420HC vs S30V

420hc Vs S30v: Which Is One Is Better For you?

To compare 420HC Vs S30V, we will look into the durability and edge retention capability of each steel. Also, discuss which one is easier to sharpen between 420HC and S30V 

And how can we forget to compare the prices of 420HC vs S30V knife in the market? That’s why we will look into famous knives with 420HC and S30V steel.

420HC

  • The heat-treated version of 420HC has high durability
  • Need Regular Maintenance
  • Easy to sharpen
  • Low Cost

S30V

  • High Durability
  • Amazing Edge Retention
  • Difficult to Sharpen
  • High Price

Summary

If you want a knife that is durable with strong edges for a long time, select S30v. However, if you want something for everyday work at an affordable price, choose 420HC steel knives!

420hc vs s30v – A Short Comparison

420HC S30V: which is more beneficial for you to use? Which one should you select? All these questions are cleared by comparing 420HC vs S30v neck to neck. 

As stated earlier we will be discussing different features of each. And the first feature that we will talk about is its durability. After all, we want a durable knife that can withstand wear, pressure, or damage.

Durable

Which one is more durable? Is it S30v or 420HC? Let’s check out below:

  • 420HC contains a high carbon content. This makes it vulnerable to bending. However, some variants are heat-treated such as Buck’s 420HC to add more durability.
  • S30V on the other hand is hard in nature. This makes it perfect steel for executing almost all the tasks. It also includes a heat-treated robust finish.

Summary

S30V is more durable than 420HC. However, you can try the heat-treated version of 420HC which is more durable than regular 420HC.

Edge Retention 

Which offers more edge retention in 420HC vs S30V comparison? 

  • S30v has amazing edge retention. It is hard steel and stays sharp for a long time. You don’t need to resharpen it regularly!
  • 420HC has soft properties which makes it a soft metal. This requires regular maintenance in the form of sharpening it every 2 to 3 weeks. But, once you take care of these details, it’s a great blade to do the job!

Summary

S30V is preferable if you want to use an ultra-sharp edge for a long duration. However, if you want something lightweight with a standard edge, choose a 420HC knife. It will do the job.

Difficulty to Sharpen 

Which is difficult to sharpen in this 420HC vs S30v comparison. 

  • 420HC requires regular sharpening, however, you can do it easily without requiring an expert or expensive sharpening stones. Anyone can do it on their own.
  • Contrary to 420HC, S30v is difficult to sharpen. It requires experience, proper time, and effort to get it into a perfect sharpened state!

Summary

420HC doesn’t have long edge retention but is easy to sharpen. S30V requires an expert knife sharpener and is difficult for a novice!

420HC vs S30v Popular models

What are the popular models?

Which ones to add to your knife collection?

Everything you need to know is shared below:

420HC – Folding Pursuit Hunting Knife from BuCK

420HC’s famous variant is available from Buck, a US-based brand and goes by the name of Folding Pursuit Hunting Knife. It is foldable and versatile without being pricey.

Buck is known for its quality, which means you are good to go with this blade regardless of wherever you are.

Folding Pursuit Hunting Knife

Folding Pursuit Hunting Knife.

Features

  • Blade Shape: Clip
  • Blade Thickness: 0.120″
  • Blade Length: 3 3/4″ (9.5cm)
  • Weight: 7.2 oz (205g)
  • Handle: Crelicam genuine ebony
  • Carry System: Sheath
  • Origin: USA

420HC – Gerber Prodigy, 4.75″ 420HC Fixed Blade Knife

Gerber Prodigy is another famous brand to check out if you want something advanced.

It’s only 10″ long with a strong 4.75″ blade. This makes for a perfect hunting knife size. Use it for both average and advanced knife work.

You won’t find anything better than this all-around knife. It has quality, affordability, and all-around ability!

Gerber Prodigy Combat Knife Black Fixed Blade

knife

Features

  • Overall Length:9.75″
  • Blade Length:4.75″
  • Blade Style: Drop Point
  • Finish: Black
  • Edge Type: Serrated
  • Handle Length:5.00″
  • Handle Material: Rubber
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 7.40 oz.

High Price but Best quality

Try a knife made from S30v stainless steel. It is the highest quality of steel used for manufacturing knives with sharp edges. But it does come at a steep price!

S30V: Buck 110

Buck 110 in S30V is well known in the USA. It is famously being passed down for generations.

The 420HC version is a bit cheap but is quite popular for its robust features. It is a great folding knife with all-around upgraded steel to add to your collection. It comes under premium quality, but still costs around $100!

110 Slim Pro Knife

Buck 110

Features

  • Blade Shape: Clip
  • Balde Thickness: 0.120″
  • Blade Length: 3 3/4″ (9.5cm)
  • Weight: 7.7 oz (218.3g)
  • Handle: G10
  • Carry System: Sheath
  • Origin: USA

S30V: Spyderco Shaman Signature Folding Knife

Spyderco Shaman Signature is an amazing folding knife. It is perfect for everyone in need of a compact folding blade for everyday activities. It is made with S30V stainless steel to deliver the highest performance.

The price is high, starting at $200. However, it satisfies the user with its quality grip, thumbhole, and guarantee from the brand! It is worth checking out for those looking for quality and durability without worrying about the budget!

Spyderco Shaman Signature Folding Knife

Spyderco Shaman Signature Folding Knife

Features

  • Overall Length: 8.25″
  • Blade Thickness: 0.145″
  • Blade Style: Spear Point
  • Blade Grind: Full-Flat
  • Blade Finish: Stonewash
  • Handle Material: G10
  • Handle Color: Matte Black
  • Locking Mechanism: Compression 
  • Weight: 5.2 oz.
  • Made in the USA

420HC vs S30v FAQs

Is it easy to sharpen 420HC blades?

Absolutely! 420HC makes up for its short edge retention with easy to sharp ability. It is also stain-resistant and tough enough to execute everyday work!

Is 420HC high carbon?

420HC contains 0.45% carbon. This improves its hardness and wearability. It also includes 13% Chromium for edge retention, tensile strength, steel wearability, and corrosion resistance.

Is 420 HC good?

420HC is easy to sharpen and clean. But it comes under lower alloyed steel worldwide. However, it has a wide customer base and makes for excellent knives.

Is 420HC steel magnetic?

420HC is martensitic stainless steel offering corrosion resistance, hardness, and strength. It is magnetic in nature regardless of hardened or annealed conditions.

 

Conclusion 

S30V and 420HC steels are amongst the most popular steels used worldwide for executing outdoor activities. They are known for their good performance and wearability.  However, they have significant differences when compared against each other.

S30V is superior to 420HC for its great quality and longevity!

They offer quality and are easy to sharpen even if they require sharpening on a regular basis.

Budget Knife

If you need a knife on a budget, then 420HC steel is good enough for carrying out most of the everyday work.

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