Benchmade D2 Mini-Griptillian

[Sure Shot Rick]

I just received a mini-grip from Cabala’s. Real nice. I also have a Doug Ritter Mini in M2HS on order. I can't wait to compare them. After all I have read about D2, I am wondering why my Cabala’s knife has a Rockwell of 57-60, according to the catalog. I would have thought it would be around 59-62. Most every other D2 blade I can remember seeing advertised, was at the higher end. I would think it would be a major factor in choosing D2 for the blade. Does this more mundane Rockwell range of 57-60 take away for its edge holding to a point where it would be no better than say 440C, AUS-8, ATS34, VG-10, or CPM-S30V at 60-62 or would the D2 still hold its own?

 

[rsv2]

I have several knives with D2 blades hardened to 57-59 RC. They hold their edges very well - better than a couple of my 440C blades at 58-60 RC, and better than a CRK&T AUS-8 blade. I just recently bought a S30V knife, and it, too, holds its edge very well.
Can't comment on ATS34 or VG-10, I don't have any.
From my experience with D2, and from what others have said about Cabala's Mini Grip, I think you'll be pleased.

 

[DGG]

Have you sharpened it yet, hee hee! They are both excellent knives and really hold an edge. Just don't let them get too dull.

The Rockwell test produces a range of numbers not an exact number, although I guess you could find it out with enough testing. The general rule is that the higher the number the harder the material. Spyderco came out with a knife using a steel called ZDP189 which has Rockwell numbers in the mid 60's (Calypso Jr. model).

http://spyderco.com/catalog/Spyderco_2005_Sprint_Sell_Sheet.pdf

Generally the higher the number the better the edge retention. However, the higher the number the greater the chance of chipping and breaking, more brittle. There is a sweet spot for various types of steels that the makers shoot for.

Here is some techy Rockwell testing info for your reading enjoyment. You will see that there are many kinds of "Rockwell" tests. The one used for knives is called the "Rockwell C" test.

http://www.gordonengland.co.uk/hardness/rockwell.htm

 

[lambertiana]

My D2 mini-Grip holds a very good edge, better than the S30V (Spyderco), BG-42 (Buck) and D2 (Queen) that I compared it to in a head-to-head comparison. Not much difference between them, but it was a little better.