420HC and S30V are steels used by some of the biggest knife brands in the US. So, it only makes sense to compare the two. Let’s look at which steel is better and why.

Here is the short answer:

S30V is better steel than 420HC. While they are both stainless steel, S30V has better durability, edge retention, and longevity. However, there are some trade-offs to S30V: While S30V is better than 420HC, S30V is more expensive and is harder to sharpen.

Now that you have the short answer, we can look at the qualities of each steel, why S30V is better than 420HC, and what are our favorite knives in each steel.

420HC

420HC is a very common lower budget but mid-tier stainless steel. The HC in the name stands for “high carbon,” but this steel is actually very low in carbon. There is still a reason for the HC as, while it is actually low carbon, it has high carbon compared to the predecessor: 420 steel. 

But is 420HC a good steel? When not made in China and instead made in the USA, like Buck knives, then 420HC is pretty good steel. It has very good corrosion resistance but is lacking in edge retention and durability. 

Here’s the composition of 420HC:

• 0.46% carbon
• 13% chromium
• 0.3% vanadium
• 0.4% manganese
• 0.4% silicon

The carbon increases strength and edge retention (an important note is that too much carbon will make the knife blade brittle); chromium increases corrosion resistance; vanadium will increase wear resistance; manganese, much like carbon, will increase strength; and silicon will have the same effect as manganese, but to a lesser extent. 

S30V

S30V is a high-end stainless steel. It’s well known for being used by high-end knife companies, like Benchmade. The S in S30V stands for “stainless steel,” while the V in S30V stands for “vanadium,” which is added to make the grain size smaller. The full name of S30V is CPM-S30V–it’s shortened for convenience–which stands for Crucible Particle Metallurgy, which is a process made to refine grain size.

Generally, as long as S30V is made in the US or Europe, it will be one of the better knife steels on the market. The steel is well known for having great corrosion resistance, edge retention, and durability. 

Here is what S30V is made of:

• 1.45% carbon
• 14% chromium
• 2% molybdenum
• 4% vanadium

Why is S30V Better Than 420HC?

We’ve looked over the two steel compositions, but how is S30V better than 420HC?

Well, S30V has better edge retention, durability, and corrosion resistance. It’s just a better steel in all ways.

The reason S30V is better is the materials: It has higher carbon, making it stronger; it’s got more vanadium, making the grain size smaller so it has better edge retention; and it has more chromium, making it have better corrosion resistance. 

There is a trade-off to S30V: S30V is more expensive. An S30V knife can cost nearly twice as much as a 420HC knife. But if you have the money, then S30V is worth the extra cost.

Our Favorite Knives in Each Steel

What are good knives in each steel? Here are our picks from the ones we have tested. 

Benchmade Steep Country – S30V

Benchmade’s Steep Country is a fixed blade survival/hunting knife. It has a 3.5 inch S30V steel blade with a full-tang design. It has a rubbery Santoprene handle that won’t slip in wet conditions. This knife is ideal for backpacking as it weighs a mere 3 ounces.

You can check this knife out here (link to Amazon).

Buck Knives General – 420HC

The General knife is one of our favorites because it is great for all purposes you need a fixed blade knife for. The General is a bigger knife at 12 inches, but this makes it great for chopping because of the bigger blade. The features include a black phenolic handle, a 7.5-inch 420HC blade, and a leather sheath.

You can check this knife out here (link to Amazon).

Benchmade Griptilian – S30V

The Griptilian is one of our favorite folding knives ever. It makes for a great EDC (everyday carry) knife as it has a buttery smooth action because of Benchmade’s AXIS lock and a 3.45-inch S30V blade. This knife also features a glass-filled nylon handle and a pocket clip that can be reversed to make it ambidextrous.

Check this knife out here (link to Amazon).

Conclusion

When you compare S30V and 420HC, you will find that S30V is better in almost all ways. While 420HC is good stainless steel for the price, S30V has better materials, therefore, making it better steel. The only time you would want 420HC over S30V would be if you want a cheaper knife.

If you’d like to see more knife-related blogs, just click here.