Bd-1

[gomipile]

When I saw that a regular production FFG Manix2 was coming out, I was quite excited. When it was revealed that it was made with much less expensive production methods, but was still quite sturdily constructed, I was even more excited. Then I saw that the steel is BD-1, and I had to look up what BD-1 is.

From what I can tell, BD-1 has worse edge retention than H1, and much worse than AUS-8A.

Is there any reason for this steel to be used on a knife with $20 higher MSRP than a Native FRN, and only $10 less MSRP than the regular Manix2?

I still might get an FRCP Manix2 just for the light weight, durable construction, nice looks, and FFG blade.

That said, please solidly convince me that BD-1 is a good choice of blade steel in a $120($75 out the door street price) knife.

.

 

[Buffalohump]

I would, but I have never heard of it. Does this mean the regular 154CM version is being discontinued?

 

[singularity35]

if you buy this knife, it probably will not be because of the steel but rather in spite of. Other features of the knife might be what attracts you(lightweight, translucent scales, etc.).

 

[Handwrecker]

Unit posted some good photos and feedback over on the Spyderco forums. BD1 seems like it would be more than adequate for the knife, and Spyderco always seems to do well with their HTs.

http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46361

 

[yablanowitz]

BD-1 is Carpenter Steel's version of GIN-1/G2, the steel that Spyderco built their reputation on. My experience with BD-1 is limited to the Mule Team, where it performed much like GIN-1, which is to say better than PE H-1 or Spyderco's AUS-8.

 

[gomipile]

Ok. I'm not sure why the tests I saw put it below H-1 in edge retention.

 

[singularity35]

Ok. I'm not sure why the tests I saw put it below H-1 in edge retention.

Results may differ from types of materials being cut.

 

[yablanowitz]

There is a big difference in edge-holding between plain edge H-1 and serrated H-1. Plain edge H-1 does not impress me at all. A Delica in AUS-8 turned me away from Spyderco for years. The toughness of GIN-1 and BD-1 makes up for the lower wear resistence in my use. The more I use my older GIN-1 knives, the better I like the steel. I beat the BD-1 Mule pretty hard and it held up better than I expected.

 

[CubistHamster]

I've carried UKPK lightweight and Salt 1 (plain edge) off and on for the past year, and used both enough to get a decent sense of their edge retention. Neither is fantastic, but the Gin-1 on the UKPK blows the H1 on the Salt out of the water. Both are easy to sharpen, and I expect the Manix 2 FRCP to be similar to the UKPK.

 

[knarfeng]

An interesting composition. If I had to guess at the properties base on the composition, I'd say BD-1 would likely be about like 440B or maybe even 440C, better than AUS8 in edge retention, far better than H1 in that regard. But less than that of 154CM.

Jack, you tried it. I'm guessing it takes about as fine an edge as AUS8. What was your impression on that score.

	AUS8	BD-1
C	0.72	.90
Cr	13.75	15.75
Mo	0.2	0.30
V	0.15	0.10
Mn	0.5	0.6
Si	0.4	0.37

All in all an interesting alloy. Might have to save up my pennies and get me one of them.

 

[yablanowitz]

The way I use my knives, super-fine edges are a waste of time. It sharpened easily to a shaving-sharp edge, but beyond that, I have no knowledge.

 

[Sal Glesser]

Hi Gomipile,

I think that BD-1 might surprise you.

sal

 

[gomipile]

Well, how can I argue with that? The only thing keeping me from buying a Manix so far has been the blade grind. Having the lightweight treatment like the Native FRN is a nice bonus.

I'll get one when they become more available, and if I don't like it, I'm sure I can find someone who will want it.