Choosing between 154CM and 440C for BM Model 530... advice please...

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FliGuyRyan

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Dec 2, 2005
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I'm trying to decide between 440C and 154CM for Benchmade's Model 530. My problem is that I already own a BM (9130 Auto-Stryker) in 154CM and I'm not too impressed. If you guys think 154CM is really that much better for blade retention than 440C, I'll go with that, but if 440C has any advantages, I would like to know what they are and how this might affect the outcome of my decision.

Also, I do not currently own any knives (or have handled) that use 440C, but I'll always wanted to try it. Again, if the 154CM is THAT much better like some say, I'll go with it, but for those who have this knife, what do you think?

Thanks again,
Ryan
 
IMO, both 154cm and 440c are both superior for there well balanced overall properties, both are corrosion resistant.

although i do prefer the 154cm myself, I think the 440c takes a better edge and is easier to sharpen.

I dont have the 530 pardue, but it's on my list, i really like the slim profile and balde design.
 
Syzygy said:
IMO, both 154cm and 440c are both superior for there well balanced overall properties, both are corrosion resistant.

although i do prefer the 154cm myself, I think the 440c takes a better edge and is easier to sharpen.

I dont have the 530 pardue, but it's on my list, i really like the slim profile and balde design.
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I agree here. The deciding factor for most people regarding the different steels is the 440C is easier to sharpen and it does hold an edge. If this is a benefit you need in a blade, 440C might be the better choice. IMO
 
154CM.

I have a couple of 530's in 440C. I love the knife and it's one of my EDC's.

Recently, however, I bought a 530 in 154CM, and it's replaced the 440C version in my pocket.

I think 440C is great steel which is often unfairly maligned.
However, I've always liked 154CM (& its Japanese analog, ATS-34) more.

154CM takes a very keen edge and holds it for a long time.
Nicely corrosion resistant as well.

I highly recommend the BM 530 in 154CM.
Very, very light and slim. And very strong too. With a blade that's about as long as you really need for EDC, 3 and a quarter inches.
And the Axis lock.

I bought mine at Grand Prairie Knives, www.gpknives.com
 
Gerberblades said:
I have a grip in 154 cm a great steel.
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Exactly... I do have that steel in my auto-stryker. I just want a comparison of which holds a better edge longer. Also, since I don't currently own that steel, I think I might just go with it to gain another steel to my collection.

Thanks guys...
Ryan
 
I have a 530 in 154cm and a 450 in 440c I will say that Benchmade does such a good job with hardening 440c that it is hard to tell the difference in every day use. I have noticed that the 440c does scratch easier but that is because 440c has lower wear resistance then 154cm. If I have a choice I always go with the harder steel ,but I never let the steel determine if I will buy a knife or not when only one choice is available. On a side note the 530 is one hell of a cutter with a very thin grind. So don't let the thin handle fool you. It will hold up to what ever the blade will.
 
I am so excited to get this knife. I'm pretty sure I'm going with the 440C just because I haven't experienced this steel yet and I actually want a knife with a polished blade. I really like the concept of the thin and light theory, like the Leek but only with a longer blade.

Awesome...
Ryan
 
FliGuy, I gave my answer to your question in the other thread in which you asked if there were any advantages to 440C.

knarfeng said:
Possibly superior corrosion resistance. 440C has more chromium. BM has had a reputation for doing 440C well.

_________154CM_____440C
Carbon___1.05%___0.95 - 1.20
Chr_____14.00%___16.00-18.00
Moly_____4.00%_____0.75
Nickel______—________—
Van_______—_________—
Cobalt_____--________—

quote]

As I said earlier in that thread, I prefer 154CM. It seems to me to have better edge retension. I do not find it difficult to sharpen.
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Thanks for all your input... now the only decision is whether to get the polished 440C or the black coated model. I will get it with serrations no matter what per personal choice.

What's your opinion on the coating? I was thinking about a polished blade to be more "sheeple" friendly as most of my knives currently have black coated blades of one sort or another. Although if it mars the blade like my 154CM, black-coated auto-stryker, I might just go polished.

Thanks again guys,
Ryan
 
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