Benchmade D2 - good, better, best?

pierced

pierced

Joined
May 16, 2003
Messages
136
I had a chance to examine the new Benchmade 53 Mangus at a gunshow yesterday and this is one sweet knife. http://www.benchmade.com/products/53
I've read several reviews of their D2 but I am interested in your experiences with it.
Toughness, edge holding?
I consider it a step or 2 up from 154 but how is it working out for you?
 
I love benchmade's D2. I think it's a definite step up from 154cm. I wouldn't worry about it rusting on you either. I'm pretty sure it's only ~1% away from being considered stainless steel.

It holds it's edge great, and is pretty stain resistant. What more could you want? :)
 
I have a Griptilian in D2 and it's one of the best steels (for me) that I've used. Takes a ridiculously sharp edge and holds it.
 
The Benchmade hardness spec for D2 is 60-62 HRC. The one I tested was 61.6.
The Benchmade hardness spec for 154CM is 58-61. The one I tested was 60.1.
http://www.benchmade.com/images/table_blade_steels.gif

In side-by-side manila rope cutting tests, the D2 blade held an edge significantly better.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-S30V-vs.-VG10-vs.-Buck-S30V-vs.-Benchmade-D2

The D2 blade I tested was borrowed, so I cannot personally comment on D2 toughness in day to day usage, but I have heard few complaints.
 
I think it holds an edge better than 154 cm but not a well as spyderco's S30V. Its not my favorite. For a similar price point S30V by spyderco is a better option for me because it is really rust resistant and holds a good enough edge. I'm fine with benchmade's D2 but its a pretty average steel at the price point for EDC use. At a similar price point in my own experience spyderco's S30V, CTS XHP, and VG10 are better with CTS XHP being the best by a good bit. D2 just isn't corrosion resistant enough for my liking.
 
I carried a D2 Mini Grip almost every day for close to three years and found it to be great. It held an edge like a champ. I did have a bit of a problem with rust last summer but it was largely my fault for not keeping it cleaned and oiled. I was working 12-14 hour days in brutal Texas summer heat. I was sweating through my jeans on a daily basis and just so overwhelmed with the long work days and trying to fit in the rest of my life that I just didn't take care of it like I should have. The visible part of the blade itself was fine but it rusted at the pivot. Sent it to BM and they did a good job of cleaning it up.

I convinced a buddy that it was a great knife and he bought one. His experience wasn't so good. I'm not sure what he cut on a daily basis but he works in the oilfield and said that he couldn't tolerate the chipping that he had with his. He lives in Colorado now so I haven't examined the blade and can't really vouch for how it was sharpened or how bad the chipping was.

I like mine a lot and wouldn't hesitate to try another with their D2.
 
I have that exact knife. It was born to be a user, and use it I did. I was hitting staples cutting through bike crates with no chips. Only chip that formed was when I dropped it on asphalt. But it didn't take very long to work out, and that ffg just glides through cardboard. Great knife :thumbup:
 
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