Question about Benchmade changing blade material

[Sure-Fire]

I was planning on buying a Benchmade 94# (Probably the 943, not sure). Benchmade's website says it is made out of: "S30V Premium Stainless 58-60"HRC while gpknives.com (where I was planning on buying it from on sale) says: "154CM Stainless (58-60 HRC)"

Links: http://www.gpknives.com/item/Benchmade-940.html http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=940

I've noticed a couple other vendors saying 154cm too. Does anyone know what the story is? Did Benchmade change blade material? And if so, I guess I would be getting the older blade which is why it's so cheap there?

Any info is greatly appreciated. BTW, nice forum you guys got here!

 

[m_calingo]

The older 940s are made with 154CM. The newer ones, '06, will be made of S30V.

Both steels are great. According to certain folks, the S30V is even better. It's possible Benchmade got a good deal on a batch of S30V.

In any case, most folks wouldn't complain about the change. Compare this to some other manufactuers who have downgraded their current stock of knives from AUS6 to AUS4, or from AUS8 to 420.

Retailers most likely will still have stock in the older 154CM version until they run out. Just make sure when you select your 940 to be sure which steel it is made of, if it matters to you.