D2 or 154CM for my upcoming Mini Grip?

slim4511

slim4511

Joined
Dec 8, 2014
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I want to add a Mini Grip to my stable and having a hard time deciding between a D2 or 154CM version. I use my knives for general use and not any real difficult tasks. Your thoughts appreciated.
 
image.jpgimage.jpg loving my Camp Perry Grip in D2 , comes in textured G10 and blue standoffs . Open construction design.
 

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slim4511 said:
I want to add a Mini Grip to my stable and having a hard time deciding between a D2 or 154CM version. I use my knives for general use and not any real difficult tasks. Your thoughts appreciated.
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Frankly, the #1 deciding factor is your sharpening setup/ability. D2 holds its edge for a long time, but if you let it get dull, it can be a bear to sharpen. 154CM is a breeze to get sharp. If you have something like an Edge Pro or Wicked Edge, then sharpening/reprofiling D2 won't be an issue.
 
The other deciding factor, unless you are ordering a Mini from the Custom build program is, regular production Mini Grips in 154CM can be had in either coated or uncoated blades, and in MDP or Sheepsfoot blade design.
The only way to get D2 in a production Mini is through Cabelas, and they only come with coated blades, and MDP.

Of course if you order a custom, you can get it just about any way you want it :D
 
I have both. 154CM is a fine, well balanced, everyday steel. It's relatively tough, pretty corrosion-resistant, and very easy to keep sharp. D2 is a fav of mine for a folder. It'll be really good at holding its edge, still pretty corrosion resistant for most of us, but a little harder to keep sharp, although it'll hold it's edge a good long while. I bought the 154CM mini-G I have. I traded into the D2 Grip. If I were buying new with all the choices available, I'd probably buy D2 since it's tough enough and corrosion-resistant enough for me, and I'd get a steel that would give me a nice toothy edge (which I like) and would hold that edge for quite a while.
 
338375 said:
The only way to get D2 in a production Mini is through Cabelas, and they only come with coated blades, and MDP.
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Almost correct.

Cabelas has a d2 mini grip in pink with an uncoated mdp blade.
 
slim4511 said:
I want to add a Mini Grip to my stable and having a hard time deciding between a D2 or 154CM version. I use my knives for general use and not any real difficult tasks. Your thoughts appreciated.
Click to expand...

If the difference is $10 I'd go D2. But you can usually find LNIB 154cm mini grips in the exchange for a lot less than retail. So if you can save $30 by going with the more common 154 xm, id go that route.
 
Just to add another choice, at the Benchmade custom shop, S30V steel is also available.
 
In every day slicing chores I really can't tell the difference between what 154cm and D2 can do. D2 on my Edge Pro comes away with a toothier edge, but what's been said above is true...from a dull edge to sharp 154cm is easier. Stropping after every few uses on a D2 blade does make a difference, just don't let if go dull.
 
shuutr said:
Almost correct.

Cabelas has a d2 mini grip in pink with an uncoated mdp blade.
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shuutr said:
If the difference is $10 I'd go D2. But you can usually find LNIB 154cm mini grips in the exchange for a lot less than retail. So if you can save $30 by going with the more common 154 xm, id go that route.
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Wow. They have been making some changes recently. First the different scale pattern on the Sand colored scales, and now this. Heck, I just looked the other day, and they didn't have the pink version listed. Not that I'm planning on buying a pink one though lol.. I hope the wife doesn't see those. She will want a pink version to go with her purple Mini :D I wonder if the pink knives through Cabelas are part of the breast cancer program like the standard pink Mini's ?
 
Thanks for the replies guys. Most of my knives are satin blades and plan to get a dlc for this one and as some have stated, it is at Cabelas that I was considering the D2. That said, it was either from them or elsewhere in the 154CM also with the dlc.
 
slim4511 said:
Thanks for the replies guys. Most of my knives are satin blades and plan to get a dlc for this one and as some have stated, it is at Cabelas that I was considering the D2. That said, it was either from them or elsewhere in the 154CM also with the dlc.
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Keep in mind, Benchmade does not use DLC for their coatings. Are you planning on having DLC applied?
 
No I am not. I was actually using the term DLC as a generic term meaning black coating. Probably a mistake on my part as I am aware the Benchmades's don't actually use a diamond like coating but BT2, etc.
 
Bladeforum posters I trust have remarked that D2 doesn't tolerate thin edge angles as well as other (modern powdered?) steels.

D2 is only "semi-stainless" but unless you're one of those folks with corrosive body chemistry you should be fine. I carried a D2 AFCK with the coating sanded off in my sweat soaked pocket for a few weeks at work with no issues.

I'd go with D2 for a less obvious reason: if you warm up to it, a whole bunch of folders in this inexpensive steel will suddenly look real appealing.
 
I have a full size Grip and a Barrage in 154CM. Both have provided excellent blades for daily use.
 
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