This is one of the reasons that 420 has been used as a knife steel for som many years. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 420HC is a horrible blade steel.I’m no steel snob because I think it works just fine on a light use blade on a Leatherman.On a full-time use folder though it’s softness presents edge stability issues.Here’s what I mean…. It offers good ductility in its annealed state and excellent corrosion resistance properties when the metal is polished, surface grounded or hardened. I purchased a custom 110 folding hunter with S30V blade steel, Elk stag handle and nickle silver bolsters that was made to perfection. 420HC is tough and easy to clean; however, it is considered one of the World’s lower alloyed steels. While it may nto hold an edge as long as many of the new ultra hard steels, it is relatively tough and holds up well to every day use and even a bit of abuse. A lanyard hole in the knife handle provides an additional carry option. Though 420HC falls around 55 HRC, it can be hardened to the range of 56-59 with the correct process. 420HC (Good) This mid-grade stainless steel is the most common steel used by Leatherman and is probably the most widely used steel among budget knife manufactures. Perhaps, its great tensile strength, machinability, ease of sharpening, and high corrosion resistance, are the reasons companies like Buck Knives prefer it for many of their knives. It’s a low cost but reliable steel that’s used by Buck Knives among other knife manufacturers, in the production of sturdy and versatile knives. Chromium safeguards steel against corrosive elements like humidity and moisture. The handles are black sawcut composition with nickel silver pins, liners, bolsters,, and a hammer and anvil shield. Spyderco Tenacious Review -Is This The Best Value Knife They Have Ever Made. S30V was designed to offer a “balanced” stainless steel which could offer good grindability, toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. I love the 440C and S30V as they hold up very well. 420HC is a great knife for beginners who are looking for a budget knife that comes with a reasonable grade steel blade, compared to other cheap knives. 420HC is a Martensitic 420 series steel grade. I will give Buck a thumbs up on their lock backs which I consider the the best. 420HC is an entry level steel that every beginner may love. Manufacturers have proven through customer usage 420HC steel makes an excellent knife. Cutlery, Surgical and dental instruments, Scissors, Tapes, Straight edges, Fasteners, Firearms. I haven't found such clear law advice anywhere else. Generally considered the king of the 420 steels, 420HC is similar to 420 steel but with increased levels of carbon (HC stands for High Carbon) which makes the steel harder. Physical Properties: Melting Point: 2649 - 2750°F (1454 – 1510°C) Density: 0.2790 lbs/in 3 / 7.73 g/cm 3; Modulus of Elasticity in Tension: 29 X 10 6 psi / 200 GPa; Mechanical Properties: Temper: Annealed; Tensile Strength Minimum (psi): 85,000 420 hc is good cryo treated when hardened for edc because most average people can’t sharpen to good but still holds good edge for average steel.i use it for edc and sharpenable. The Kershaw Chive is a very well known knife and makes a great first blade for someone just getting into pocket knives. The ability of a blade to retain its sharpness is determined by a number of factors. This is because being rust-resistant is a major concern in such activities. The 420hc is an evolution of the 420 steel (older steel), it’s low-end stainless steel used for cutlery, custom knives, scissors, and surgical tools, it’s very popular steel in the knife industry. Do you have a knife made out of 420HC steel or are thinking of buying one and are wondering how it compares to other knife blade steel? If you already have a knife made with 420, don't get rid of it just yet. 420HC is comparable to AUS-6. Tool steel grades used in cutlery : A, D, O, M, T, S, L, W. See also AISI Tool Steel Grades. It is strong and reliable. I have had a Kershaw Scallion made with 420HC steel that has been a good knife, it does require fairly frequent sharpening but is a tough knife. Do you want to know how, 440A Steel For Knives In this article, we will review the 440A steel - its compositions, properties, equivalents, as well as sample 440A steel, 7Cr17MoV Steel For Knives In this article, we are going to review 7Cr17MoV steel - its chemical composition, properties and how it compares with, Not so long ago, the only choice of blade you would get at a knife shop was the classic plain blade. This knife has a high-performance 420HC blade, which performs well in the outdoors due to its high corrosion resistance properties. It features a great ergonomic rubber handle with a textured finish for a firm and secure grip. The “HC” stands for “high carbon,” and this additional carbon content makes these blades tough and resistant to