help ???

[Jack142]

I was looking to buy a Buck stockman. The steel used is 420 HC. I am not familiar with it.
Just for the record...... I dont like 440 A and 440 C is just ok. AUS 8 or better is what I usually look for.
SO help ??
what is 420 HC ???
Is it any good ????
does it hold a edge ???
How does is sharpen ????
Thanks
jack

 

[Ilovetoolsteel]

Originally posted by Jack142
what is 420 HC ???

It's the bottom of the barrel of steels, not just stainless but all steels

Is it any good ????

Not really. It's a great steel if your main concern is "shiney" However if you plan to do work with it prepare to be disappointed.

does it hold a edge ???

Poorly, It has a carbon content of .45% It won't take much cutting to see flat spots on the edge

How does is sharpen ????

Like a dream it's low carbon content and relative softness, (compared to other cutlery steels), means it isn't very wear resistant.

Drew

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Drew, I think you may be thinking of 420J2, which makes a fair structural steel, for liners or even handles, but not a blade to take a good edge and keep it. But 420HC is different. It isn't high tech, but it is reliable enough for good companies to allow their reputation to rest on it, Buck, for one.