420НС

420HC is an American stainless steel with very high impact strength and toughness.

For most knife enthusiasts, it has a certain old-school character. Perhaps because such well-known knife brands as Leatherman, SOG, Gerber and Buck have been using this steel for their products for many years.

It differs from the usual 420 steel by its higher carbon content and much higher wear resistance. Knife manufacturers choose it because of its low price, easy heat treatment and balanced working properties. It is always clear what to expect from 420NS knives: excellent corrosion resistance, reliability and easy maintenance. For inexpensive camping knives, hunting and paring knives, strong cleavers and machetes, this steel is perfect.

While you should not expect super-long edge retention from 420NS, it can be sharpened literally "at the knees" with any sharpener. But if you need a knife that can withstand everything and then some, that can withstand fire, water and copper pipes, you should look at 420HC.

The working hardness range of 420HC is very wide: 43-58 HRC. We choose a hardness of 44-45 HRC for throwing knives where the focus is on durability and cutting is not as important. For working knives, where not only strength and ductility are required, but also sharpness must be maintained, 56-57 HRC is optimal. At the same time, hardening in nitrogen allows maximizing the cutting properties of the knife.

Kizlyar Supreme uses 420HC for low-cost segmental knives, machetes, large cleavers and throwing knives.

ADVANTAGES:
High impact resistance
High corrosion resistance
Low price
The blades can be sharpened and dressed quickly and easily and do not have high abrasion requirements.

DISADVANTAGES:
Not very long retention of the sharpness of the cutting edge

Well, the old school is the best school. Cheap and reliable knives made of 420HC c years do not lose their relevance, and for throwing knives it is usually one of the best. So, while paying homage to modern expensive steels, let us not forget about this workhorse.