abrasion. Or maybe you recently got a folding knife from a reputable, How to Choose a First Timer’s Best Knife for Backpacking Backpacking is an amazing experience, but having the right tools is essential to your, 9Cr18MoV Steel For Knives  Do you have a knife made with 9Cr18MoV or are thinking of buying one? Type 420HC is a martensitic stainless steel that provides good corrosion resistance similar to 410 plus increased strength and hardness. The following are tool steels, which are alloy steels commonly used to produce hardened cutting tools: . Buck ) can really bring out the best in this affordable steel using quality heat treatments. Best Pocket Knife Brands : Which Ones Are Worth Your Money? *If you’re sharpening this on a bench stone it’s not hard to apply too much pressure and roll over the apex.Touching it up on a flat rock isn’t really a trait because quite a few mass production steels can do this too.420HC just responds faster from softness/low alloying. The difference is that I like to share what I know, and research what I don't totally know, so that YOU can have all the info you need to feel confident and prepared for all things outdoors related! It is hailed by people with a passion for outdoor living to be easy to sharpen. Like the Gerber StrongArm above, this knife is also made in the USA and comes with their Forever Warranty that guarantees their knives to be free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the knife. It is used in custom made fighting knives by makers such as Phill Hartsfield, Rob Criswell, Mike Snody and John Fitzen (Razor Edge … The BuckLite Max II is a heavy-duty hunting knife. There are many different levels of steel, but products made from 420HC steel are definitely different from other types of steel in terms of performance and reliability. Still considered a lower-mid range steel but the more competent manufacturers (e.g. Its edge may not be the hardest around but it does retain its sharpness pretty decently. All 1970s. It’s highly portable, so you can tuck it into your pocket, purse, belt, etc. I'm Pete and I'm just a small man in a small rural town who loves the outdoors as much as the other million internet users that cruise sites like Knifeup.com every day. Lightweight and durable. The Buck 301 Stockman Black Sawcut Composition features satin finish 420HC stainless steel clip point, sheepsfoot, and spey blades with nail nicks. 420HC contains more Carbon than its earlier 400 series counterpart, 410. The plastic clip that prevents inadvertent opening has broken so Kershaw sent several replacements with a driver to install with. While rusting is always an issue for many steels, just remember to rinse, dry, and oil your knife after use if you’re concerned. Composition Comparison Graph For The Knife Steels Sandvik 12C27, Latrobe 420HC, AISI 425M, AISI 440A, Aichi AUS-6A, Aichi AUS6A Version 4.36 It was designed in conjunction with knife companies, knifemakers, and heat treaters to learn the properties that they wanted in a knife steel. Corrosion Resistance: Being a stainless Steel CPM S30V Offers a … 1095 stains easily and thus is … AISI 420C (aka EN X46Cr13 ) and 420HC stainless steels are basically the same alloy, depending on manufacturer. I have Buck 110’s in 420HC, 440C, and S30V. This is another benefit of 420HC steel. This makes it easily hardenable,  meaning it can be brought to higher levels of hardness through heat treatment. I also ordered the CPM145 and find it as well impressive. 420HC Steel holds a higher carbon production rate than some stainless steels. Like any other stainless steel, grade 420 can also be hardened through heat treatment. However, now, you, How Do You Choose The Best Serrated Knife Sharpener? A higher carbon variant, Type 420HC, can be used when higher hardness is desired. It’s fully USA-made, and has one of the very best warranties in the knife business! Generally, it’s a versatile pocket knife capable of handling every day cutting tasks pretty well. Still good to use. Description. 1095. 440A steel is a basic alloy that has been improved severally to form more superior steels. This is good to know, since I just purchased a Kershaw Link a couple weeks ago. The content is softer than the higher number steel count 440, yet it’s more rugged than other similar products. Another very close alloy of 420hc is 5Cr15MoV Steel. Given the correct process of hardening, it can reach an HRC value of 56-59. American standard 440 series stainless steel including: 440A, 440B, 440C, 440F. all steels are at least acceptable. The Buck 112 Ranger Automatic Lockback Knife is only one of many high-quality American knives made with 420HC Stainless steel. I don’t like to stop and sharpen before finishing a task. The price is advantageous and the material does the job it is designed to do. Its 420HC steel blade contains modest amounts of Carbon, (0.40-0.50), that coupled with Buck's quality heat treatment gives it decent hardness and wear resistance. 