Up untill recently, I had an older 710 model with the blade made out of ATS-34. It disappeared on me somehow after 12 years and I'm looking at a replacement. I'm a little hesitant on the D2 steel, as I recall a noted custom maker saying something to the affect that "D2 takes a crappy edge, and holds it forever". That said, I was never overly impressed with the edge I was able to get the the ATS-34. Could others give their impression of the Benchmade D2 and it's ability to get an edge and hold it compared to possibly what I had, or even compared to 154CM? Thank you in advance...

Benchmade D2 is okay, but I'd rather have a 154cm blade (of the steels you mentioned).

The issue seems to be that Benchmade runs its steels a bit softer than "optimum" - probably for added toughness, as there are those that will chip out blades.

Ever noticed that softer stainless steels just never seem to take a decent edge with ease?



I am fortunate as I have and carry an M2 710. These M2 versions are rarer, but there are M4 versions to be had as well as the M390.

I prefer finer grained steels.

You are basically right, I have never been able to put the kind of edge on D2 steel as I have on
154CM.
BUT, after a lot of sharpening practice (freehand) and with the use of a midium fine Norton stone I have been able to put an edge that can glide through paper, but still not with the light saber ease as 154CM.
practice you sharpening skills and your good to go, even with D2.

I got one of the "1 of 1000" first production run 710s. Grand old knife. Got a deal I couldn't refuse on a D2 710. Who can resist one setup for the left pocket and the other for the right pocket.

Inmy experience the D2 710 takes a much better edge than the ATS-34 one but your mileage may vary. I use round ceramic rods (since it is a recurve blade) put out years ago by Lansky. I use two grits of rods. First a gray rougher rod followed by the white rods for a super fine edge. It is my experience the D2 takes a much better edge. Either steel can reach the same sharpness but it is easier with D2. Edge durability seems to be a little better with D2. In sharpening a ATS-34 knife consistency of sharpening angle is crucial. If the angle is varying you will notice a wire edge developing that is not easy to sharpen away. In my experience the angle isn't so critical with D2 or M2.

I prefer 154CM/ATS-34 over D2, and especially in recurve models like the 710D2. Even with the Edge Pro I have problems with getting a good edge on D2 knives. After some weeks of a little here and there I have a good line going on the 710D2 and am pretty happy with it. There are the 1/2" stones available friend Skimo's (Hi Jon) suggested I get and when I can I will do so, prolly get 220, 320 and 600 grits.

And yeah, sharpened properly D2 takes and keeps a better edge over ATS-34, BUT it's a lot more work.

Also I agree that ATS-34 gets a burr going and is hard to polish out...I use the 1200 grit rod for that and strop afterwards.

i have a 707 770 710 & two 960 all in d-2 and get a edge on them everytime with my gatco sharpening kit maybe i have good luck.

I am able to get a shaving sharp edge on all of my D2 Grips (both large and small) pretty easily. It isn't really that hard to sharpen. Now, I have 2 of the 710 in D2, and that's another story. It's a lot harder and takes longer to get those sharp.

I'm guessing something about the heat treatment is different.

I like 154cm over D2.
BM D2 gives me a sort of toothy edge.
M2, M4, in the 710 is preferred.
Have not used 'em in M390 much yet.
Have 'em but have not used 'em.........
But I would try one in M390 as they are available now.
And less $$ than M2 or M4.
Just my 2...........

The average knife user might feel conflicted about D2. It has excellent edge retention but is more difficult to sharpen than the other steels. That being said, it can take a very sharp edge with the proper tools. I use a sharpener with the angled ceramic rods and it gets sharp enough for me and all potential uses--and stays that way for quite awhile.
It's possible something like 154CM can take a slightly sharper edge--I don't understand all the chemistry and physics--but unless you need a knife so sharp you're blinded by the sunlight glinting off the edge, you shouldn't be dissatisfied. Like I said, all you need is sharpening equipment that's up to the task. It is a "tool steel" after all.

Thank you for all your replies. I REALLY liked the knife I had. I'm left handed, and so the AXIS lock coupled with the overall design of the knife was just a hands-down winner for me. Without mentioning actual names, I was considering replacing the knife with a recurve folder with a liner-lock that appears to have alot of marketing aimed at military operators. It comes in a left-handed verion with a tacticool hook on the blade that pulls it open as you pull it out of your pocket. Maybe a little too tacticool. In my research, it seems either people swear by the knife... or at it! At this point I'm moving in the direction of ordering another 710 in D2... and practicing my sharpening skills.