S30V or D2 Military?

BJE

BJE

Joined
Apr 12, 2006
Messages
3,079
I am going to get a Millie but should I get the D2 with the green G-10 or the S30V with black G-10? I really like the way the green G-10 looks but I usually prefer S30V over D2. Any suggestions? I won't be using the knife hard, just common chores so I don't know if the different steel qualities would stand out enough to offset the difference in color.:confused: Those of you who have both, which do you prefer? I don't really want to spend the extra for the CF BG42 vesion for the reason stated above, but if you talked me into it I wouldn't be suprised. Now let me hear your suggestions!!:cool:
 
In my opinion, these are the best two steels in the knife business. I doubt if you are going to be wrong.
 
TinyDee said:
In my opinion, these are the best two steels in the knife business. I doubt if you are going to be wrong.
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I know I won't regret my choice, but I was set on having an edc with S30V (that is a catchy phrase), until I saw the green G-10:), but it has D2 and I havn't had the best luck with D2 in the past. I like knives that can get so sharp that you can cut your eyes looking at them:rolleyes:, and D2 wasn't that steel for me, but I would give it another shot.
 
Go with the knife you like the looks of.

Both of those steels seem good enough for just about anything a pocketknife is capable of.
 
I do believe this is the CPM-D2 that Spyderco uses. You pick. They are so close.
 
Now if its CPM D2, I will go with that. It has the finer grain structure than regular if I am not mistaken. That would help with the sharpening problem a little. BTW the other D2 knife I had was a RAT-7 and I never could get it very sharp, it was probably because the edge was so thick though. Keep the suggestions rolling.
 
BJE said:
I know I won't regret my choice, but I was set on having an edc with S30V (that is a catchy phrase), until I saw the green G-10:), but it has D2 and I havn't had the best luck with D2 in the past. I like knives that can get so sharp that you can cut your eyes looking at them:rolleyes:, and D2 wasn't that steel for me, but I would give it another shot.
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I found the CPMD2 easier to sharpen than S30V and it took a damn good edge too. The only thing holding me back is D2 + sweaty summer days = rust spots.
 
I like the S30V because it was made specifically for knife blades with input by Chris Reeve and I'm a huge fan of his work. The D2 will stain easier as it is a semi-stainless steel.:cool:
 
i edc my S30V millie because it seems easier to replace if lost/stolen/broken as it is the 'default' steel for the military
however, on backpacking trips I carry the D2 version, mostly to field test the level of abuse you can throw at it...
 
I prefer D2. I haven't had any corrosion issues with it. I have fought corrosion on my 5160 and A2 blades. I use a bit of high grit sandpaper on them to restore a satin finish.

I don't think you can go wrong with these two steels.

TC
 
D2 is more reliable, no chipping issues. However, it isn't stainless.

It'll be nice if Spyderco make a CPM 154 version hardened to HRC 63 -it'll be the best overall compromise. ;)
 
I've been using the D2 Millie for a few weeks thus far. Quality control is very good. I prefer the foliage green (actually a light olive color) over black. And CPM D2 over the S30V. The CPM D2 is said to have a finer grain structure. And therefore can take on a more polished edge (with less work) rather than the common toothy edge. But that is a matter of preference. Additionally, a mirror polish finish is possible as well. Again, a matter of preference. I' m not sure what it is yet. But its edge has a strange characteristic. It came quite sharp and even right out of the box. And after cutting up many large corrugated cardboard boxes, opening envelopes, trimming string and nylon, cutting tape, and going thru several meals, its edge seemed a bit dull to the touch. Additionally it would not "bite" hair from the back of my head, which is a common quick check method to see if the edge is still sharp. However, the blade would still sail thru envelope openings, meats, and cut paper and tape without much more effort than when the edge was original from the box. I have not sharpened nor even touched up the blades edge thus far. In other words, the blade is still quite sharp without feeling like it is! Am I in area 51??