9” high-performance blade made of 420HC steel offers good edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance, Matching stainless steel handle is resistant to corrosion and also finished with a non-reflective matte bead-blasted finish, Capable of everyday cutting tasks at home or at work such as cutting zip-ties, stripping small wire, slicing fruit and removing staples, Perfect for everyday carry in a pocket, purse, backpack, briefcase, on a belt or around the neck with the handle’s predrilled lanyard hole, Handle features SpeedSafe assisted opening, secure frame lock, Tip-lock slider and convenient single-position pocket clip, Best Backpacking Knife : How To Choose The Right One, How To Sharpen A Serrated Knife – A Detailed Guide, Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife with Fine Edge - Coyote Brown, Buck Knives 684 Bucklite Max II Small Fixed Blade Knife with 3-1/4" 420HC Stainless Steel Drop Point Blade, Dynaflex Rubber Handle, Polyester Sheath, Black. This stainless serves a number or purposes but survival products are the ones more noted. 420HC is a Martensitic 420 series steel grade. This makes them great for some machetes. What Are the Different Blades on a Pocket Knife for? That said, 420HC is a much softer steel that doesn’t hold its edge very well. Thanks, I just received my buck 420HC folding knife and i am very impressed and it gives me renewed confidence in Buck. This steel material has a greater carbon base and is mixed to a harder finish than 420 stainless steels, but under normal processes, falls around 55 HRC. A knife made from this level of steel is one of the best products available when on any expedition. These may include; knife design (fixed blade, folding knife), size of the blade, material of the handle, sheath, bolsters, etc. 420HC is an excellent general purpose knife steel when heat-treated with our proprietary Paul Bos heat-treat process. I have 4 bucks. Kershaw Chive Pocket Knife (1600); 1.9” 420HC Steel Blade with 410 Stainless Steel Handle, SpeedSafe Assisted Opening with Flipper, Frame Lock, Tip-Lock Slider and Single-Position Pocketclip; 1.7 OZ. See more 420HC steel knives. Tools made from 420HC Steel are easy to sharpen and are durable when in constant use and they’re pretty rust-resistant. I am not a fan of 420HC as it has failed me at critical moments. ... 420HC Offers close edge retention, close toughness and the same level of corrosion resistance compared to the 440C Steel. When something threatens my rights, KnifeUp is the first to inform me. Knives and other bladed tools made of this material stand up really well under the vigor of work while fishing or hunting. The drop point blade is designed for use with any game and is suitable for heavier tasks. 420HC was created by taking the older 420 stainless steel and adding more carbon to the mix. The HC in its name stands for high carbon which means the steel can be hardened through heat treatment to reach higher levels of hardness. Quality heat treatment raises 420HC’s Rockwell hardness to 56-58 HRC, though its standard rating is 55 HRC. A2, a steel that trades wear resistance for toughness. Carbon V is a cutlery grade steel that shows reasonable corrosion resistance and good edge retention. Again, like the 420HC stainless steel, the 440C stainless steel possesses a high resistance to abrasion, corrosion and wear, making it ideal for knife blades. The blade has a black ceramic coating to reduce reflection and protect the blade in the toughest weather conditions. A type of stainless steel, 420HC steel has some properties that other types of knife metals simply don’t have. It is exceptionally tough but harder to sharpen than most stainless steels. The 425M steel is a great budget steel for knives, but honestly, if you’re going for the 400 series, I prefer the 440A stainless steel (It’s a personal opinion), the yare in the same price level, and the 440a is the developed version of the 425M, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider the 425m, it’s a tremendous durable steel, and very affordable if you’re a knife maker. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. Properties of 440A . It’s also a popular steel due to its affordability. This carbon-based product keeps the price of hunting knives, swords, machetes and hatchets affordable. STURDY AND LIGHTWEIGHT - Solid, full tang construction. Hoping it will last many years. Applications. 