A2 vs D2 vs O1

I like them all and have them all. I don't have much trouble with D2, BUT!!! I try to not let them get very dull before I touch them up. Never had to sharpen a real dull D2 but I would think the belt sander would do it pretty well. However, that wouldn't help in the field.
 
If you handed me knives in A2 or O1, I probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference. they seem to cut, hold an edge and sharpen about the same. D2 would stand out though because it is noticeably harder for me to sharpen.
 
I don't have any D2 blades, but I have 01 and A2. I couldn't tell them apart if they weren't marked. I love em both.
 
Heat treatment makes a big difference in how a steel responds to sharpening and its edge retention.

O1 and A2 tempered to the high 50’s on the Rockwell C scale both sharpen easily and hold a good edge.

They are both very tough and will take abuse.

I like them for camp/bushcraft/survival type knives.



My experience with D2 (at around 60-61 Rc) is that you need diamond abrasives or power tools for efficient sharpening,

...but once sharp it will exhibited exceptional edge retention;

...it is my choice for dedicated hunting knives.





"If you're not living on the edge, …you're taking up too much space."

Big Mike
 
I have all three, but prefer O1. Surprisingly, I can get a good edge on S30V, and can get a good edge on A2 and D2, but can get a great edge on O1.
 
One reason A2 and O1 are easier to sharpen is that they are finer grained steels then D2. O1 and A2 work well in the upper 50's rc but I prefer them at the same hardness level as D2 60/61 rc.
Scott
 
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