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D2 or 154CM for a Mini Griptilian
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Kaizen1
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I personally don't think that there's going to be such a critical difference for the average buyer. If you're picky about steels, and the difference is chump change to you, then by all means go for the D2. It really depends on what's important to you. There's nothing the 154cm can't do that the D2 will, other than hold an edge for longer, but I think that wouldn't even be a noticeable difference for average Joes.
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I've had both, and honestly I prefer the normal one. Just because it doesn't have that super easily scratched black blade. Just cutting cardboard strips the black off. In a year it'll look like knives I've had for 5.
Kaizen1
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Did you notice any big performance differences?
Cabela's says the D2 version is hardened to 57-60rc. The 154cm is 58-60rc. I don't see the point of the D2 version if they aren't going to make use of it's ability to handle higher hardness. Might as well go with the 154cm, or the older 440c if you find one, and save about $15.
You might actually like sharpening the 440c or 154cm better, as D2 has one drawback of not always wanting to take quite as perfect of an edge as some other steels. That drawback is usually more than offset by it being hardened more than more common steels, but in this case it isn't.
You might actually like sharpening the 440c or 154cm better, as D2 has one drawback of not always wanting to take quite as perfect of an edge as some other steels. That drawback is usually more than offset by it being hardened more than more common steels, but in this case it isn't.
I have a large Cabella's D2 Grip and really like it. It came with a very nice edge, but I always like to put my own on and did so. I noticed it took longer than I thought it would to accomplish that. Now that I have the edge just where I want it I really love it. It rivals M2, but doesn't beat it. It keeps the edge very well. I don't have a 154 CM so I can't comment on how they compare. I think you will be pleased with either one.
Bob
Bob
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Well, as per performance....I've actually bought 4 minigrips, one D2, one 154CM and two 440Cs. Weirdly, each steel was a different blade shape, and thus maybe the angles are different, which can affect performance a lot (drop point on the D2, leaf shape esque (whatever benchmade calls it) on the 154CM and tantos on the 440C).
Honestly, I wasn't impressed with the factory cutting dynamics of any of them. They were all a little beyond satisfactory, none were impressive. The 154CM had the best factory sharpness, but only by a little.
I gave the other three away after some time, and I only had the 154CM one for a few weeks, so I never really tested its edge retention. 440C had pretty good edge retention, but definitely needed some maintainence, but not so much it'd bother me. The D2 greatly outpaced the 440C and almost never needed to be sharpened, but that said, I never got it super sharp. The Tanto 440Cs did get really sharp after a pro sharpening. In a few weeks I'll get a report from the friend I gave the 154CM one to and see how it fairs (it's replacing his aging Storm).
I guess the problem I eventually ran into financially with the Cabela's version is that at 70ish dollars, you've got some nice options available to you. For 10 more, you could get an S30V, G10, AO Kershaw Avalanche that, other than the lock, will completely devour a minigrip. You could get a Spyderco Dodo for 70 with S30V and G10. Plenty of good alternatives that quite simply outclass the D2 minigrip.
The 154CM version is definitely more on par with the other ~50 dollar competitors.
If you want a D2 Benchmade mid sized folder, I'd honestly say save up and buy a 960. The cutting ability is superior, the F&F is superior, the looks are superior...it cost quite a bit more, and if you're looking for a beater, there's no reason to get it over the Cabela's, but if you want a long term EDC in D2, this is the one.
Honestly, I wasn't impressed with the factory cutting dynamics of any of them. They were all a little beyond satisfactory, none were impressive. The 154CM had the best factory sharpness, but only by a little.
I gave the other three away after some time, and I only had the 154CM one for a few weeks, so I never really tested its edge retention. 440C had pretty good edge retention, but definitely needed some maintainence, but not so much it'd bother me. The D2 greatly outpaced the 440C and almost never needed to be sharpened, but that said, I never got it super sharp. The Tanto 440Cs did get really sharp after a pro sharpening. In a few weeks I'll get a report from the friend I gave the 154CM one to and see how it fairs (it's replacing his aging Storm).
I guess the problem I eventually ran into financially with the Cabela's version is that at 70ish dollars, you've got some nice options available to you. For 10 more, you could get an S30V, G10, AO Kershaw Avalanche that, other than the lock, will completely devour a minigrip. You could get a Spyderco Dodo for 70 with S30V and G10. Plenty of good alternatives that quite simply outclass the D2 minigrip.
The 154CM version is definitely more on par with the other ~50 dollar competitors.
If you want a D2 Benchmade mid sized folder, I'd honestly say save up and buy a 960. The cutting ability is superior, the F&F is superior, the looks are superior...it cost quite a bit more, and if you're looking for a beater, there's no reason to get it over the Cabela's, but if you want a long term EDC in D2, this is the one.
