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The material of the blade is perhaps one of the most important considerations if you’re looking to buy a new knife. Although it is a given that the blade will be constructed of steel, there are many alternative options available.
And because the steel does all the work, picking the ideal metal for your requirements must be done correctly.
In this essay, we’ll compare the properties of 420HC and S30v steel varieties. There is a possibility that your next knife will employ one of the two varieties since they are two of the most frequently utilized steels for outdoor knives.
Before choosing some of the greatest knives made from each steel, we’ll compare both based on their specs and usefulness (durability, edge retention, and ease of sharpening).
You’ll be prepared to choose between S30v or 420HC steel for your next survival knife after reading this post!
No time for a thorough review? Here is a succinct summary:
- S30v is an excellent steel for people who require a high-performing knife with excellent edge retention.
- The 420HC steel will serve you well for the majority of your outdoor tasks if you’re on a tighter budget and are willing to endure more frequent sharpening.
Let’s now begin the thorough review.
S30v vs 420HC
While both steels will work well for the majority of your daily chores, there is a definite qualitative difference between the S30v and 420HC steels in terms of performance and cost.
Let’s compare how well they hold an edge, how long they last, and how challenging they are to sharpen.
Durability
Many high-end knives from brands like Benchmade and Buck contain S30v steel. Because of its heat-treated, extra-durable finish, it is a hard steel that is more than capable of handling the majority of jobs.
On the other hand, 420HC lacks the necessary carbides to make it extremely strong because of its extremely high carbon content (thus the ‘HC’). Be prepared for the majority of 420HC versions to be brittle or prone to chipping, however some heat-treated variants, like Buck’s 420HC, offer increased strength.
In conclusion, S30v is unquestionably far more durable, but 420HC should still be sufficient for the majority of daily tasks, especially if you choose a variation with additional heat treatment.
Edge Holding
Known for having excellent edge retention, S30v. Due to its extreme hardness, it keeps its edge longer and prevents you from needing to use sharpening stones for extended periods of time.
Given the gentler characteristics of the 420HC, you’ll have undoubtedly figured that it’s a very different tale. Within two to three weeks of consistent use, that softer metal may lose its hair-popping edge, but it will still serve its purpose when used outdoors.
In conclusion, choose the S30v if you need to keep an extremely sharp edge for longer. A 420HC knife will still provide the performance you require if you need a standard edge for lighter weight operations.
Hardness to Sharpen
One advantage of softer, more affordable steel is that it is always simpler to sharpen.
Although 420HC can lose its edge more quickly, it makes up for this with incredibly easy sharpening characteristics. Since most novice knife owners can quickly restore 420HC to an ultra-thin profile, you won’t need to be a knife expert or own the most expensive sharpening stones.
Sharpening S30v, on the other hand, is a far more challenging task. Knife sharpening novices may find it difficult to maintain their blades at the highest level without putting a lot of time and effort into mastering the technique.
In conclusion, the 420HC compensates for its poor edge retention with its quick and simple sharpening. S30v is significantly more challenging for a novice, but those with prior knife sharpening knowledge ought to be alright!
Usability Comparison of S30v vs 420HC
Although there is a definite quality difference between the S30v and the 420HC, both will ultimately perform well.
As you might anticipate, less expensive steel isn’t as strong and long-lasting as a more expensive substitute, and this is unquestionably the case when comparing the less expensive 420HC to the more expensive S30v.
However, softer steels are simpler to sharpen, so 420HC is absolutely worth keeping on your list if you don’t require ultra-thin performance or are searching for a first knife.
Summary
S30v and 420HC steels are both extremely well-liked in the outdoor industry because to their high performance and durability. However, they are very different from one another, with the S30v being much more expensive!
So choose the S30v if you need a knife that is robust and keeps an edge for a long period. Instead, 420HC steel knives are more than adequate if you’re on a tight budget or don’t require anything special. Additionally, because of their softer qualities, they’re simple to sharpen.