154 vs D2?

S

skav

Joined
Oct 11, 2012
Messages
205
What's the difference between the two? From what I've found, it seems that D2 is harder than 154. All my Emerson's are 154, but see that BM uses D2 with the 710.

What are the pros and cons of each?
 
Here's a comparison of the composition between the two:
http://zknives.com/knives/steels/steelgraph.php?nm=154CM, D2&hrn=1&gm=0

I've had some experience with 154CM on Benchmades and Leathermans. No experience with CPM-154 though, which most accounts seem to rate more favorably than 154CM. I've got a Kershaw that uses CPM-D2 and a Benchmade and Queen that use D2 (not sure if it is Crucible's particle version). Both take a good edge and retain it well. I haven't done any controlled comparisons between them, but from my EDC uses, it feels like D2 keeps a working edge longer. D2 isn't technically stainless, so it may patina/rust on you more easily than 154CM.
 
D2 can be hardened to 61-62 and still have reasonable toughness for a folder blade. At that hardness it will hold an edge quite a bit better than 154CM, which I have seen typically hardened to about 60.

The performance of D2 is due to the composition as well as the higher hardness. D2 has a walloping load of carbon (so it forms LOTS of carbides).
____154CM_______D2
C____1.05_______1.5
Cr___14.________12
V____0._________0.9
Mo___4._________.75


154CM is quite a bit more corrosion resistant than D2.
154CM is easier to sharpen if you don't have diamond stones.
 
I've never found that corrosion is a concern with D2 as long as it's not neglected. It's not like some carbon steels that rust in your pocket if you get caught out in the rain. I have a few customs that I make sure to keep wiped down with a tuff cloth, but I also have a Benchmade that is D2 that I treat like it's stainless and the blade looks just about as good as new. I know that's not scientific, but just my observations.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top