D2 steel pocket knife

How good is D2 steel?

When it comes down to a steel type 'good' is of course relative term. A steel type is as good as it adheres to the demands of the user. So how does that pan out for D2? The high carbon and chrome content contributes to the excellent wear and tear resistance. This means the edge retains its sharpness for a long time. Even with longterm use. So perfect for tasks that require you to use a sharp knife for a long time. Despite the fact that D2 is not completely corrosion resistant, the chrome content does make sure it is less likely to rust. Especially when you compare it to common carbon steel. But don't be mistaken! This steel type still needs to be maintained properly to prevent rust.

What are the disadvantages of D2 steel?

With so many steel types out there it can be quite the task to determine which is the best choice for you. That is why it is also important to keep the 'disadvantages' of D2 in mind. D2 is tougher than many stainless steels. It is, however, not as tough as some non-stainless tool steels. This means it is more sensitive to chipping. Despite the fact that D2 steel is sometimes also referred to as semi-stainless because of the chrome content, it is less corrosion resistant than real stainless steel. This means you still need to maintain it properly to prevent corrosion. Especially after being used in humid environments or when the blade has gotten into contact with salt or acidic substances.

Which is better? D2 compared to...?

Many types of steel are used to produce pocket knives. But which steel type is better? First and foremost, this depends on what you are looking for. However, if you do want to make a comparison: D2 can be compared to S30V steel, 154CM/CPM 154 steel and CPM D2.

CPM S30V

CPM S30V is a top-quality stainless steel with better corrosion resistance. S30V steel, however, is easier to sharpen than D2.

154CM/CPM154

Both 154CM and CPM154 are stainless steel alternatives that are easier to sharpen than D2. Both are also more corrosion resistant. The only difference here can be found when you look at the wear resistance. D2 steel is more resistant to wear and tear.

CPM-D2

CPM-D2 is the powder metallurgical version of D2. In terms of features a little more balanced than D2, and it retains its sharpness better. Like D2 it does require more maintenance due to the lower chrome content.

D2 fans: which brands use D2 steel?

You have never been more sure: you are looking for a pocket knife with a blade made from D2 steel. But which brand uses this type of steel for their pocket knives and appeals to you most? A good example is Ontario. This brand used D2 steel for the popular Ontario RAT series. This series is known for its robust knives with a good price-quality ratio. But also Civivi and Sencut use D2 for this specific reason. So in the end you get a whole lot of knife, for a great price!

D2 maintenance

D2, like any type of steel, needs to maintained to make the most of it. For D2 it is important that you clean it properly. Clean the blade after use to remove dirt. Also make sure your knife is dry before you store it. Any moisture left behind can lead to rust.

A sharp edge ensures that your pocket knife will function as it should. D2 is a little harder to sharpen due to the hardness and wear resistance. But it is definitely not impossible! Use top-quality sharpening stones. Diamond-coated or ceramic stones, for instance. Make sure you use a constant sharpening angle and be patient. You get a razor-sharp knife in return!