Dissin' 420HC??

O

oneslowbird

Joined
Jan 2, 2001
Messages
208
I was searching the knife reviews forum last night for reviews on Buck knives and I found some very disturbing posts. Seems that theres a lot of people that dont care too much for 420HC. Lots of very bad comments. A few examples: Very weak, doesnt hold an edge, 70's Bucks were much better, "Famous For" slogan is a crock of BS. I like my Bucks, but I dont use them really hard. I would be very interested to hear comments and opinions from Buck fans(you too Joe) Can any of this stuff be true. Being a big Buck fan myself this really bothered me.
 
Well, all of my "user" Bucks have 420HC blades, and they do hold an edge as well or better than any of my Schrade, Western, Kabar, Queen or Case knives. And I've never had to re-hone a new Buck to get it as sharp as I want my knives to be. (I cannot say that for any of the aforementioned companies besides Case.)

Now I will agree that steels like BG-42, ATS-34 and 440C are better than 420HC. I also know that they cost a lot more and are much harder on equipment like the fine-blanking dies that Buck uses.

I work in the shipping department of a large tool and die shop, and use my Buck 701 and 360 every day. If the steel in these tools was not up to the task I would not use them, nor would I respect them enough to build a collection of their knives.


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Dave Fortman

~Buck Collectors Club~
~Lifetime Member #736~
 
420HC works just fine for me. It may not hold an edge as long as some other steel but it is easy to sharpen and doesn't rust and discolor like ATS34 and BG-42. Finally, it is inexpensive. For instance a basic 110 with 420HC cost around $40. A basic 110 with BG-42 cost $85.

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Buck Collectors Club Member #1058
 
Could someone elaborate on what the difference is between BG-42, ATS-34 and the others?
 
Just search the knife reviews forum. Some of those guys are really into it hot and heavy. I cant figure where they get the money for some of this stuff. Imagine, Doing a spine whack test on a 200-300 dollar knife. Jeez!
 
One of the reasons I like this little corner of the forum is that it's a bastion of sanity. I do not now, and never will, need a $300 freakin pocketknife. The tales of ordinairy Buck knives being run to hell and back and still performing nicely (not to mention to glowing reports you hear over and over about how the Buck co. treats it's customers) are proof enough for me that Buck - and any steel they choose to use - are quality knives that are plenty good enough for me.
 
You might want to check Bucks web site where they give some charts comparing the various steels which they use, including 420hc, BG42 and ATS 34. They also give details of their heat treatment which is second to none and accounts for the superior performance of 420hc in their products. It's not the best, but its not bad.

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Jim Rasmussen
Idyllwild CA
 
Hemet,Idyllwild,glad to hear from folks near my old stomping grounds of Palm Springs.
420 all the way !!! it works, it's cost effective,and it sells! Plus ,I can sharpen it.
guy

[This message has been edited by guy g (edited 02-04-2001).]
 
I have 2 110's in bg-42. It's definately worth the difference in price.

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Although it does not mindfully keep guard in the small mountain fields, the scarecrow does not stand in vain
Bukkoku
 
I don't know if i can add anything else meaningful to the posts so far. I get many emails and letters from folks that use their Bucks and love the steel. Now granted they do not use them as some do. These are people who use their knives "sharp side down".
Maybe they just have not learned of the benefits of smacking things with the backbone of a knife.
wink.gif

I hope that sarcasm is not to thick!

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Joe Houser
Director of Consumer relations
Buck Collectors club Administrator and member #123
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by oneslowbird:
I just read in the FAQ that Buck uses 425M. Is this 420HC. </font>
Click to expand...

Whatever FAQ you are refering to is several years out of date....

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Doug Pettit

Buck Collectors Club
Member #1222
 
I think Buck switched from 425mod to 420HC sometime in '93. Hopefully someone can fill in when they started using 425mod.

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Buck Collectors Club Member #1058
 
I have 20-25 Bucks and I find that after I hone the edge with a DMT stone I have an incredibly sharp knife that holds an excellent edge.

95% of folks who use a knife on a daily basis probably don't even need a premium stainless steel.



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~Greg Mete~
Kodiak Alaska
Buck Collectors Club-Lifetime Member
JKM-Chai
KnifeKnutt@aol.com
 
I do believe the year was 1982 when the switch was made from 440-C to 425-M

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A lefty trying to find his way in a righthanded world.
my art
BCC #942
 
Spyderco says the alloy makeup of "425 Modified" goes like this:

carbon 0.4%-0.54%
chrome 13.5% - 15.0%
molyb 0.6% - 1.0%
vanadium 0.1%
manganese 0.5%

Anybody have an alloy breakdown on 420HC?
I looked around on Buck's home page but I didn't see it... maybe I missed it...anyone?

[This message has been edited by rdangerer (edited 02-08-2001).]
 
I dont have any Bucks from those years. Was it any good. Wait....what year does X stand for (I have one of those). Does Spiderco still use it?
 

Anybody have an alloy breakdown on 420HC?
I looked around on Buck's home page but I didn't see it... maybe I missed it...anyone?

It takes a little doing to find it. You have to get to any page that has a link for the site map. Go to the site map and click on "technology and innovation", when you get there, click on feature articles and then to Blade Steels..........Maybe there's an easier way but I don't know it.


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Jim Rasmussen
Idyllwild CA
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by rdangerer:
[Anybody have an alloy breakdown on 420HC?
I looked around on Buck's home page but I didn't see it... maybe I missed it...anyone?

[This message has been edited by rdangerer (edited 02-08-2001).][/B]</font>
Click to expand...

I should have just posted the link duh! Sorry.
http://www.buckknives.com/Pages/tds-bs.html

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Jim Rasmussen
Idyllwild CA
 
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