Military in CMP D2 or S30V?

J

J_Roc

Joined
Apr 12, 2007
Messages
604
I am interested in the Spyderco Military model, but I can’t decide between the two steels, CPM D2 and CMP S30V. I have experience with “regular” D2 (BM 710) and I have a few different makes of S30V (I have had some chipping issues with my Ritter). I will admit that I have been pretty careful about taking care of the 710 since it is D2.

I would like to be able to use it for food preparation and not have to worry too much about rust. Example, could I peel an apple or cut up some meat with the CPM D2 without immediately washing and wiping the blade, say if I were camping?

Thanks!
 
As much as I love my CPM D-2 Military (it really is special stuff) if I were going to use something for food prep while camping that would not be it.
The worst you would see is a nice patina forming, what you wouldn't see is all the rust around the pivot. If you can keep the pivot perfectly clean and wipe down the blade immediately it should be ok. Otherwise S30V might be better.
Or better yet something in H-1.
 
Can't say anything about D2, but I've used my S30V Native for food prep and cleaning animals on numerous occasions and never had problems with corrosion. If D2 is similar to ZDP, though, you may not like it. My ZDP Endura has started to rust on me a couple times when I didn't get it perfectly cleaned off after using it.
 
i discovered some tiny taints/rust spots on my D2 millie so i prefer not to really use it anymore - just thrown it in my bug out bag, and carry the S30V or the BG-42 versions instead
 
brj said:
i discovered some tiny taints/rust spots on my D2 millie so i prefer not to really use it anymore - just thrown it in my bug out bag, and carry the S30V or the BG-42 versions instead
Click to expand...

I'll be happy to take the D2 Millie off your hands if you're not going to use it!:D
 
;) not so fast, my friend
even if i don't edc it anymore, it perfectly fits my bob and there it's gonna stay
 
Thanks for the replies guys.

If D2 is prone to corrosion/rust, why isn't it offered with a coated blade?

Right now I think I am leaning towards a coated S30V model - but I really like the colour of the green G-10 on the CPM D2 version.
 
The Spydie D2 I have been carrying has been nothing but good. I would recommend you get a D2 millie while you can:thumbup:
This is from Joe Talmadge's excellent Steel FAQ page regarding D2
D-2 is sometimes called a "semi-stainless". It has a fairly high
chrome content (12%), but not high enough to classify it as stainless.
It is more stain resistant than the carbon steels mentioned above,
however. It has excellent wear resistance. D-2 is much tougher than
the premium stainless steels like ATS-34, but not as tough as many of
the other non-stainless steels mentioned here. The combination of
great wear resistance, almost-stainlessness, and good toughness make
it a great choice for a number of knife styles. Bob Dozier is one
maker who uses D-2. Benchmade has begun using D-2 in its Axis AFCK
 
It's the "semi-stainless" part that I am hung up on.:confused:

Lately, I find that I have been doing a lot more food prep with my knives. And as far as the Military goes, it was the CPM D2 with green G-10 that caught my eye recently, but I don't want to be in the same position as I am with my BM 710 - sort of hesitant to use it in the kitchen.

Decisions, decisions...
 
While D-2 is "semi stainless" it is known more for deep pitting rather than the nice patina that carbon steel usually develops.

I'm not sure what, if any, affect the CPM process would have on D-2 in regard to rust resistance.
 
If I were going to use it on food I would give it a coat of cooking oil, or something similar. I have been reading all I can on CMP D2 - still can't decide between that and S30V - some reviewers say they have used the CMP D2 for food prep with out any problems, while others have mentioned getting rust from daily use/sweat. Although most of the D2 blades don't come with any coating so I wonder how prone they are to rust afterall.:confused: I like the idea of D2 for the outdoors, but for me that also includes peeling apples and making dinner, so I think I'll end up with the S30V version.
 
I ended up with S30V because of the same rust issue for food prep. S30V is sharp enough for most of the food prep I use it for, why take a chance with D2 rust issue? IMHO
 
Comparing CPMD2 and S30V side by side, I'm happier with CPMD2 as far as edge holding and ease of sharpening are concerned. I haven't had any rust or toughness issues with either steel so far.
 
Is there a reason you're not considering the Millie in BG-42? I have one, it cuts like a dream, good edge retention, easy to sharpen. If the price differential isn't much wherever you're looking at purchasing it, I would suggest that over the other 2. I do have it on good authority that an S30V version is coming in my stocking in a few days though, and I know that I will use it, I will still prefer the BG-42.
 
Not sure about the cpm D2 but I think regular D2 is over rated. According to crucible D2 is a tiny bit tougher than 440C(which I think is under rated) has the same edge retention and is not even close to as corrosion resistant. 440C is the most corrosion resistant blade steel other than things like the Salt steel or stainless not usually used on knives.


This is a graph from crucible itself I believe.

The CPM versions are not any better just purer because of the process they use.
At least that is my understanding.
Also the type of steel is only important assuming you get the heat treat right. D2 has been around almost 100 years and everyone knows how to make an excellent blade out of it so even if the graph says M2 is a better steel if you are comparing Benchmade 710's and benchmade is much better at heat treating D2 the graph is meaningless.

I think D2 and 440C both make great 4 inch hunting knives because they both have the right mix of strength ,toughness and ease of sharpening for the job. Neither make a good big chopper like S7(look at that one on the graph)does. Steels are not really better or worse some are just more suited to some jobs than others.
 
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