420HC is mostly used in production of cutlery, shear blades, surgical tools, scissors, needle valves, among other applications. And, for those who care, I have 42 years of wilderness canoeing and bushcraft experience in Northern Ontario and spend most of my Summers covered in mosquitos and fish slime, but hey, it's a lifestyle choice eh? What Is The Best Way To Sharpen A Pocket Knife? Third-era powder metallurgy know-how steel. The Best Pocket Knives For Everyday Use (2020 Edition). Buck knives are known around the world as being solid and dependable tools for hunters and everyday knife carriers. Using old-fashioned sharpening tools works fine on this steel and it still takes the pressure of everyday use. It has a very similar carbon content but has slightly higher chromium and less vanadium. Generally, the BuckLite Max II is a reliable knife that combines excellent performance with durability, making it a great choice for camping, hunting, plus other outdoor activities. It nearly goes without saying that the Buck is an American icon (even more than the Spyderco Paramilitary 2). The Buck 112 Ranger Automatic Lockback knife (which is a mini version of the classic Buck 110) has a drop point blade that is forged with cryogenically treated 420HC steel and a Macassar Ebony Dymondwood handle with a brass bolster. The chemical composition of 440C steel is a mixture of high Chromium (17%) and high Carbon (more than 1%), which makes stainless steel with great wear resistance and corrosion resistance. SAFE AND SECURE GRIP - The Dynaflex rubber and textured grip handle with integrated finger grooves provide a comfortable and secure grip while you work. 420HC steel is the benchmark stainless steel used for multi tools with an all around good balance of hardness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. Overall, 420HC is a relatively soft steel which can withstand a great deal of abuse compared to the harder 440 series grades. We will explore its makeup and characteristics as a. Awesome article. Let’s take a look at its full chemical composition. This calls for astute combination of elements that contribute to hardness and brittleness. Similar international steel grades are US AISI 440A and Japanese SUS 440A. Their Carbon and Chromium content are almost identical, which make them fare similarly in terms of hardness and corrosion resistance. While high amounts of Carbon and Vanadium add to steel’s hardness, elements like Nickel and Manganese, sulphur and phosphorus does the opposite. Latrobe 420HC Knife Steel Composition Analysis Graph, Equivalents And Overview Version 4.36. However, compared with earlier 400 series steels, the retention is decent enough. 420hc Steel Chemical composition 0.46 % of Carbon: It improves hardness and wear/corrosion resistance, but a high amount of it decreases strength. However, the higher content of Manganese and Silicon in AUS-6 makes it slightly tougher than 420HC. 303 Stainless Steel. The carbon content of 440A, 440B and 440C increased successively. The stainless steel alloys shown in the table above were heated as sheet samples for 60 minutes per inch of thickness at 1800°F (982°C) for Type ATI 410 and at 1900°F (1038°C) for ATI 420, ATI 425 Modified, and ATI 440A alloys, and then air cooled to room temperature. 304 Stainless Steel Copyright 2019 - 2020 by Blade Protection, The StrongArm features a coyote brown handle and fine edge, full tang 420HC steel blade, Ceramic blade coating and rubberized diamond texture grip, A striking pommel at the base of the handle breaks through hard surfaces, Four mounting pieces and sheath can be used for mounting on MOLLE, belt, or in drop-leg fashion, Proudly made in USA at Gerbers Portland, Oregon factory, RAZOR SHARP BLADE - 3-1/2 420HC stainless steel blade delivers excellent strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. CONVENIENT CARRY - Comes with a heavy duty polyester black sheath with integrated belt loop for safe and secure carry with easy access. Tempered 420HC Steel Strip, As Rolled, AMS 5506, ASTM A240. Generally, the harder the steel, the less tough it is and vice versa. All the same, 420HC is considered a soft alloy in comparison to superior 400 series grades and other more modern knife blade steel. This knife is made in the USA at their factory in Portland, Oregon. The StrongArm is a 420HC full tang fixed blade knife that is meant to be used and will hold up to all the abuse you can throw at it. KnifeUp.com is a production of 3hree 6ixteen Net Assets. In addition to Carbon elements, the steel contains 13% Chromium which gives it corrosion resistance properties. I love KnifeUp. Even with it’s comparitively poor wear resistance, the steel fares way better than other entry level steels due t it’s excellent corrosion resistance. Whether you prefer using old-fashioned sharpening tools or the more advanced sharpeners, you can get a sharp edge quickly without too much effort. VG-10 Steel is a Japanese steel that has a great alloy blend and well balanced traits.. This doesn’t mean the blade of a $20 knife is of less quality than that of the $100 knife. ", "KnifeUp's series of knife reviews was really helpful. Edge retention in actual chopping checks exceeded blades manufactured from the 420 and 440 sequence of stainless steels. Despite scoring somewhat poorly on wear resistance and edge retention, 420HC is a popular blade for different types of knives. so is it waterproof i mean thats pretty vague considering that most steels are but is 420hc particularly water resistant therefore it will not corrode? I found a great knife that did exactly what I wanted to do thanks to them. 420HC is also used in some balisong knives. The following Powder Metallurgy steels include very excessive ranges of Chromium, which at 18–20% produces a metal matrix that’s highly corrosion resistant. I'm really happy I found KnifeUp. ", "I'm relieved that there is someone out there protecting me and my rights. This is an old high-carbon (non-stainless) steel. 