440c or 154CM

D

dtownknifekid

Joined
Dec 21, 2006
Messages
1,155
I am getting a BM mini grip and I was wondering what steel i should get it in. Should i get it in 440C or 154CM? Thanks for the help.
 
You could also get it in S30V. The ritter grip and mini grip and fixed grip are all offered in it.
 
Between the 2 154CM is supposedly a bit better.
By how much? You probably won't even notice it.
But the D2 or S30V models will outcut them both by at least 50%.
Assuming a 15 degree edge on all. Of course
by the time you figure this all out you'll be really tired
from the 3+ hours of continuous cutting you've been doing to find out. :-)
 
I don't think that there is really much in it.154 CM will maybe hold an edge a little longer but 440C will be a little easier to sharpen and may be a little less brittle and a little more corrosion resistant.
Someone will probably correct me now but like I say there is not a lot in it !!!
 
Well, since your question was 440C or 154CM, I will say that unless they are offering the 440C at a discount, go with the 154CM.
 
I'm on a tight budget, but so far the D2 holds my interest, can you tell me where i can get it cheap? If i can't afford it i'll just get the 154CM model.
 
D2 is close to stainless but isnt as corrosion resistant as some of the better stainless steels out there. 20CV, S30V, and CPM 154 (not the same as 154 cm) will do you well. If you dont need the etra corrosion resistance D2 is a great steel.

I owuld take 154 cm over 440c
 
Back in the day 440C was the steel of choice... until
154CM/ATS-34 came along... then until CPM S30V came along ....
then until ZDP-189 came along.

I have knvives in D2, 420HC, 154CM, VG-10, 1095, INOX...
and more... if sharpened well,
you will not notice the difference unless your cutting
something abbrasive (D2/S30V would win) or
cutting a ton of material.

Here's a good comparison.... 420HC versus BG-42... sure BG-42 wins
but 420HC went down fighting... and were talking about 420HC here.
Def. not a 'super steel'

http://www.cutleryscience.com/reviews/model.html

Blade geometry and edge angle are as important as the steel you get.

This article really made me think.
 
The only place to get a Griptilian in D2 is Cabelas, I looked at a ton of places and they have some sort of exclusive deal or something.
 
I would marginally prefer 154CM , 440C is a great steel if heat treated properly . It's a good choice for a folder that will do a lot of pocket time in a hot humid enviroment .

Chris
 
This is my take on your question: 440C has been around a loooooong time. In that time, the quality between different manufacturers has become huge. Also, between knife companies and how they treat this steel. I have a BM TSEK of 440C, and it is EASILY as good as my BMs in 154CM and ATS34. It holds and edge close to as well as the 'premium' steels, has NEVER had the smallest chip, and is considerably easier to sharpen. I love many of the modern premium steels, but 440C (used properly) is still hard to beat. I think that is why there is a current resurgence in this grade of stainless from both custom makers and manufacturers. (Honestly, VG10 is still my favorite stainless...just had to through that in)
 
I have to agree with J.Davey.
440C done right is a great steel. I also have a TSEK (BM 805) and it's one of my favorite blades, 440C or not. 154 may hold an edge a little better or a little longer, but in some cases maybe not.

Don't get me wrong. I have lots of 154CM blades; also VG10, S30V, ATS34, etc., etc. I know it sounds like a cop-out to say this, but I find often the blade geometry as much as anything will also determine how a good edge will hold up.
Jim
 
Benchmade does a great job on their 440C...I carried a grip in 440 for a long time and it held a good edge, had good impact resistance and had excellent corrosion resistance.
 
dtownknifekid said:
I am getting a BM mini grip and I was wondering what steel i should get it in. Should i get it in 440C or 154CM? Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...

I think you have a win-win situation. Neither one is a dog.

My own preference would be for the 154CM. I think it holds an edge a bit better.
 
Sharpening may be an issue if you are new to sharpening. the 440C (I have one of these) that Benchmade puts out is very nice, and very nice to sharpen too. It will dull, but you will be able to put a very sharp edge on it that night in a few minutes. Now D2/S30V will dull, but they will hold a usable edge for much longer. I sharpen all my knives by hand, but if you have to sharpen D2 or S30V, I would reccomend diamond stones followed by Spyderco ceramic stones (grey, then white). Go for the 154, it's a decent steel at a better price (you can get it on eBay). Don't give into steel arguments, they will only make you regret the knife in your pocket!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top