154CM or D2

I will add to the discussion. The consensus is that both blade steels are amazing. The d2 comes with a coated blade. If you've ever used an axis lock you know it's flipping potential. With the coated blade it feels like cranking down the pivot screw basically. So you either can modify it and remove the coating where the washers go like I did, or go with the non coated 154cm. My 154cm version is faster than a switchblade lol. After the work I put into the coated one it's fast as well, but the non coated one will always be better.
 
I'd want to know the hardness of both before deciding since I like both. 154CM is very consistent. Does not have a lot of issues and never has for quality control or heat treat. Its tried and true, American and I like it. D2 is a great steel at 61.5 or 62 RC but if both were 60 RC I'd get the 154 CM

STR
 
STR said:
I'd want to know the hardness of both before deciding since I like both. 154CM is very consistent. Does not have a lot of issues and never has for quality control or heat treat. Its tried and true, American and I like it. D2 is a great steel at 61.5 or 62 RC but if both were 60 RC I'd get the 154 CM

STR
Click to expand...
Benchmade heat treats their D2 to 60-62 Rc.
 
loonybin said:
Benchmade heat treats their D2 to 60-62 Rc.
Click to expand...

And though this is purely speculative and anecdotal, the Benchmade D2 models I've had and sharpened feel to me to be towards the upper side of that range. I have a bunch of 154CM's by Emerson and like them very much. If Ernie would ever offer a D2 (over 60Rc), I'd be all over that.
 
Okay. I was all set to buy my father the REI G10 knife and then he started telling me he was let down with the 154cm (in my experience S30v is not all that much better…). He said he was surprised and I asked why since he always carried an EKI cqc13 (he should be used to 154cm). For some reason he was expecting better edge retention. Anyhow, how much better is the D2 in all actuality?

Apples to apples. Cutting stuff like cardboard etc…

Thanks.

Kevin
 
richstag said:
Okay. I was all set to buy my father the REI G10 knife and then he started telling me he was let down with the 154cm (in my experience S30v is not all that much better…). He said he was surprised and I asked why since he always carried an EKI cqc13 (he should be used to 154cm). For some reason he was expecting better edge retention. Anyhow, how much better is the D2 in all actuality?

Apples to apples. Cutting stuff like cardboard etc…

Thanks.

Kevin
Click to expand...

In my experience, D2 will hold a sharp edge longer but it is also harder to sharpen.

I like 154CM 's ease of Sharpening more,

As for how much better, that's up to you.

If you want something that will give you the Ultimate in edge retention, then pick something other than these two
 
Thanks for the comment. Not worried about ease of sharpening. I sharpen them for him.

The reason I really ask is because STR leaned towards 154cm but I see there is such a range listed for BM RC hardness on the steel.

Sounds like you could get a great one or average?

Seeing as my father is a stainless guy maybe I should look into Benchmades in the M390?



neverdie36 said:
In my experience, D2 will hold a sharp edge longer but it is also harder to sharpen.

I like 154CM 's ease of Sharpening more,

As for how much better, that's up to you.

If you want something that will give you the Ultimate in edge retention, then pick something other than these two
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top