New to me BG-42 CF Military

dsmegst · #1

I just received a second hand CF Military with BG-42 steel blade. One more notch to add to the CF collection. :)

The blade is in great shape, the factory edge is still there. There might be a micro bevel, but it's hard to tell for sure. Aside from dirt, dust and the expected crud from carry, it's in good shape.

The clip has been bent back, probably due to getting it snagged on something. I readjusted the pivot screw and now there's no blade play and it's perfectly centered. I'd bet that if I replace the clip, it would look perfect.

This is my first BG-42 blade. Any ideas on how it will perform?

ozspyder · #2

Very nice :)

I think you will find that once you use it you will be surprised how you managed to live without it :p

The Mastiff · #3

The BG42 millie was one of the larger sprints at around 1200 made. It's also now one of the most sought after and they usually don't last long when up for sale. It was well built, and the heat treat was just about perfect for the use a millie is designed for.

I like mine better than my S30V millie. It's probably my favorite millie of all time. It does high sharpness well, and holds it in the region of D2, VG10, and S30V. Not real shabby at all.

I like BG42 better than S30V, though I'm not claiming it's a better steel. It's just that for years it was fairly difficult to get and usually only offered in premium knives. The Millie is the largest knife I have in BG42.

It's an ingot steel that's very clean, using the "VIM VAR" vacum process. It's not a particle steel but it is an ingot bearing steel. It's the stainless version of M50, which is aalso bearing steel. So, it's sort of a high speed stainless that takes a very good edge like most bearing steels do ( Example 52100. Good stuff!) It's expensive, and takes up to a year to get orders filled. I believe the Military uses it in applications like jet engines.

It's a winner and it tends to grow on the owner through use. Good catch on that one. Joe

zvir · #4

For me BG-42 is the best stainless non-particle steel!
My Mili-CF/BG-42 is real worker!

dsmegst · #5

The Mastiff wrote:It's an ingot steel that's very clean, using the "VIM VAR" vacum process. It's not a particle steel but it is an ingot bearing steel. It's the stainless version of M50, which is aalso bearing steel. So, it's sort of a high speed stainless that takes a very good edge like most bearing steels do ( Example 52100. Good stuff!) It's expensive, and takes up to a year to get orders filled. I believe the Military uses it in applications like jet engines.

It's a winner and it tends to grow on the owner through use. Good catch on that one. Joe

Thanks for the explanation, Joe. How would it compare to VG-10?

JNewell · #6

I have a Sebenza with BG-42 and while it isn't S90V or CPM-M4, it is definitely a favorite.

The Mastiff · #7

Thanks for the explanation, Joe. How would it compare to VG-10?

Dan, I have found it to be a bit more wear resistant. It can be run a little harder, but can be chippy when done so.

Sal stated one time it fell between VG10 and S30V in wear resistance according to their tests and I could believe it. When run at RC 62 , which is harder than the millie it gets difficult to sharpen without a synthetic stone like the sharpmaker, or DMT diamonds. It would be a bit much for regular arkansas stones.

Like VG10, it does high sharpness pretty well. Better than S30V, IMO, which does have better wear overall.

Joe

dsmegst · #8

Sounds like BG-42 is a top tier non-PM stainless steel. Another winner, no doubt. Thanks to everyone that replied for the info.

I have a T-Mag on the way, so now starts the hunt for a CF Delica.