Newbie needs help choosing steel

R

revv11

Joined
Sep 13, 2006
Messages
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OK, I have decided on my first knife purchase in about 25 years - it's going to be a Benchmade Griptilian 551. The steel choices are 154CM or D2. I plan to use this knife for light duty outdoor work around the house or cabin on the weekends. I have no sharpening experience, although a Spyderco Sharpmaker is on its way.

So, what's your call? 154CM or D2?

Thanks for your replies!!
 
I have nothing but great experiance with 154 cm. I hear d2 is good stuff also, but I just do not like it as much as 154 cm. I like the way the 154 cm feels when I sharpen it and I think it is more stain resistant ( I may be wrong here). I would say you will not go wrong with either. Hope this helps, John
 
You won't go wrong with either steel, especially at the level of use you describe. The Griptilian is a fine knife and Benchmade has enough experience with both steels to do them right.

D2 is not supposed to be really stainless but I have a small Dozier knife I use in the kitchen, and I've had no problem with corrosion .

Since you will be carrying it around and using it for a variety of work, maybe the stainless 154CM would be a better choice for you.
 
This is a very good read about the various steels. I refer to it often.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368828


But I am just itching to get a D2 steel blade for some reason. I currently carry a knife with ATS-34 which is very similar to 154CM and it has performed very well for the last 8yrs or so.

Like others have said, you will not go wrong with either, but if corrosion might be and issue, go with the 154cm
 
I have a griptillian with 154cm blade, and I love it. I have another knife that has d2 steel wich is good, but it will stain if you are not carefull.
 
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