Para-Military CPM-S30V v.s. CPM-D2

I got the CPM D2 with foliage green scales for Christmas. It's a nice knife indeed, I like it a lot. But the choice is all yours. I may buy a Ritter Mini Grip (S30V) soon, so that's why I chose the D2.
Good luck on the decision,
Will
 
Thanks Will

I see this subject has been beat to death in other posts. It still makes for a tough decision. These new steels are so, well, "new". My other knives are VG-10. So I'm not sure what I'm getting into with the CPM steel. I do like the fact it's all made here in the United Stated of America. We don't make enough products here anymore.
 
I couldn't make up my mind between the Ritter Grip and the Paramilitary, so I caved and got both today :rolleyes:

Ordered the Para in D2 and the Ritter is S30V. Looking forward to comparing these steels firsthand. I think the deciding factor for you would be do you need *slightly* extra corrosion resistance, or *slightly* extra edgeholding.

Also if you like black blades then you only have one choice, right?
 
The D2 Cut better for me.. And even with alot of oiling.. It still got rust on a rainy day.. Use Remoil if anything..
Or s30v
Matt
 
The D2 Cut better for me.. And even with alot of oiling.. It still got rust on a rainy day.. Use Remoil if anything..
Or s30v
Matt

I knew D2 wasn't stainless, but doesn't it have something like 1-2% less Chromium then you'd need for it to be considered stainless? Kinda like whatever they make INFI out of. It's not "stainless" but it doesn't rust or something.
 
I knew D2 wasn't stainless, but doesn't it have something like 1-2% less Chromium then you'd need for it to be considered stainless? Kinda like whatever they make INFI out of. It's not "stainless" but it doesn't rust or something.
FWIW, anything over 12% is considered stainless. CPM-D2 has 11.50%.
 
So does D2 rust or stain within mere minutes if put in a pocket without being wiped down? Or are we talking having to neglect it to get to deteriorate. Do owners of D2 blades by Spyderco see long term issues with rust or staining? I am frequently in wet or humid conditions and wonder how D2 might perform.

Thanks
 
I haven't had any D2 corrosion issues with my BM 710. I also don't like D2 as well as S30V in my experience.
 
with proper maintenance, there would be no difference between the two steels, however, D2 would be, under typical use, more prone to rusting around the pivot (and other areas typically not cleaned often).

Personally, I like CPM-D2, but prefer it laminated (e.g. Kershaw JYDII or Leek CB)
 
I will put it in clear and no uncertain terms:
D2 has better edge holding (stays sharp longer)
S30V takes a sharper edge (gets sharper) and is more rust resistant

D2 is known for its stain resistance amongst carbon/tool steels, but it still rusts more readily than a stainless like S30V. Many people have the misconception that carbon and tool steels will rust pretty much almost instantly after hitting water but this is not really the case. Just wipe it down before you put it away. I have gotten rust spots on D2 blades from putting them away wet (in a kydex) but nothing short of that thus far.
 
I have the CPM-D2 Para and have not had any rust/staining issues. I use it the same and I would any other pocket knife. When I first got it, I was extra careful with it, but then decided to go for it. I have used it for food prep. in kitchen: green peppers, chicken, oranges, etc., without any signs of staining. I have gone on day hikes where I would slice apples and not clean it until I got home hours later. Afterwards I would just wash it with soap and water to clean it up. Sometimes I give it a little wipe with vegetable oil (since I use it for food prep. I stay away from Rem oil on this one) I took it apart recently to see if there was any rust/stains around the pivot - nothing.

Hope this helps.
 
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I have both. Both are great.

If I had to choose between the two, it would be tough, but I'd probably choose the CPM D-2.
 
I had both, the S30V for me cut better and stayed sharp longer. Just me though! If I could though, I'd swap a S30V blade into a foliage green handle.
 
Thanks for the all the replies on this. It came down to me asking my wife and kids which one they like best. They see me with the black G-10. So I'm going with the CPM-S30V steel. I honestly could have gone either way. I had my finger on the trigger twice to purchase the CPM-D2 foliage green.

Thanks again for all the insights. Always appreciated. This forum is truly a blessing.
 
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