Benchmade 275 Adamas D2 Steel?

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Error404

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May 19, 2016
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I recently have become interested in the 275 Adamas by Benchmade but have been weary of its steel.

I have done some brief research in regard to D2 steel and have read that it is not necessarily the toughest option out there and is somewhat 'brittle'. Considering using this knife purely for self defense (weight and size aside), would the D2 hold up? It would suck to even have to use it to defend your life but it would really suck if in that instance, the blade snapped or what not.

I've also heard this steel is prone to chipping as well.

So in summary, would the D2 steel hold up well, given its characteristics, in an impact, slicing, piercing, and possible lateral motions in a self defense role?

I am no where near able to say that I am an expert on knives. I am fairly new and anxious to learn. Any thorough replies about the steel or the knife itself will be highly appreciated! Thank you for your time.
 
Far lesser knives would be sufficient for what you describe.

I got the Adams folder and it's the strongest folder I own. The blades thickness alone would prevent it from breaking but D2 is also no slouch in its own right.
Others say D2 holds sharpness for long but mine loses its shaving sharpness very fast. After that it keeps cutting OK for a long time maybe that's what others mean?
 
Per Benchmades website:

Air-hardened tool steel developed to cut other steel. This American made steel offers fantastic toughness and edge retention for hard use applications. It is, however, a semi-stainless, so care is required.

Essentially yes it can rust but the coating helps. But have not heard of chipping or that it is brittle. Really tough stuff.
 
D2 isn't "really tough" in the world of steels. In the thickness the adamas blade is you won't have a problem with durability short of wacking the blade with a steel hammer. I had an adamas and really liked it, I did end up selling it though.
 
The 4mm thick blade and short primary grind are going to have a far more profound effect on its toughness than the steel type. I'm very much with Jens in that the Adamas taken as a whole is unquestionably the strongest folder I've owned, much stronger than I ever needed it to be. My major complaint about the knife is more that the cutting geometry is, well, bad. I consistently found myself carrying folders that lacked the bulletproof durability of the Adamas but were superior cutting tools.
 
Jens,

Thank you for the fast reply and information. What "lesser knives" would you suggest in my circumstance?
 
Insipid,

Thank you for your detailed response. Is there a knife you have found that is maybe "balanced"? Such as one that has good cutting geometry but is also very strong but not necessarily as strong as the adamas? I'd much like to know of a compromise for a strong, yet superior cutting tool as you stated.
 
An Adamas coupled with a SAK or Opinel will take care of lighter duty slicing and leave you with a kick-butt tough folder for the not-so-dainty chores..
 
I've had three of them: one black and two tan. Great knives, but rather thick and heavy. Great if you want to go fight in an arena with lions or something...much more knife than you need, as has been said. Many, many knives of 1/8" thickness, S30V, S35VN, Elmax, etc would be just fine for everything you talk about.
 
Agree with Sonnydaze.

The Adamas in D2 is a beast and will easily handle any of your intended tasks.

Don't over think the higher end steels - they're all damn good. For most users, the differences can be unnoticeable in day-to-day usage. Edge geometry matters more.
 
Error404 said:
Insipid,

Thank you for your detailed response. Is there a knife you have found that is maybe "balanced"? Such as one that has good cutting geometry but is also very strong but not necessarily as strong as the adamas? I'd much like to know of a compromise for a strong, yet superior cutting tool as you stated.
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I would look at Cold Steel folders, to be honest. Plenty strong enough, good steel, prices and they tend to have good to excellent cutting geometry as well. Personally, I favor the AK-47 with its high hollow grind. Spyderco is another great option, with the Manix 2 XL being my personal favorite in their lineup. It's surprisingly tough, but an absolute cutting machine.
 
I've beat the living crap out of my Adamas. Still going strong. No chipping or deforming.
 
Armadew said:
I've beat the living crap out of my Adamas. Still going strong. No chipping or deforming.
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What he said, I did manage to break one, but it was from batoning through the top of a desk, batoned through everything else just fine and have felled trees with it(look at my profile picture). Put the right edge one it it will slice/cut through anything you put in front of it, Well. Edge from factory sux though imo. It wouldnt be my first choice for slicing water bottls and stuff in half or killing somebody (SD) though. It really leaves up to its name. Have both the 275 &2750 and not a folder fan really. Try one.

Not really a fan of d2 but imo Benchmades D2 in good/great.
 
Since you own both the 275 & the 2750 can you tell me if the blades are the same thickness. Also, is the auto as strong as the regular. thinking of getting one just not sure if i should get the auto
 
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