420HC steel Kersahaw. Any good?

[Blarelli]

http://www.knifeworks.com/kershawaoscallion312closedlinerlockblackfinish420hc.aspx

I'm wanting to get my dad a simple small knife as a gift and am hoping for some help from those who know a thing or two about knives. Is the 420HC blade that this knife comes with decent?

 

[Black Toe Knives]

420 HC is in the same range as 440c. Right between 440b and 440c. Not too hard but hard enough to hold a good edge.
Kershaw is my everyday carry pocket knife. I couldn't imagine carry anything else.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Standard Steel

Several years ago, Buck Knives changed from using 440C to 425M, and then to 420HC.

When I talked to them about that, the basic reason was the 440C is rough on the blanking and grinding machinery, and they needed to use something that wouldn't tear up their machines, but would still harden up well in heat treat.

They briefly tried 425M, which is fine but is still not quite what they wanted.

They found that 420HC would permit the initial blanking and machining without being as harsh on the equipment, and still produce a hard and tough finished blade.

I have several knives in this steel. No problem with any of them.

 

[hso]

To the OP, Yes.

 

[Big Bill]

I had one. It's assisted opening. So, if you get it for him, make sure he doesn't cut his hand off with it right after he get's it. BTW, they're a great little knife for the money.

420HC is generally very good steel. It's 420J2 that you want to stay away from for a blade. Buck uses 420HC as their basic steel. They have their own secret heat treat method that works well. I think Kershaw has a similar heat treatment for their 420HC.

 

[chrisb507]

I have an older model of this knife. It's a good size for pocket carry, a fast assisted opener, and it came darn sharp. The steel on mine (in everyday use) has held up fine.