Custom Buck's; I need help!

E

epigram79

Joined
Sep 29, 1999
Messages
547
Ok, I just visited that Custom Buck knife page. For those of you who haven't seen it yet, go here: http://shoppe.buckknives.com/
It's worth checking out.

Anyway, I have a couple of questions about the blade steels that are offered. Could any body tell me the pro's and cons of these three steels that I can't make up my mind about? 1. BG-42 2. ATS-34 3. 420HC(mirror)

So far what I know is that BG-42 is the newest thing and it is the best. ATS-34 supposedly has superior edge retention. And I'm not sure what HC stands for but isn't 420 super stain resistant?

Next question (promise this won't last too much longer!). Is it possible to send a buck knife directly to Cumberland Mountain Knife works to have them convert it to a dual action knife? I think that would top off a custom buck. Or do I have to buy a standard buck knife that's already been converted on bladeauction?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Epigram
 
I would definitely go for the BG42. It is supposed to hold an edge as good as ATS-34, and supposedly with higher stain resistance, I believe. Also, it is supposed to be a finer grained steel, so it will take a nicer, keener edge. 420HC will take a nice edge, IMHO, but it won't hold it near as long as either of the other two. Only reason I can see to get it instead of one of the others is if the price is being driven too high by other options you're selecting, and you are willing to skimp on blade steel.
One thing for sure: every ATS-34 knife I have is difficult to get that scary sharp edge on. It will hold the edge it takes for a long time, but it just isn't as keen.

------------------
It's just a ****ing staple!
Maybe we should make knife blades out of staples!
Outlaw_Dogboy, Pax River NAS, Republik of Marilundt


 
Epigram,
I'm pretty sure, Cumberland won't work on one of your knives, I read that in TK magazine.
I'd go for the Damascus first, BG42 second, I have no interest in the ATS 34, but that's just me.

I admit it, I don't know much, but I know what I like.
 
I would go BG42 for sure. It takes an edge that gets sharper than the others and lasts as well as the others. The only disadvantage is looks. You can't get a mirror finish on BG42 as nice as ATS-34. One of the main reasons to go for a custom Buck knife is that it is a relatively economical way to get a knife with a BG42 blade.

BTW I think that the Buck 110 is one of the best folding hunting knife designs around. When you couple that with premium grips and a BG42 blade it's a real winner.
 
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