If you are in the market for a new knife, you may have come across D2 steel. D2 steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium alloy steel that is popular among knife makers due to its hardness, toughness, and edge retention. But is D2 steel good for knives? In this article, we will explore the properties of D2 steel and take a look at some of the best D2 steel knives on the market today.
What is D2 Steel?
D2 steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium alloy steel that was first developed in the early 20th century by the United States Steel Corporation. It is a tool steel that is used primarily in the manufacturing of cutting tools, such as knives, due to its high hardness, wear resistance, and toughness. D2 steel is composed of 1.5% carbon, 12% chromium, 0.5% molybdenum, and 1% vanadium.
Properties of D2 Steel
D2 steel has a number of properties that make it desirable for knife making:
Hardness
D2 steel is a very hard steel that is rated between 55 and 62 on the Rockwell hardness scale. This makes it ideal for knife making, as it is able to hold a sharp edge for a long time.
Toughness
D2 steel is also a very tough steel, which means that it is able to withstand impacts and resist chipping or breaking.
Edge Retention
D2 steel has excellent edge retention, which means that it is able to maintain a sharp edge for a long time, even under heavy use.
Corrosion Resistance
While D2 steel is not a stainless steel, it does have good corrosion resistance when compared to other high-carbon steels. However, it is still important to keep D2 steel knives clean and dry to prevent rust and corrosion.
The Best D2 Steel Knives
Now that we know the properties of D2 steel, let’s take a look at some of the best D2 steel knives on the market today:
1. Benchmade Griptilian
The Benchmade Griptilian is a popular EDC knife that features a D2 steel blade. It has a comfortable handle that is made from glass-filled nylon and is available in a variety of colors.
2. Cold Steel Recon 1
The Cold Steel Recon 1 is a tactical folding knife that features a D2 steel blade. It has a comfortable handle that is made from G10 and is available in a variety of blade shapes and sizes.
3. Spyderco Endura 4
The Spyderco Endura 4 is a popular folding knife that features a D2 steel blade. It has a comfortable handle that is made from fiberglass reinforced nylon and is available in a variety of colors and blade shapes.
4. Zero Tolerance 0566
The Zero Tolerance 0566 is a high-end folding knife that features a D2 steel blade. It has a comfortable handle that is made from G10 and features a flipper for easy opening.
5. Gerber StrongArm
The Gerber StrongArm is a fixed blade knife that features a D2 steel blade. It has a comfortable handle that is made from diamond-texture rubber and is available in a variety of colors.
Faqs
Sure, here are five frequently asked questions about D2 steel and knives:
What is the difference between D2 steel and other high-carbon steels?
- D2 steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium alloy steel that has excellent hardness, toughness, and edge retention. Compared to other high-carbon steels, D2 steel has a higher chromium content, which gives it better corrosion resistance.
Can D2 steel knives rust?
- While D2 steel has good corrosion resistance compared to other high-carbon steels, it is still important to keep D2 steel knives clean and dry to prevent rust and corrosion.
How do I sharpen a D2 steel knife?
- D2 steel is a very hard steel, so it may require a diamond or ceramic sharpening stone to achieve a sharp edge. It is important to use the correct sharpening technique and angle to avoid damaging the blade.
What are the advantages of D2 steel knives?
- D2 steel knives have excellent hardness, toughness, and edge retention, which make them great for a variety of cutting tasks. They are also relatively easy to sharpen and maintain.
Are D2 steel knives expensive?
- D2 steel knives can be more expensive than knives made from other types of steel, but they are also known for their high quality and durability. The price of a D2 steel knife will depend on the brand, design, and other factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, D2 steel is a great choice for knife making due to its hardness, toughness, and edge retention. It is a popular steel among knife makers and is used in a variety of knives, from EDC knives to tactical knives to fixed blade knives.
