US 420HC vs China 420HC any different

I wasn't aware that Buck used any 420hc from China. They definitely use 420j2, which according to most sources on steel cannot be hardened to anything close to the 58rc Buck gets on their 420hc. I would love to know the Rc value of Bucks 420j2 but I've not seen it.
 
I don't know how much one could notice a difference in edge retention between the two steels. However, those of the china contract are not made from 420HC steel. Most likely they are of 420J. The steels are close in elements but I suspect the American mfg. process puts out a more pure product. Plus, I wonder if the over seas people do a cryogenic soak during heat treat. This is were a difference would show up. DM
 
pinnah said:
I wasn't aware that Buck used any 420hc from China. They definitely use 420j2, which according to most sources on steel cannot be hardened to anything close to the 58rc Buck gets on their 420hc. I would love to know the Rc value of Bucks 420j2 but I've not seen it.
Click to expand...

Buck bones use 420HC and redpoint/flashpoint
 
420JC is a little lower in carbon content than 420HC so it ends up about 2 points lower Rockwell. Some China Bucks ARE listed as 420HC and others 420J2..... something I wish someone from Buck would wade in on and clarify once and for all.
 
Desotosky, the numbers I've read for max RC range from 53 to 56. No idea how to make sense of it.

Low carbide stainless I've used in the 55rc (older Victorinox Inox) and 56rc (Case tru-sharp 420hc) are pretty gummy on the stone and prone to wire edges for me. Bucks 420hc and OPINEL'S 12c27, both 58rc, hone up more cleanly and are less prone to edge rolling.

I'd like to see the Rc numbers for bucks 420j2 but even if they get it to 56rc, I'd remain skeptical. A buddy and I often gift each other knives this time of year (he just gave me a nice 2 dot 112, what a great knife) and the one embarrassment has been the Buck canoe I gave him a few years back. He noted the steel was soft and he never carries it.

I really wish they'd move their imported slipjoints to 420hc with the Bos heat treat.
 
I believe Rockwell numbers have a +/- actual variation so sometimes its reported as the median value and other times as the range. I am looking at a 2011 384 Trapper at this very moment and the rear of the clampack states 420J2 and Rc 53-55. I have a 2008 389 Canoe and the rear of the clampack states 420HC and Rc 58.
 
Desotosky, thanks for the numbers.

I'd pay an additional $10 for a U.S. made canoe. I'd pay an additional $20 if it was flat ground. 👍
 
You guys study this part of the Buck world much more than I. I do think I will have to agree with Desoto that I have seen a few listed as 420hc but only a few. Usually when you blade experts get to talking you end up talking carbides and heat treat. So, if none of you are around that is what I say is the difference if pressed......if I make sound like I know what I am talking about sometimes people think I really do...ha......300
 
Not exactly the OP's question, but I have several Bucks in 420HC and a copy of a 110 (copy, not counterfeit) made by Lansky in China from 420j. The 420 j will sharpen well but get dull a lot quicker than my Bucks.
 
Even if the steel is the same it's the heat treatment that makes difference IMO. Buck has stated that they only suggest to the china mfg the heat treatment to use but do not oversee it, so it could be done any why they want.
 
Yes ^. I can tell when sharpening the 2 steels, there is a difference. Which will translate to noticing it at edge retention. DM
 
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