Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature1038°C(1900°F)
Soak Time15 minutes
Tempering
Temperature204°C(399°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles2x
Quench Medium
oil
Target Hardness
56 - 58 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness9/10
Edge Retention2.5/10
Corrosion Resistance7.5/10
Ease of Sharpening9/10
Overall Score28/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Buck's proprietary heat treatment makes it perform above its class
- 2Used in the iconic Buck 110 which sold 15+ million units since 1964
- 3Before 420HC, Buck used 440C (pre-1981) and 425M (1981-1992)
Famous Uses
Buck 110 Folding Hunter (since 1993)
Buck knives generally
Best For
Budget-conscious users
General purpose cutting
Production knives
Dive knives
Budget knives
High corrosion environments
Decorative blades
Production folding knives
Everyday carry
General-purpose utility knives
Similar Steels
Not Recommended For
- Extreme wear
- Premium segment
- Professionals
Expert Tips
- 1Good balance of affordability and performance
- 2Relatively easy to sharpen
- 3Ingot manufacturing
- 4Prioritizes corrosion resistance
- 5Frequent sharpening needed
- 6Good for wet environments
- 7Heat treatment critical for performance
- 8Buck's proprietary HT improves results
- 9Good value for money