Benchmade Activator: S30V or D2??

V

Vanguard.45

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Sep 22, 2002
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I have been wanting to get one of these for a while as an EDC. Now, the only question is what blade steel?? I plan to carry it in an aftermarket leather sheath, which, of course, can attract moisture. (NOTE: The Activator to which I am referring is the little one, not the "Activator+" with the 3"+ blade.)

I realize there have been a multitude of discussions regarding the similarities and differences between these two steels in cutlery. I guess my question differs in the following ways:

1. I am being knife specific (i.e. a very small fixed blade knife with a blade length of 2.5 inches),
2. I am being specific in how I will carry it (leather sheath),
3. I am being brand specific (i.e. Benchmade and how well they do with their S30V and D2 blades)

The blade will probably see some outdoor use as well as everyday cutting chores. The S30V version is a bit more expensive, but some of this comes from the fancier handles I'm sure.

So, is the S30V performance in such a small blade worth the extra $$$, or will D2 do well enough and resist the urge to rust out from under me?

Thanks for your insights in advance.

Vanguard.45
 
I think D2 is a great steel anyway in small or large knives myself. One of my sharpest knives is my BM 710D2. That knife gets scary sharp. More so than many other knives I own for some reason. Probably edge geometry. Rust or corrosion is going to be determined by where you live and how you treat or don't treat the blade.

Here in Reno where it's very dry I don't do anything to my D2 knives that I don't to all my knives and I never even get spots. I don't even think about rust because it doesn't happen unless you leave a knife outside for days
 
Well, i have used steel grades with much less chromium inside and dropped knife maintance the same way.:D After all, i have read about what ppl. do to prevent rust, i have not found a single print of in my every day live.

I don´t keep them oiled, i don´t clean than more than with a dry towel. They don´t rust and contain less than 3% chromium. Winter or summer.

I never have had problems with rust, folder or fixed blade. I live central europe. Don´t know if that is comparable to Chicago or not.

So my answer is: Unless you don´t go diving with the knife, if the D2 version has all, you wish, get it.
 
I have both Benchmades S30v and D2 and they're both very good. Yes, S30v is probably a little bit better, but if you want to save a few bucks, you would be fine with the D2.
 
The only problem I have with the two models is that I would rather have the D2 steel but the handle material found on the S30V version.
 
I can't imagine D2 over S30V, but then, that's why we have personal tastes and opinions.

I can sharpen S30V to a razor-fine edge, something I can't do with D2. Also, I didn;t even know they made the 210 Activator in D2. The Activator Plus, yes.
 
If it was CPMD2 I would say don't even think twice, but I would say that in that knife, if you like the handle, S30V will do a little better. The stainless of S30V is outstanding.
 
I guess my problem is that I like the handle on the D2 version (wood), but the consensus seems to be that the S30V is better when it comes to sharpness potential and corrosion resistance.

I think maybe the difference in cost will steer me to the D2 model, but it's a hard call.

I first encountered this knife in the S30V version and liked the modern handle, but lately have been liking the looks of the red wood handles.

Thanks for all of the insights!

Vanguard.45
 
If you are using it and then keeping it clean, and not just storing it away, there will be very little difference in the two steels. D2 is just short of being a stainless steel, and S30V, if neglected, WILL rust.
Buy the one you like the most--I have the S30V and it is a great little knife.
Greg
 
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