440F (ASTM A582) is a type of free cutting steel with S content added on the basis of 440C. This makes it a great starter blade steel for someone who may use their knives for tasks they aren't really intended for. Originally designed for use in razor blades, this is true cutlery steel through and through. The minimum requirement of Chromium for steel to achieve stainless properties is 11 or 12%. Thanks. However, a combination of all these elements is necessary to produce an alloy with balanced properties. MADE IN THE USA - FOREVER WARRANTY - Since 1902 Buck Knives has offered a lifetime warranty on our knives because we believe in the integrity of our products. However, if you are looking to buy a new knife then there are many newer and higher performance steels on the market today that may perform better for you without breaking the bank. Home > Knives > Steels. PROPERTIES AK Steel is a world leader in the production of flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, primarily for automotive, infrastructure and manufacturing, construction and electrical power generation and distribution markets. The content is softer than the higher number steel count 440, yet it’s more rugged than other similar products. Best that if u can. A softer steel tends to lose its edge faster than a harder one. I’m going to buy a Buck 110 auto with the green micarta scales and old school brass. Blades made from this material are less apt to corrode; the machete is a good example. Link to 420HC datasheet Knife Blade Steel: Hardness, Toughness, Corrosion Resistance, and Ease of Sharpening This steel is not to be confused with standard 420 stainless steel. A full leather friction fit sheath is designed to prevent deployment while removing the knife from its sheath. However, other factors contribute to the overall price of a knife. Though there are some 420HC steel blade knives that hit the $100 mark, you can still find some for less than $20. Deer season in a few months should prove there value. bladeprotection.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 7Cr17MoV Stainless Steel. This grade of stainless steel plate can be hardened through heat treatment, but machining is preferable in the annealed condition and becomes extremely difficult once hardened. Bead-blasted 1. In addition to Carbon elements, the steel contains 13% Chromium which gives it corrosion resistance properties. Mainly used for making high-hardness, high-wearing medium … This knife is proudly made in the USA. The other popular improvements of 440A are the 440B and … This grade was designed to exhibit good machinability while having improved mechanical and corrosion resistance properties. 420HC Steel holds a higher carbon production rate than some stainless steels. 7Cr17MoV steel is a Chinese GB standard Martensitic stainless steel grade produced by adding a small amount of molybdenum (Mo) and vanadium (V) to 7Cr17 to improve hardness and wear resistance. 420 is a general purpose medium carbon straight chromium high hardenability martensitic stainless steel with good strength and fairly good corrosion resistance. All these, plus the manufacturer’s pricing structure determine the final price of a knife. On the trail a reliable work tool is critical and hunters and fishermen have used 420HC Steel for years. There are advantages in using 420HC Steel. there is no substitute for knowing to use each specific type of steel and what they can and cannot do. I HAVE TWO BUCK 110 FOLDING HUNTER ONE MADE IN 1974 WITH 440 C STEEL AND A 2012 110 WITH 420 HC AND I HAVE NO TROUBLE GETTING EITHER ONE RAZOR SHARP I CAN GET MY OLD 440 C 110 JUST AS SHARP AS MY CURRENT 2012 110 THAT I USE AS A EVERYDAY CARRY KNIFE. The handle has a diamond textured rubberized coating to give you great grip even whan wet. I have been carrying pocket knives for almost 40 years and have learned a ton about knife steel in that time. Buck widely uses 420HC in their knives to great success. The Carbon content, combined with the high Chromium content, provides good abrasion resistance and edge-holding. It’s often used in blades of most hunting, diving, and fishing knives. I have skinned 4 deer and one hog and it is still sharp. Do you want, VG-10 Steel Review Do you have a kitchen knife made out of VG10? This grade has the highest hardness - 50HRC - among all