Benchmade Griptillian 20 CV

I’m seeing a $30 difference and for that I would say a resounding HELL YES! Benchmade did a great job with this steel. No issues with chipping, holds the edge exceptionally well and isn’t too hard to maintain.
 
To me....yes. 154 CM Benchmade is still a really great steel and will perform just fine. Perhaps it wouldn't be worth it to everybody. To me, the attributes of M390/20CV are worth the cost differential if it's a folder you'll be carrying and using a lot for EDU. It has great corrosion resistance, sharpens well provided you have a diamond or cbn or silicon carbide abrasive handy, and will last longer between sharpenings.
 
BTW OP, one other thing you might consider: there's a custom edition of the Grip made in M390, called the Ritter. It's less expensive, you can get it for $140. You might look at that, because it's fully backed by Benchmade warranty, etc., it's just a slightly customized edition but still has the M390 which is the same steel type. Just me, I actually like the drop point blade profile on this custom grip slightly better than the standard one.

https://www.knifeworks.com/doug-ritter-rsk-mk1-stone-washed-m390-blade-knifeworks-exclusive.html
 
Sounds like you got some solid info already, but I'll add on to what the others have stated 20CV is a huge jump from 154. For $30-60 I'd go with that. You also get G10 scales with the 20CV blade.

Concerning the Ritter.. Well that may be my favorite Benchmade. Definitely my most carried(it's in my pocket right now, haha). I don't mind the Valox handles at all on my mini. The blade shape is excellent for every day cutting chores.

I'd probably grab the Ritter first since it is now discontinued, but if you think the "plastic" handles would be an issue the 20CV blade may be your best option.

* Edit for picture of my mini Ritter

QCqxgAG.jpg
 
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I have a large Ritter grip and I agree it is a great knife. The handle is plastic while the 20cv is g10 if that matters to you OP.
 
Yes.

551-1
High end steel and G10 scales.
If you don't like grey. You can always RIT dye them.

CSthlYy.jpg
 
The 20cv and m390 type steels may just be the best all around steel for edc folding knives. The 20cv seems to do everything about equal to or better than the 154cm. More stain resistant, more wear resistance. The steel is also highly reflective and somewhat mirror like. Ill try to load a pic of my benchmade in 20cv. So, yeah, i think it is very much worth it. Plus since the edge wears slower, the blade should last you longer due to less sharpening. It also touches up easily.
 
If you want a steeper grind, its hard to beat the Ritter Grip from KW in M390. I have two. If you like it thicker behind the edge, drop point and tanto versions are saber ground. Additionally, the thumb hole 20CV and a few other steels available for the thumb hole version in the custom shop are also saber ground. If you prefer the thumb hole with a hollow ground, you might prefer the 154 CM version.

Personally, I have the thumb hole 20CV from the custom shop (plus the two Ritters) and liked them enough to get aftermarket scales (also adding to the price). If you are new to Grips, be aware that their handles are noticeably wider, which might be an issue for some.
 
It's a 940-1 but has cpm 20cv blade on it. This is a good pic that shows how reflective this steel is. It takes a very fine edge.

38260877636_1a5cbec36e_h.jpg
 
microtech85 said:
brother, I know what steel is on my knife. It is 20cv. But yes, 940-1 comes with s90v stock.
Click to expand...

That still doesn't mean 20CV is inherently shiner*more reflective than other steels. It's depends on how they finish them. Look at Rockstead and their ZDP.
 
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I don't care for Benchmade's CM-154 (or Emerson's, either), so I'd say yes. I do like Benchmade's D2 and S30V.
 
Just for future reference mcfeeli, shiny, and reflectivity are two separate properties. But i understand what you are saying when you say many steels can be polished to be shiny.
 
The only benchmade I have is the 20cv griptilian, and I've never used 154 cm. Have vg 10 s35vn and s110v to compare it too, and it seems to be really good stuff all around
 
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