420-V vs. D-2?

shootist16

shootist16

knife law moderator
Moderator
Joined
Dec 25, 1998
Messages
7,394
I am ordering a Darrel Ralph EDC. All I have to decide on now is which blade steel. D-2 or 420-V. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

------------------
Dennis Bible

....Almost here, The Leading Edge....
http://www.theleadingedgeonline.com
 
Dennis, I'm no expert, but if it isn't D2 Enhanced or whatever, the 420V will certainly be more stainless. It should be harder to sharpen also. And theoretically, with all that vanadium, should hold an edge longer. But, you better hear from someone who has used both. Or, I think I'd trust Darrel's judgement once he knows your use pattern.

By the bye, the Timberline arrived today in fine shape. I'll write you about it later.

For some reason this didn't move up when I posted. Maybe this time.
Dave


[This message has been edited by Bugs3x (edited 04-29-2001).]
 
In my opinion, most of the advantages lie with CPM420V. For a small knife blade, that stuff is hard to top. High corrosion resistance, good toughness, and amazing wear resistance.

D-2M is reportedly very high in corrosion resistance too though. I think it was Jeff Randal or Cliff Stamp who soaked a D-2M blade in salt water for awhile, and the thing barely rusted. The D-2M blade will be easier to sharpen and will still hold an edge a good long time. Darrel told me that D-2M will take a finer edge, and it is tougher, but a polished toothy edge on a CPM420V blade cuts like crazy.

I don't see this helping you out much, but the bottom line is, it don't matter very much. One consideration is that Darrel likes grinding the D-2, and I have gotten so I like to go with the maker's preferrence in those situations. It probably is simply a matter of one is easier to sharpen, the other holds an edge longer.
smile.gif


[This message has been edited by Steve Harvey (edited 04-30-2001).]
 
I have no experience with D2-E, although I might later on when I have some free time and clean up some older work. I have done soaks with D2 (24 hours) and it rusted extensively with deep pitting that would not be easily removed. I think Jeff Randall was positive about the corrosion resistance of D2-E.

I would strongly second Steve's recommendation to ask the maker. Custom knife makers don't all heat treat steels in the same way so the question is very specific to the maker that you are buying from.


-Cliff
 
I think it's D2 that takes a toothy edge, and 420V that takes a fine one (according to DDR).
Anyway, I think that what you intend to use the knife for should decide.
My EDC is 420V, and I have thinned the edge down. I wonder if D2 might have been a better choice, since the knife sees some pretty rough use. On the other hand, I work in a pretty corrosive environment and have had zero problems with 420V (have only used it for about a month, though).
I chipped the edge -the day after I got it
frown.gif
- by accidently hitting the corner of a steel table while sectioning a box (didn't expect to slice the entire length in one cut, but zip!)-doesn't count, banging steel tables with the edge isn't normal use. I have also rolled the edge slightly, probably from hitting something imbedded in cardboard I was cutting. Couple of passes on a steel, and it was good to go.
I hear that D2M is tougher, but have no personal experience to draw from.

My reg and large Arclites will see plenty of hard use, I'm sure, and both will be in D2M (future tense-they're ordered, but it'll probably be awhile before I see them).
Looking forward to comparing them with 420V.
 
what's the difference between D2M and D2-E?

Pete

------------------
Pete Jenkins
Lefties unite!
 
Dennis,
I've got a couple of DDR's knives, 420v and D2. I like the D2 better. Nothing concrete....haven't run any extensive tests, but I like the D2 better. I haven't used it around any saltwater yet, but summer is upon us, and that may change my mind.

If I were ordering another DDR knife [hmmmmm, that sounds like a good idea], I would either order it with a TALONITE blade, or D2.



------------------
Stay Sharp!
Will Fennell
Camillus Cutlery
www.camillusknives.com
 
Steve's rule of thumb here bears repeating. When you have a hard time choosing, ask the maker which he prefers to work in, and why.

Me, I'd go for D-2. 440V is not tough unless left soft, at which point, it can indent. I haven't seen this with 440V personally, but I've used other 55-56 Rc knives and ended up getting deep dings. D-2's only drawback is that it isn't fully stainless, but it takes very little maintenance to keep it rust free.

Joe
 
Sorry pjenkins00. I mis-stated the name. It should be D-2E (E for enchanced, I think).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top