Question about Benchmade Griptilians

[Durwood]

I see that most of the new ones have 154 CM blades as opposed to the earler 440-C, which I had. Any opinions good, bad or ugly?

 

[Jake Bauer]

154CM is a much higher quality blade steel when it comes to edge retention. 440C is easier to re sharpen and corrosion resistance is about the same on both. I have a 440C griptillian and it takes a wicked sharp edge, and holds it for a decent time for everyday applications. Both are good steels, but 154CM is higher quality. If you can get your hands on either, go for it.

 

[vic2367]

154CM is a much higher quality blade steel when it comes to edge retention. 440C is easier to re sharpen and corrosion resistance is about the same on both. I have a 440C griptillian and it takes a wicked sharp edge, and holds it for a decent time for everyday applications. Both are good steels, but 154CM is higher quality. If you can get your hands on either, go for it.

agreed,,,,,,

 

[Bob W]

Between those two steels I wouldn't have a preference, and I doubt that I could tell the difference.

 

[tradja]

154CM is a much higher quality blade steel when it comes to edge retention.

vs.

Between those two steels I wouldn't have a preference, and I doubt that I could tell the difference.

I've been curious about this myself. I sure like the 154CM on my 707/705 hybrid, but I've been wondering if the edge retention (or keeness) of an old 440C Mini-Grip would be noticeably different.

 

[Don M]

Since both steels are hardened to a range (58-60?) you will more than likely see better edge retention on the one that happens to be harder. If you get a 440C version that is actually 59, and a 154CM version that is actually 58, the 440C version will do a little better, and vice versa.

There is not a lot of difference between them if finished to the same hardness. The main benefit of 154CM is the higher attainable hardness, but this does no good if it is not actually finished harder.

 

[knarfeng]

Since both steels are hardened to a range (58-60?) you will more than likely see better edge retention on the one that happens to be harder. If you get a 440C version that is actually 59, and a 154CM version that is actually 58, the 440C version will do a little better, and vice versa.

There is not a lot of difference between them if finished to the same hardness. The main benefit of 154CM is the higher attainable hardness, but this does no good if it is not actually finished harder.

I'd agree with that.

I've done side by side manila rope cutting with 440C and 154CM. I didn't see a huge difference between them. AUS8, on the otherhand, even at the same hardness, had noticeably lesser edge retention than either. And AUS8 was noticeably better than Buck 420HC.