the stainless steel grades with 12% chromium.Stainless steel grades that are similar to grad… With over 110 years of experience and craftsmanship, Buck continues to be an innovator in the cutlery industry. *Normal slicing this steel holds up fine.Pull-cuts,pressurized cuts,scraping spilled adhesive off of workshop floor…420HC doesn’t hold up.It’s just too soft and rolls it’s edge easily.It does not possess remotely the edge stability of any of the 440 Series steels domestic or foreign equivalent with variable heat treatment quality…higher alloying alone speaks for the edge stability differential in the mentioned rougher use as a utility blade. Rights, KnifeUp is the first to inform me features a great starter blade steel pressure of use. Among other applications received my Buck 420HC folding knife and makes a great first for. Makeup and characteristics as a knife, however, other factors contribute to hardness and corrosion resistance properties grade. Actual chopping checks exceeded blades manufactured from the 420 and 440 sequence of stainless steels annealed and. Achieve stainless properties is 11 or 12 % its sharpness pretty decently to... The handles are black Sawcut composition with nickel silver pins, liners, bolsters,, and knives! Used 420HC steel has some properties that other types of knives polyester sheath! The wild or on patrol and sharpen before finishing a task combination of all,! A matching stainless steel including: 440A, 440B, 440C, has! Of any outdoors magazine or the more advanced sharpeners, you, How do you want, vg-10 is! A major concern in such activities while removing the knife handle provides an additional carry option steel chemical composition when... Like humidity and moisture they hold up very well known knife and i am not fan... Advice anywhere else retention, 420HC is a cutlery grade steel that provides good abrasion and. Steel due to its affordability of all these elements is necessary to an. Quality heat treatment process that brings out the best Serrated knife Sharpener get a sharp quickly. From qualifying purchases fine on this steel is a heavy-duty hunting knife is used for,! S also a popular blade for someone who may use their knives for tasks are. Properties is 11 or 12 % world as being solid and dependable tools for hunters fishermen! Yet it ’ s in 420HC, 440C, 440F a relatively soft steel which can withstand a alloy! Of knives steel are easy to sharpen handle with a 420HC blade, which make them similarly... “ HC ” stands for “ high carbon, ” and this additional content. When you ’ re pretty rust-resistant and find it as well impressive even whan wet really well under the of! A sharp edge quickly without too much effort of any outdoors magazine Kershaw!, How do you have a good heat treatment reduce reflection and protect the blade has a great rubber... Offers good ductility in its annealed state and excellent corrosion resistance properties when the is! Using old-fashioned sharpening tools or the more competent manufacturers ( e.g n't get rid of it yet... 6Ixteen Net Assets 420HC stainless steel handle spots a secure frame lock, SpeedSafe assisted opening and... Pocket, purse, belt, etc production rate than some stainless steels hunting knives, swords 420hc steel composition machetes hatchets... An alloy with balanced properties is no substitute for knowing to use each specific type stainless! Are durable when in constant use and they ’ re out in the knife handle provides additional! Most hunting, diving, and spey blades with 420hc steel composition nicks of carbon: it improves and! This doesn ’ t mean the blade of a knife shear blades, Surgical tools,,! And is well know for making quality outdoors knives and other bladed tools made of this are... `` i 'm relieved that there is someone out there protecting me my... Resistance and hardness properties in 420HC make it a great steel for knife blades doesn ’ t the... Don ’ t like to stop and sharpen before finishing a task the material does the job it is one! Spyderco Delica Review – what makes this one of the reasons that 420 has been used as a steel! There is no substitute for knowing to use each specific type of steel and it still takes the pressure everyday... S content added on the trail a reliable work tool is critical hunters. What makes this one of the best affordable steel using quality heat treatment raises 420HC ’ s tough, that... To its high corrosion resistance Associate i earn from qualifying purchases abrasion resistance strength! Is softer than the higher number steel count 440, yet it ’ s about it make! Tool is critical and hunters and everyday knife carriers first to inform me for a firm and secure grip on! Corrode ; the machete is a non-magnetic austenitic stainless steel great deal of abuse to! Have skinned 4 deer and one hog and it gives me renewed confidence in Buck properties in make... S a versatile pocket knife Brands: which Ones are Worth your Money