Benchmade 710 M390 or D2

TLA

TLA

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I am looking to purchase a Benchmade 710, however I'm not for sure which one to purchase. Is there a major difference in overall performance with the M390 versus the D2 version? I would like to use it as an EDC knife for the outdoors. I only have the money for one right now. I have a friend with an older version and I know he has used his to skin and process caribou. Any information will be gretly appreciated.

Tony
 
As far as I know M390 is far more corrosion resistant than D2 and since you're looking at outdoor use in Alaska that might be a factor you want to consider.
 
The M390 is also going to hold an edge better/longer. D2 can be a great performer is properly handled but IMO Benchmade's D2 is nothing very special. I'd go for the M390 without doubt.
 
Happy to help. I only have 2nd hand information on M390, but I'm eagerly awaiting a chance to use a knife in that steel. Ankerson and Knarfeng both seem to think very highly of it, and they've both forgotten more about steel than I'll ever know.
 
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D2 certainly makes a good hunting knife blade. Bob Dozier has been using it for years. And he knows his stuff.

When I tested D2 and M390, the M390 held an edge far longer.
Comparison of CPM M4 HC, ZDP-189, M390, and S30V edge retention
There's a chart at the end of the post which roughly indicates the performance difference I found between D2 and M390.

Jim Ankerson had similar results:
Review - Ranking of Steels in Categories based on Edge Retention cutting 5/8" rope

So, while I certainly I don't think you could go wrong with either, if it were I, I would go for the M390. (Come to think of it, I did buy a 710 in M390 because I was so impressed by Dennis'.)

(I think Jim and I are still learning. I know I am.)
 
Knarfeng,

Thank you for posting the links as they were very helpful. I went ahead an placed an order today for the Benchmade 710 in M390. I also want to thak JNewell for responding as well. Every little bit of information has helped me.

Tony
 
IMHO...Benchmade D2 underperforms, especially relative to someone like Bob Dozier's D2. I think you will be totally satisfied, for decades, with the M390 version. I have an early 1999 710 in ATS-34 that I could not possibly think of any reason to get rid of - I think you will feel the same way, in spades, about the M390.
 
I am really liking that new-fangled M390 Super Steel.

It's like M4 and S30V had sex and the result is M390. Or something....
 
I love M390 and am not sure there are many drawbacks to this steel. I'm not saying it's the best as there is no "Best" steel unless you are looking at very specific parameters. However, M390 has performed very well for me in terms of edge holding and aggressiveness in cutting. It is also suppose to be very corrosion resistant (where as D2 is semi-stainless).

You also may want to look at the AFCK in black that they also have on sale in M390. It's $50 more, but you get a limited edition knife (if that's your thing) and a slick design.
 
I love my M390 710. I have both M390 and a D2 710 and the M390 is definitely in charge of my pocket :) Can't go wrong either way though.
 
Can anyone give an example of a similar steel that M390 compares to as far as rust resistance? ---440c?
 
Ive got the 755 MPR with the m390 bk1 coating... The blade steel is very, very tough! extremely sharp. Great all-around blade steel choice. (( rules violation ))
 
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EvMason said:
Ive got the 755 MPR with the m390 bk1 coating... The blade steel is very, very tough! extremely sharp. Great all-around blade steel choice.
Click to expand...






This is the wrong place to sell a knife, and you have to be a gold member to do so.

Read the rules:rolleyes:
 
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and please do not quote posts that break rules. It just gives us more to clean up. ;)
 
Given how Benchmade hasn't really handled the heat treatment of their blade steels quite as well as the other 2 of the "big three", I do find it interesting that M390 still manages to hold its edge like a stainless version of CPM-M4...from Spyderco. And it seems like M390 from Spyderco is better still. A pity, as I suspect you'll be wanting either the M390 Para2 or Military to go along with that 710:D. Your wallet will deflate in the coming months. I for one picked up a Barrage in M390, a Shoki in M390, a 890-111 Torrent in M390, a Spyderco Mule in M390, pre-ordered the Para 2 and Military in M390, though I suspect the crown jewel will be my custom Nirk Tighe in M390.

Oh Dear:D.
 
You still need a Hinderer and SOG team leader in 20CV (and a disco'd MT LCC) and a para 2 in CTS-204P
 
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