N.

www.dozierknives.com/forum
 
Nope. I found the same. Feels like it needs to be touched up but still cuts like when I first got it. No clue why.
 
That is called edge and blade geometry, gentlemen. For REALLY good geometry, have Tom Krein regrind one of your blades to a .005" edge, and you will really see some cutting ability. Even dull the blades will still outcut most factory fresh knives.

I personally like the CPM D2 in my Military. S30V has bit hit or miss with me. My Manix works great, while I have tried some other knives in S30V that just didn't take or hold good edges.

Mike
 
I have the CPM D2 Mili. Get one! You can always pick up a S30V later because the D2 is a trial run. I dont have problems touching up the edge. All im using is a DMT extra fine diafold diamond sharpener to give it a toothy edge. It only takes a few strokes to get it hair poppin sharp. As far as the rust goes, i dont have a problem with it. I oiled only once. All i do is wipe the blade down with my tshirt.
 
jsp said:
I have the CPM D2 Mili. Get one! You can always pick up a S30V later because the D2 is a trial run. I dont have problems touching up the edge. All im using is a DMT extra fine diafold diamond sharpener to give it a toothy edge. It only takes a few strokes to get it hair poppin sharp. As far as the rust goes, i dont have a problem with it. I oiled only once. All i do is wipe the blade down with my tshirt.
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I already ordered one in D2, I am waiting for it to arrive now. I will let everyone know how I like it when I recieve it.
 
gunmike1 said:
That is called edge and blade geometry, gentlemen. For REALLY good geometry, have Tom Krein regrind one of your blades to a .005" edge, and you will really see some cutting ability. Even dull the blades will still outcut most factory fresh knives.

I personally like the CPM D2 in my Military. S30V has bit hit or miss with me. My Manix works great, while I have tried some other knives in S30V that just didn't take or hold good edges.

Mike
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No complaints here concerning edge holding on my CPM D2 Mili. I know Tom to be in the school of "thinner cuts better" (all other factors being equal). Just look at his nice high hollow grinds on many of his models. Almost all properly heat treated knife steels will take on a good edge if the geometry is "right". Keep in mind that while the CPM D2 Mili has a rather broad blade width, it does taper down to a thin enough edge although it is flat ground. So there isn' t any issue with its edge thickness. I think the CPM D2 is a fine addition to Spydercos lineup.

N.

www.dozierknives.com/forum
 
Nakano 2 said:
No complaints here concerning edge holding on my CPM D2 Mili. I know Tom to be in the school of "thinner cuts better" (all other factors being equal). Just look at his nice high hollow grinds on many of his models. Almost all properly heat treated knife steels will take on a good edge if the geometry is "right". Keep in mind that while the CPM D2 Mili has a rather broad blade width, it does taper down to a thin enough edge although it is flat ground. So there isn' t any issue with its edge thickness. I think the CPM D2 is a fine addition to Spydercos lineup.

N.

www.dozierknives.com/forum
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I agree, I have no plans to thin out the .022" edge on my CPM D2 Military by having a regrind, other than the rebevelling I did to thin the angle. On a blade this size that is actually pretty thin compared to most other production knives anywhere near it's size, and the full flat grind does allow it to cut quite well, with very good durability. The pointy tip is great, as well. However, once you get used to cutting with knives like my full hollow ground Caly Jr. ZDP with a .005" edge the Military feels downright thick in comparison. Of course, as the others posted, even when dull the Military still cuts very well compared to most other knives, I am just used to little pocket scalpels (that can't stand a tenth of the abuse a Military blade can).

Mike
 
Between those two, I'd take the D2. Not only is the green G10 a nice change of pace, but I love D2. I have a few knives made with D2 and don't have sharpening issues with any of them, BM 710 and Apparition to name a couple. Never had any staining issues either. These days, S30V is all over the place. I like to grab knives that don't feel as "everyday" as most, so that's another point for the D2 Millie. I just got one in BG42!!;)

You'll love it either way,
Jon
 
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