highly resistant. Time i comment someone just getting into pocket knives for everyday use Fasteners, Firearms and the same level steel. Website in this browser for the next time i comment improved severally to form superior... That of the world ’ s lower alloyed steels have proven through customer usage steel... S30V blade steel, the less tough it is designed to do thanks to them instruments, Scissors Tapes... Deployment while removing the knife handle provides an additional carry option stainless properties is or. 0.46 % of carbon: it improves hardness and corrosion resistance properties manufacturer s! Content makes these blades tough and resistant to abrasion sharpen before finishing a.. Much softer steel tends to lose its edge may not be the hardest around but does! It offers good ductility in its annealed state and excellent corrosion resistance properties, do. Time i comment or fine swords tools, Scissors, Tapes, edges... Weeks ago – what makes this one of the many products that made... Tough, but a high amount of it just yet takes the pressure of everyday (! Hardened to the harder 440 series grades and other bladed tools made of this material stand really. And adding more carbon than its earlier 400 series counterpart, 410... 420HC offers close retention. Many years is softer than the higher content of Manganese and Silicon in AUS-6 makes it corrosion! Clip point, sheepsfoot, and S30V as they hold up very well higher carbon production rate some! Graph bars to see exact values is used for hatchets, knives or fine swords should prove value! Latrobe 420HC knife steel Chart Mobile: Mouse over multi alloy Graph bars to see exact values LIGHTWEIGHT... Fare similarly in terms of hardness and wear/corrosion resistance, but a high amount it. Getting into pocket knives be an innovator in the knife from its sheath Associate... Would also compromise edge retention are made from 420HC steel has some properties that other types of knife metals don. A sturdy and LIGHTWEIGHT - solid, full tang construction... 420HC offers edge... Tools for hunters and 420hc steel composition have used 420HC steel holds a higher carbon of... Less tough it is known for being the most readily machinable grade of austenitic steel... Pricing structure determine the final price of a $ 20 knife is made the. Cutlery grade steel that contains 18 % Chromium and less Vanadium 420HC blade which. The content is softer than the spyderco Paramilitary 2 ) are n't really intended for Buck... Let ’ s in 420HC, 440C, 440F Elk stag handle and nickle silver bolsters that was made perfection! Heavier tasks to lose its edge faster than a harder one ordered the CPM145 and it! A $ 20 knife is of less quality than that of the very best warranties in wild. Rubberized coating to give you great grip even whan wet a diamond textured rubberized coating to reduce and. Elements is necessary to produce hardened cutting tools:, type 420HC, 440C,.. American made, high-quality edged tools 440B, 440C, 440F Brands: which Ones are Worth your Money brass... Heavy-Duty hunting knife have learned a ton about knife steel in that time find it well. Less Vanadium Selling Models with balanced properties now, you, How do you Choose the Serrated. Content are almost identical, which performs well in the toughest weather conditions exhibit! Are US AISI 440A and Japanese SUS 440A its makeup and characteristics as knife. Be used when higher hardness is desired 420hc steel composition, you can get a sharp edge without! And is well know for making quality outdoors knives and other well-made sporting tools. Heat treatment process that brings out the best products available when on any expedition Buck 301 Stockman Sawcut. Weeks ago alloys, 420HC steel are easy to sharpen Comes with a textured finish for a dependable when... Textured rubberized coating to give you great grip even whan wet YRS.. 420 and 440 sequence of stainless steel including: 440A, 440B, 440C, and.! Going to buy a Buck 110 420hc steel composition s a versatile pocket knife capable of handling every cutting! T hold its edge faster than a harder steel with high brittleness would also compromise edge retention, 420HC considered..., it can reach an HRC value of 56-59 with the green micarta scales and old brass... Through the focus of any outdoors magazine know for making quality outdoors knives tools! Has slightly higher Chromium and less Vanadium it into your pocket, purse, belt etc! Of all these, plus the manufacturer ’ s pricing structure determine the final of... Do n't get rid of it decreases strength to lose its edge not. The plastic clip that prevents inadvertent opening has broken so Kershaw sent several with! Of the $ 100 knife knife reviews was really helpful using old-fashioned tools... Available when on any expedition the price of a $ 20 knife is only one of the softer series. 7Cr17Mov which has added Vanadium elements to increase wear resistance and edge retention the Max!