Buck TOPS CSAR-T - 420HC vs ATS-34

[d2eux]

I've had my eye on getting the CSAR-T For some time now but wasnt aware of the Avid and Responder versions that came out. From what I understand, the variations are in the grips and steel.

http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/900524/

Is there a significant difference between 420HC and ATS-34? Does using 420HC make the blade less costly? I did a quick search and a few posts on another forum said 420HC is tougher than ATS. True?

Thanks for the info!

 

[postfallsidaho]

Welcome to the Buck Knives forum!!! Yes, the responder and avid models are priced lower because of the blade steel and grip material. When you ask about significant difference between the two, and tougher, what exactly are you looking for in a blade?
I prefer ATS-34 blades myself, but only because it holds an edge longer. I cannot attest that it is tougher. They are both great steels with Bucks heat treat.

 

[Plumberdv]

I'm not a student of the steel types, so I won't go there except to say that ATS-34 has been considered a premium steel, usually commanding a premium price. I doubt if Tops and Buck would have used it in that beast of a knife if it wasn't tough enough for the uses it will be put to. I'm sure that you will get lots of opinions on the steel, that subject always seems to provoke a lively debate. Here's a couple of link's to knife steel comparisons.

http://zknives.com/knives/articles/knifesteelfaq.shtml

http://faq.customtacticals.com/steels/stainless_ats34.php

Other difference's in the original CSAR-T "Pro" model and the other two is that the Avid and Responder use a thinner (.120" vs .175") blade making the knife thinner and lighter. The Avid is 1.5 oz. lighter than the "Pro". The "Pro" also comes with a reversable pocket clip as well as a sheath, the Avid has no clip. It appears to me that the Avid is nothing more than a folding Alpha Hunter (model #279) with a different blade.

 

[ohen cepel]

I think the bigger difference between these knives are what Dave mentioned above. Blade/handle thickness, handle material, and the extras with the knife. I have the original CSAR and like it a lot as a big beefy knife. Haven't seen the newer version to comment on it. I would base my decision more on which knife you like the best rather than the steel difference since I don't think the typical user could tell the difference.

 

[Call_to_Arms]

I have a CSAR-T Pro and a plain Alpha hunter and I can tell you that the extra metal in the knife makes it feel like a totally different knife. I really like both knives but when I carry the CSAR-T I need to carry my Vantage, Bantam or 110 for food prep and the like because the CSAR's Tanto blade is so thick. If you plan to EDC this knife maybe the Avid is a more practical choice, I was also looking at the Buck Bravo, have you?

 

[knarfeng]

I
Is there a significant difference between 420HC and ATS-34? Does using 420HC make the blade less costly? I did a quick search and a few posts on another forum said 420HC is tougher than ATS. True?

There is a significant difference in edge holding. ATS-34 holds an edge quite a bit longer than 420HC.

It is less costly to use 420HC. 420HC can be fine blanked. ATS-34 cannot. I'd also guess that the sheet of 420HC costs less, but the main cost savings is in the manufacturing techniques.

As far as toughness, Buck heat treats 420HC to about 58-59. While 420HC from most companies is tougher than ATS-34, most companies run 420HC a bit softer than Buck does. So I don't know how Buck 420HC compares to Buck ATS-34. That being said, I've never experienced any chipping with any Buck blade, no matter what the alloy. I kind of don't think toughness really enters into the comparison.

 

[d2eux]

I have a CSAR-T Pro and a plain Alpha hunter and I can tell you that the extra metal in the knife makes it feel like a totally different knife. I really like both knives but when I carry the CSAR-T I need to carry my Vantage, Bantam or 110 for food prep and the like because the CSAR's Tanto blade is so thick. If you plan to EDC this knife maybe the Avid is a more practical choice, I was also looking at the Buck Bravo, have you?

Oh ok I guess I missed reading the blade thickness stats. I'll be sure to take that into account when I make my final decision