Benchmade 710 - ordered D2, got 154CM. Return?

[Sobriquet]

I posted a thread a little bit ago about replacing the Spyderco Endura that I've carried for the last 6 years or so. Following the advice of a well-known knife board, I ordered a Benchmade 710.

The website I ordered from advertised the knife as having the newer D2 steel. I know that's not a true "stainless" steel and can be harder to sharpen, but I was willing to maintain it.

Should I call and request a replacement? Should I be happy I got 154CM, or should I want the D2 I ordered? Thanks for helping a newbie.

 

[Piraticalbob]

154CM is a perfectly acceptable steel in a Spyderco folder. If the D2 version was sold at a higher price, you should of course send it back to get what you paid for; if both steels sell for the same price, it's entirely up to you; the light utility tasks that a Spyderco excels at can be well-served by either steel.

 

[Pilot]

Saw your post on Bladeforums. I have a 154CM 710 and like it a lot. Keep it.

 

[highorder]

I also have several Benchmades in 154CM. I also have a 705 in D2, and find that the D2 edge is more prone to chipping...

I prefer 154CM, or ATS34 (which I don't believe they use anymore; many of my older BM's are ATS34 and hold up well)

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Well the D2 would probably hold an edge longer (although only slightly so), while the 154CM would be more stain-resistant to moisture, and would be "tougher" - more resistant to chipping (although only very slightly so). I don't know which one is easier to sharpen, but I'd guess they are about the same, which is to say, moderately difficult. I'd just be happy with it, if you ever use knives in wet conditions when you don't immediately wipe them down - 154 CM is a good premium steel. But if you just want maximum edge-holding ability due to the higher carbon content of D2, then call and gripe and ask for an R.A. number.

 

[Sobriquet]

Short and sweet. Thanks, Premium. I carried my last knife for 6 years and will probably have this one even longer, so I want to get what I'll be happiest with. 'Round these parts, I can't carry my guns, so I put a lot of importance in my knives.

Thanks for your responses, gentlemen. I'll be sending it in for a D2 model. It doesn't get wet, it's not a "hard use" knife, and I have no problems putting a light coat of Weaponshield CLP on it every once in a while.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

D2 will definitely hold an edge longer. Its chromium content, at 12%, is just short of "stainless" (13%). No worries about that, though.

I would return it simply because D2 was ordered, but not received.

 

[Chipperman]

I have a 710 with a 154CM blade. Great knife.

D2 will hold an edge longer, but when it finally is time to sharpen it....

 

[highorder]

Send it back for sharpening. They do great fast service.

I just sent back 6 for Lifesharp and I had them back in 8 days. Right now, they are saying 3-4 business day turnaround.

http://www.benchmade.com/about_knives/lifesharp_service.asp

 

[phoglund]

I've had a Benchmade 710 in D2 for a couple of years now and have been very pleased with the knife. Although I don't consider my usage "hard", I do use the knife on a daily basis and find that just a bit of touch up every couple months or so keeps it extremely sharp and useful. Your decision to go for the D2 is a good one. Enjoy!