154CM or D2

J

JD Bear

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Joined
Aug 4, 2015
Messages
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Hey guys. I'm getting my first Benchmade soon and I'm still trying to cover my bases since they are kinda pricey for me right now. I started a thread previously just to discuss the Mini Grip and get some opinions about it. All the info and guidance was great and really appreciated, but I wanted some more opinions about the steel since there are different options. The biggest being...is there much of a difference between 154CM and D2? I've never used D2 so I'm curious...
 
D2 holds an edge significantly longer than 154CM, but can be correspondingly difficult to sharpen. I've never had any rust issues with D2, but it is only semi-stainless and can certainly spot up on you, so if you're around saltwater frequently 154CM may be the better choice. Personally, I prefer D2, but both are solid choices.
 
Cool, thank you. I'm not really a beach guy so the salt water won't be an issue for me. I'll more than likely end up with the D2, but is sounds like I can't go wrong either way....
 
Some folks have a hard time sharpening d2 ,they also say it doesn't take a really fine edge,also it's not a full fledged stainless- having said all that bob dozier makes a good living selling nothing but d2 hunting knives,i think the tricK. Maybe. Is to go with a coarse edge keep it dry and use diamond stones,i have d2 knives and i really like them i also have 154cm which i like as well ,try them both cant go wrong
 
When I bought a 551 for backpacking, I considered both steels as well, but in the end, I went with 154CM because I figured the blade should be as weather resistant as the rest of the knife.
 
D2 is a high wear resistant steel but it will rust on you, 154cm is very rust resistant but does not hold and edge as long as D2. I would personally be happy with each but if I had to pick i would go with D2.
 
I have seen a quote, "D2 takes a so so edge but will KEEP it forever".

I prefer 154CM for my EDC knives, really quick to sharpen.
 
I think I could work with either one. Here's where my question is coming from...since my daughter started pre-school, the tuition has taken a huge bite out of the old knife budget. That being said, I know I'll be picking up a few Cabelas gift cards over the holidays and I really want the Mini Grip for size and reliablity. As I'm sure you all know, they offer the D2 version. I didn't know if it makes that much of a difference and if I should just hold out for a 154CM version. I'm accustomed to Buck and Case steels that I can shave with after five minutes of sharpening, so I don't have a whole lot of experience with the modern steels.
 
JD Bear said:
I think I could work with either one. Here's where my question is coming from...since my daughter started pre-school, the tuition has taken a huge bite out of the old knife budget. That being said, I know I'll be picking up a few Cabelas gift cards over the holidays and I really want the Mini Grip for size and reliablity. As I'm sure you all know, they offer the D2 version. I didn't know if it makes that much of a difference and if I should just hold out for a 154CM version. I'm accustomed to Buck and Case steels that I can shave with after five minutes of sharpening, so I don't have a whole lot of experience with the modern steels.
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Don't over think it. You will love a Cabela's D2 Griptilian. Especially if you can buy it with gift cards.
 
JD Bear said:
I think I could work with either one. Here's where my question is coming from...since my daughter started pre-school, the tuition has taken a huge bite out of the old knife budget. That being said, I know I'll be picking up a few Cabelas gift cards over the holidays and I really want the Mini Grip for size and reliablity. As I'm sure you all know, they offer the D2 version. I didn't know if it makes that much of a difference and if I should just hold out for a 154CM version. I'm accustomed to Buck and Case steels that I can shave with after five minutes of sharpening, so I don't have a whole lot of experience with the modern steels.
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As long as you don't let the D2 get completely dull you're ok. Maintain the factory edge and you're good to go for a while. 154cm is a great steel even though it's not the flavor of the week anymore. Can't go wrong either way.
 
Post pics when you get your new knife. I really love the Mini Grip platform!
 
Give me D2 over 154 any day.

I had a Bone Collector in D2.

Took and held an edge.

As for sharpening. Not an issue on a SharpMaker.
 
I have Grips in both, I prefer the 154CM. Honestly, 154, especially CPM154 is probably my favorite steel for an all around package (price, rust resistance, edge holding, sharpening and so on). I have the all black Cabelas D2 Grip, mine has rusted here and there along the edge despite not being exposed to any harsh or salty conditions. I also hate the BK1 coating, which is basically thick paint...I really think that D2 would benefit a lot from a DLC coating or BK1 and mentioned in another thread my wish for BM to switch.

I recommend the 154 version, uncoated. Just MAKE SURE you do not get the stupid waffle pattern scales, they are HORRBILE. Get the regular diamond texture one, it lives up the the Griptilian name.
 
I have no problem with D2 - it works well for the kind of things I use a knife for. It's not the easiest steel to sharpen, but once you put an edge on it you won't have to do much more than strop. The knife I carry in the trunk of my car is D2, and thus far there's not a spot of rust on it.
 
I have mini grips in both steels and find little to no difference in edge retention or toughness.
154 seems to take a finer edge with less effort.
 
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