Just got a new knife

metalhead357

metalhead357

Joined
Sep 2, 2012
Messages
281
Alright guys, turning sixteen in a couple weeks and a few people gave me early presents. Them knowing I was a knife guy I got my fair share if knives, this is both a curse and a blessing, as I got one buck and the rest were winchesters. So here is my question my Buck was the Vantage Select. So is this a good knife? How does the steel wear? I'm used to using Kershaws, Spydercos, and SOGs. So can you compare the 420HC to another steel?
 
I'm young here too and welcome. The vantage select is great in my opinion. I've used it for edc with a couple of other knives and the steel looks as if I just took it out of the box.
 
I was just concerned as it had surface rust out of the box. Don't know if this is just the humidity in my area (Georgia) or not.
 
The polish on the vantage blades isn't exactly all the high. The steel will perform great though, Heat treated by Paul Bos, High RC, 420HC will cover all needs and still retain ease of sharpening.
 
The Buck Vantage is a great knife.
The steel is decent and Buck does this steel the best.
You got yourself a nice knife.
Congrats. =]
 
While no "super steel" Buck's simplistic 420HC sports a great heat treat and should provide serviceable edge retention. It can get scary sharp too and isn't a burden to sharpen in the field with minimal stuff.
 
metalhead357 said:
[...] I got one buck and the rest were winchesters. [...]
Click to expand...
The Buck Vantage will serve you well as a carry knife. My experience with 420HC is on Leathermans, and I like the steel. Buck's heat treat may make it even better,

Also, if you haven't tried free-hand sharpening yet, you can buy a sharpening stone and put those Winchesters to work :D
 
Buck 420HC is a good EDC steel. It can get razor sharp and hold it for a decent time.

Side question, what part of Georgia are you from?
 
The Vantage is a nice knife. Good, functional design, and the high hollow grind makes it an excellent slicer. I'm not sure which Kershaws, Spydercos, and SOGs you have, but there is a wide range of steels used by those manufacturers as well. 420HC compares in the same class as 440A, AUS-6A, and 12C27. Here's a steel chart comparing those four steels. Here's a good article to read about knife steels. It's edge retention is decent for many urban EDC tasks. It sharpens pretty easily and will take a very good edge.
 
One thing to note with 420HC is that while it doesn't hold an edge as well as some higher quality steels it is more flexible because it isn't as hard. In my opinion 420HC blades are good for everyday work knives that need to be relatively sharp while taking a beating but aren't the best choice for hunting and skinning. I prefer ZDP, Cronidur, or 440c when I need a reliably super sharp blade. Still a good knife though. I agree with T.L though. If it's rusted out of the box that signifies an error in the knife's finish. Take it to a store and get a new one.
 
Swapped it out today. So far I am loving the knife. My Tenacious is taking a back seat to this one right now.
 
Hey I'm a teenager from Georgia too. But 420 generally is pretty bad but Buck's formulation of it performs well and is much more rust resistant than other 420.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top