A-2 or D-2?

[arkhamdrifter]

If properly heat treated, how do they compare for edge sharpness, edge holding, toughness, stain resistance? Anyone hear of CPM D-2? Many thanks!

 

[Chiro75]

I can't tell a difference between A-2 and D-2 except for the stain resistance issue. A-2 seems like it will corrode or patinate with the drop of a hat, while D-2 is nearly in the stainless steel range. It patinates, too, and will stain in the kitchen, for example, but less readily than A-2 in my opinion. Both are excellent steels, though.

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[storyville]

you might want to check out two recent threads: in the General forum, knzn opened one titled “D2 steel” on 10 October 1999; and here in Shoptalk, Don G opened one titled “D2 vs A2” on 19 September 1999. Sorry I don’t know how to do those connect-to-link thingies. You should be able to find them easily by scrolling back or searching.

In brief, like Chiro75, folks pretty much believe that they’re both *great* steels. Dr Lathe (Neil Blackwood) and Rob Simonich like both steels alot -- D2 is their preference for smaller blades, A2 for bigger chopping-type blades since it offers better toughness (tho’ it will rust w/o care).

hope it helps --
Glen

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