Military, S30V or D2

M

muddog49

Joined
Nov 1, 2007
Messages
528
From what I've read, S30V is the current king of steels, and I have several knives in S30V. But which would you get, S30V or D2 in a Military? Looks like both are available for around the same price.
 
I would buy both. Both are excellent steels, but the D2 version won't be around forever. As well, I sort of like the foliage green scales on the D2.
 
If you can keep your knife oiled and clean go for the D2 one. D2 is not stainless, but it is fairly rust resistant as far as tool steels go. It doesn't get quite as sharp as S30V but it'll hold the edge longer.

In any case, I love my S30V one and haven't felt the need for the D2 model.
 
I spoiled my self by getting the Millie in BG 42 with the CF scales first. Hadn't planned on getting another one, but Santa dropped off the S30V model. Not bad at all. I see no reason to get the one in D-2, but I've heard good things about it. Mind you, I haven't heard anything bad except for the few people who have broken off the tip thinking it was a screwdriver. If you can find one in BG-42, see if it's close in price to the D-2. If it is, get it. Keep in mind also that there is an S90V model coming out, and rumors of one in M-4 as well.
Hope I haven't thoroughly messed up your decision. Let us know what you decide. They are all good.

Rik
 
I am not as impressed with D2 as everyone else. according to crucible it has the same toughness and edge retention as 440C(which is one of my faves) but no where near the corrosion resistance. I would rather have VG10 than D2. S30V is not the best steel in the world either but it is perfect for the smaller EDC knives with high hardness.
 
The CPM D2 used in the Military seemed to get just as sharp as S30V, if not sharper and didn't microchip in rope cutting for me. The CPM D2 SHOULD have a much finer grain structure than regular D2, and it should get sharper, be tougher, and have more corrosion resistance than regular D2. How much better it does than regular D2 in those categories is up for debate, as it had about identical edge retention to a custom in D2 I tested it against. That custom was 62 RC, however, so it probably was a top end example of regular D2, and the testing was very limited. My time with the CPM D2 showed no signs of corrosion after treating it like my stainless folders, but I live in not so humid California. When I get my CPM D2 Military back I plan to test it against an S30V model to see how they compare. I'm guessing they'll be really close in performance.

Mike
 
:thumbup: well I splurged and ordered the BG-42 Carbon Fiber Military from New Graham. It should be one fine knife from what you guys say. Thanks for the advice.
 
muddog49 said:
:thumbup: well I splurged and ordered the BG-42 Carbon Fiber Military from New Graham. It should be one fine knife from what you guys say. Thanks for the advice.
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Good choice, Muddog! My BGCF Milli is my favorite knife, period. I am sure that you will enjoy yours as well. :thumbup:
 
Congratulations on a fine purchase. You will get many years of use out of it.

Woohoo, I actually helped someone! :D
 
Hard question. I have two knives in S30V and it's a wonderful steel.

But I recently purchased a Millie in CPM D-2.

I'd hate to have to choose between the two, but I guess that the CPM D-2 would be my first choice.

Now S90V is a different story!:p
 
I've had the D2 for over 2 months. I only oiled it once a few days after i got it. I live in Guam where everything here rust. All i've been doing is wiping down the blade with my tshirt cus i dont like looking at the fingerprints and smears on my blade. Seems to be holding up pretty well. No rust at all.
 
Well, my BG-42 Carbon Fiber Military is supposed to be here today if UPS is running. I have that kid in a candy store feeling again. I'll let you know if it gets here. :D
 
I got my BG-42, CF Military last night and it is as nice as I had hoped. I like how it is so light but so sturdy. This will become my edc exept when going to the courthouse. I don't want to scare anyone. The blade seems wicked sharp. After the cut on my index finger heels from another "accident", I'll test it out and touch it up on the Sharpmaker.
 
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