How is this legendary "Heat Treat" of bucks

[Blastermaster]

I want a 110, it is a sleek piece of americana and I want to put a beater knife into my rotation. The only problem is I have seen disappointing results from their 420j2...are buck 110s any better

Ps. The knife which disappointed me was the 382

 

[dogstar]

The steel in the 110 is 420HC, not 420J2. Buck's heat treat gives us the best 420HC out there, but it's still 420HC. It's an easy to sharpen steel that takes a good edge. It's in the same league as SAKs and Opinels. Use it, touch it up, and it will serve you well for a good while.

 

[BrotherJim]

A gently abused smooth as silk 110 that locks up tighter than Dick's hatband ... surprisingly ... and it'll shave ya pretty good.
It's been in the rotation since 1988 ... that makes it 420HC because Buck stopped using 425M in 1985 I think, someone correct me if I'm wrong.
The Lansky kit is about 10 or so years older than that
Used as a hammer, bade tip been heated WAY more than it should have been, initials carved so it wouldn't walk off at work
... oh, and stuff has been cut with it. Think I'll keep it.
My point is that if you're looking for a "beater" knife that will not disappoint or let you down ... well ...

(I could say the same thing about a 112 I have)

 

[David Martin]

Jim, Welcome. Your 110 has 425M steel. Buck began phasing in 420HC in 1992. Also, the handles on your model are solid macassar ebony not a laminate. DM

 

[BrotherJim]

Thanks Dave !!! I thought it was 425M. I honestly did ... until I saw a thread with a post around here somewhere that said Buck stopped using 425M in 1985.
Anyway, I've had just shy of 30 years with this 110 to think about and try and find a better "beater" ... still thinking LoL
I'm retired now, so it doesn't get beat like it did in the day. And besides, there is a right tool for every job

 

[RAZORBLADES]

I'd say go for it,get the buck110.I have some of bucks 420j2knives that were gifted to me,not my favorite by any means,but it will sharpen up to a razor sharp edge,just won't hold it nearly as long as the American made knives.

 

[Badhammer]

I want a 110, it is a sleek piece of americana and I want to put a beater knife into my rotation. The only problem is I have seen disappointing results from their 420j2...are buck 110s any better

Ps. The knife which disappointed me was the 382

What is it about the 420J2 that you've found disappointing? I've got a couple of the import slipjoints and haven't noticed any real difference between them and my 420HC slipjoints at least for the tasks I put them to.

 

[pinnah]

Badhammer,

One of the differences is the hardness, as reported by Buck 55Rc vs 58Rc.

Now... lots and lots of pocket knives have been made with steel in the 55Rc range (or lower). For a great many years, SAKs were in the 54-55Rc range. Opinel's Carbone still is in the 56Rc range. Case 420HC is in the softer 56Rc range too.

I've found that blades in these lower Rcs need to be sharpened at a more obtuse angle to prevent edge rolling and conversely, I can live with a finer angle on blades with and Rc at 58 or there abouts. I keep a Case 316-5 in my kitchen and I have to touch it up constantly. My 420HC Bucks and my Opinel Inox (12C27 at 58Rc) hold an edge noticeably longer.

I gifted an 420J2 Buck canoe to a buddy of mine and he complained almost immediately (and politely) at its inability to hold an edge. Last one I've purchased.

 

[Blastermaster]

What is it about the 420J2 that you've found disappointing? I've got a couple of the import slipjoints and haven't noticed any real difference between them and my 420HC slipjoints at least for the tasks I put them to.

Perhaps since I used my 382 for woodcarving it would not hold an edge. Bucks 420j2 will take a ludicrous edge though, perhaps some re-profiling is in order

 

[155440]

As much as I like some of the patterns of the imported knives, they are similar quality to other knives in that price range. Stick to the ones made in America. :thumbup: