Benchmade 710...154cm vs D2 ?

the_tenth007

the_tenth007

Joined
May 22, 2010
Messages
321
Hey guys I could use some help,

I recently started collecting knives and want to pick up a Benchmade 710 as I am into the larger folders (around 4").

Many people here seem to love their 710's but my question is which blade steel should I get since they don't seem to make a s30v model?

I keep reading 154cm is easier to sharpen, takes a sharper edge, and is more corrosion resistant while D2 has better edge retention but is a pain to sharpen and needs to be taken care of so it won't rust.

I will use it for edc and minor tasks, not hard use because I don't want to damage a $100+ knife I plan to collect as well.

I appreciate any help or insights...

-Joe
 
I have the M390 version of the 710, which is an excellent steel all around, but to answer your specific question, I would get the D2. I have a Griptillian in 154CM as my EDC, and I am underwhelmed with it's edge retention. I don't have a BM in D2, but in other knives I have, it really holds it's edge. There are lots of 710 collectors on the site, so I'm sure someone with both will give some better information. I really like the 710 design and have been thinking about getting a D2 version to replace the Griptillian.
 
Go ahead and get the D2 version. I have it and while D2 isn't my favorite steel its certainly better than 154CM for edge retention. I think benchmade's D2 is somewhere in the neighborhood of Spyderco's S30V for edge retention, probably not quite as good, but certainly a step up from 154 CM.
 
Well it seems like you already know the differences (but I am no expert) so it is your choice what is more important. If you use it for light use, you probably won't notice the difference though so you might just get the cheapest.

If you hope to sell it in the future (which is a bad reason to buy a knife btw), get the steel people consider better. In this case, I think D2 is considered a better steel.
 
D2 and get some diamond stones, it also etches to a nice grey down the road if you want to darken it. I have 2 Benchmade Strykers in D2 it will hold a fine edge a long time and a servicable one almost forever.
 
Ok, ...if I go D2 is it necessary to get the BK1 coating on it? I'm leaning twords plain. Thanks for the replies so far.
 
While I don't have that specific knife, I do own quite a few production and customs in D2 (there are certainly better, but it is one of my favorite steels) and providing you don't completely neglect your knives, you don't have to worry that it's not technically "stainless'. It's only out of the stainless realm by something minute anyway (.5 I believe???? Sorry, I'm not expert, but I know it's not much).
 
I like 154cm. I can get it sharper than most any other steel. It holds up quite well for me.
 
I have one of each and either would be good. The D2 does hold an edge a bit better, but just a few years ago 154CM was the latest wonder steel and the edge retention was considered great, especially for a stainless. It is easier to sharpen than the D2, but using diamond and ceramic stones you can get an edge pretty quickly. I like to sharpen my D2 to a shallower angle so that I can have a sharper edge with the same edge holding. The 154 is more rust resistant, but D2 is still better than any of the standard carbon steels out there. Just dry it off, and a light coat of oil or wax and it'll be fine.
 
I have both and I would definitely go with D2 and skip the BK1 coating.
 
Problem solved!! I ordered the 154cm model since many explained they were becoming harder to find and soon I'm gonna order the D2 version w/ the Black blade to have one of each :) Providing that I like the 710 platform...no doubt I will.

Thanks for all the replies I'm sure this thread may help many in a similar predicament, good info and responses.

-Joe
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top