Edge of Benchmade 440C vs. D2 vs. M2

M

mx125

Joined
Jan 9, 2004
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I own a BM drop point hunter in 440C. Although perhaps thought of as cheaper steel I find it easy to sharpen and an amateur (like me!) can get it scary shaving sharp. It's my only experience with BM as I also own 2 mini-grips in 440C.

I see they've now moved to D2 in many cases. I have an itch for a new BM and am considering something in D2 or M2 as I've never owned a "tool steel" blade.

Can anyone compare their experiences with sharpness and edge on these 3 BM steels? (Stain resistance is not an issue for me).
 
Maybe I'll modify my question as M2 seems to be almost out of the picture . .

How will I find my BM 400C steel compares to their D2 steel?

Thanks.
 
D2 is probably my favorite steel. M2 is also quite good for folders. I sharpened one for a forum member a while back in M2 and it took a very impressive biting edge like I haven't seen in a long time. I was very impressed with the sharpness of it and the thin profile of the overall geometry of that particular BenchMade.

STR
 
I've had four D2 benchmades and they've all treated me well. The first two weren't particularly sharp out of the box, but the last two were exquisitely sharp. Edge retention is quite good, and rust has never been a problem.

Had a couple benchmades in 440C too and they've done great also, although they've switched to 154CM. Just got one of those, haven't played with it much yet.
 
D2 is a beast to sharpen for many. I got rid of my D2 blades. I like M2 better than D2 but would pick one of BM's stainless over their carbon blades.

Try some 154 CM or S30V.

Phil
 
phatch said:
D2 is a beast to sharpen for many. I got rid of my D2 blades. I like M2 better than D2 but would pick one of BM's stainless over their carbon blades.

Try some 154 CM or S30V.

Phil
Click to expand...

Thanks for the thoughts all.

On 154 or S30V . . . do people generally consider those better than 440C (in BM's)? I own a Sog in BG42. I'm not sure where that lines up in comparable BM's but it's brutally hard to sharpen.

I would buy an M2 . .just to experience it. But I'm not sure if D2 is worth the switch for my hunting blade (190 hunter).
 
If you live in a climate with any humidity stick with the stainless. Tool steels are too hard (sharpening, etc.) unless you really need a 'drill bit' kind of knife. ATS-34/154CM (Japan/USA made) or S30V are really the best for 98% of knife users. (sorry, it's my opinion here, so I don't have any statistics to back up my "98%" number). 440C is also good but is not one of those sexy steels.

Cheers from humid (raining now) Thailand!
 
Ppl. do, the FAQ here do, but i generally do not consider 154CM or S30V better than 440C if they all are mass heat treated to a HRC between 58 and 60.

To quote someone who must know it from the Review forum, if you are in a blizzard and have to serve a deer you might enjoy the higher "wear resistance" of S30V.

OK, that is not my world.

For edc, if you are used to maintain the edge weekly, i hardly found a difference. I enjoyed the slightly toothier edge of S30V, i enjoyed the finer edge of BMs 440C and enjoyed the inbetween edge of their 154CM.

M2 in comparision? Hmm, you might wnat to maintain the edge every second week instead of weekly, if you can stand it that long, not to care for your knife :D .
 
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