG-42 or ATS-34?

T

Tok

Joined
Jul 16, 2003
Messages
621
Aaaw.. having an itch for a custom 110 at last. I know it will get to me finally, though. :D What's your experience with the custom 110s BG-42 and the ATS-34? I am quite confident with Buck's ATS-34 but the option of BG-42 makes me wonder if I am missing something better out there. Also I am thinking if the hardness of the BG-42 from Buck would make it brittle. Will the edge chip or dent? Thanks for your input!

Added: My set up will be like this: Nickel Bolsters with Fiji Orangewood, Rivets, BG-42 or ATS-34 plain edge, black leather sheath. Does anyone have one with the same config? Would like to see some of the pics if so. Just want to see how does it look in real. Thanks!
 
Bob Loveless switched from ATS-34 to BG-42 for 'users' according to one article I read. All things such as heat treat being equal, the additional vanadium inn BG-42 should make it a better cutter if what I read is true. I'm leaning to a BG-42 replacement for my 420HC 110 once I wear it out... but it's cutting just fine right now and that may take some time :D .
 
BG-42 all the way! Unless you are cutting things you shouldn't be, the edge shouldn't chip.
 
Another very satisfied BG-42 customer. I've had my re-bladed 110 for well over a year now and absolutely no problems. It is wonderful at edge holding and no signs of being brittle. I use mine daily too.
Bob
 
Hi Bob,

I've read about the re-blade service from Buck in here for sometime, could u pls tell me more about it? Is it like I can send my production 110 to Buck and have them transplant a BG-42 blade for me? So Buck actually need to take the original blade off from the bolster first, right? How good was the "operation" then? I mean how does the bolster end look after the re-blade-ing? How much did it cost, too?

Ben
 
I had my 112 re-bladed with BG-42 a while ago and when it came back it I think my jaw literally dropped it was done so well.
 
Well, if you figure that BG42 is the basically the same steel as ATS34, with the exception of BG42 being double vacuum melted(super clean) and having the addition of 1.2 % Vanadium, BG42 seems to be a no brainer to me. BG42 is my favorite stainless steel. I like it even better than S30V.
 
I have a large collection of 110's with every blade steel they ever used. IMO you won't go wrong with any of the choices of steel. They've got the heat treat down right. Alot depends on how much you are willing to add to the cost. Their ATS34 blade is a superb performer as are the rest. 420Hc just doesn't hold an edge as long, but it is very easy to resharpen. You have a tough decision. Good luck, I know you won't be disappointed with what ever choice you make.
Scott
 
Buck has already demonstrated what they can do using S30V with Cabela's Alaskan Guide series. I'm surprised they don't add that blade steel as an option. I've got an Alaskan Guide 110 and it's the nicest 110 I've ever seen. They could make it without the unnecessary black coating and it would be a better working knife.
 
One question for the Tan sheath. Is it the same design as their black one? I hope so because the picture they shown on the custom shop page looks differently, which I don't like.
 
Tok said:
One question for the Tan sheath. Is it the same design as their black one? I hope so because the picture they shown on the custom shop page looks differently, which I don't like.
Click to expand...

Tok:

About two weeks ago, I received a 110 from the Custom Shoppe (oak, brass, BG-42). It came with a tan sheath identical in design to the black one. I was momentarily disappointed it didn't have the angled bottom as pictured on the Custom Shoppe site, but now I'm glad I have the standard 110 sheath in tan.
:)
Johnny
 
Hi Tok, I bought a 110 on ebay that looked like it needed some tender loving care and had a bg-42 blade put on. They did a great job. Blade is centered properly, pivot pin is perfect in relation to the bolster, just a great job. Cost was $30 + 5 (return shipping) = $35.oo. It's the greatest bargin in the knife world.
Email Joe Houser at: jhouser@buckknives.com. I'd give you the ship to address, but they are in the process of moving to Idaho. Just talk with Joe and he'll take real good care of you.
I alos had a Buck 560 re-bladed to bg-42 and while I like it, I highly prefer the 110 (finger groove for me!).
As a user, I don't think the bg-42 can be beat. But I could be wrong - haven't tried them all yet.
Bob
 
I was doing some toughness testing on hunting knives a couple years back. As part of the test I took a beef rib bone (uncooked) and chopped notches out of the edge with my test knives. The Buck Vanguard Master Series with BG42 alloy blade did the best. There was no damage at all to the edge. BG42 also takes an exceptionally sharp edge. It is my favorite stainless.
 
Another vote for BG-42. Remember before S30V, it was the premium steel.
 
BG-42 or ATS-34? That's a no brainer....Get both. :p

Sorry, but somebody had to say it....... :D

Paul
 
I would go for the BG-42, then. Thanks a lot gemtlemen. Also thanks Bob for the info about the re-bladed factory 110 and Johnny about the sheath. Now does anyone have any pics of both the Koa Flamewood and the Fiji Orangewood handle? Just wanna see what do they look like in real. I will either pick the orangewood for the Nickel blosters or the Koa for brass. Thanks in advance.

This is as exciting as building your own lightsaber. :D
 
mschwoeb said:
Another vote for BG-42. Remember before S30V, it was the premium steel.
Click to expand...
Hell, I still prefer BG-42!

I made sure the Sebenza I picked up was older with a BG-42 blade. :D
 
Jesus....not to kill the topic But i know a Steven Ross who is a major knife collector and fan...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top