A2 vs D2?

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tueller

tueller

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Do they just sound similar or are they actually similar? What are their similarities and how are they different? If you were to choose between A2 and D2 for your favorite knife disign, what would you choose and why? Thx for any input.
 
A2 is tougher. D2 is more wear resistant and somewhat better resisting corrosion though neither are stainless. That's what they mean by intended use. Pick the attributes that will benefit you in your intended uses.

Joe
 
link2derek said:
In my experience, D2 is more brittle and more prone to chipping (especially in sub-freezing temps). I prefer A-2.
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I also found that D2 lost a razor edge faster but held onto a working edge for a good while. I also prefer A2 and find it easier to sharpen back to shaving sharp.

Of course, this is limited to my experience and takes no account of the different heat treatments...

Ben
 
Both will express good toughness. D2 should with sound heat treat hold a edge longer and express better stainless qualities. It will be harder to sharpen.
A2 will take a fine edge quickly from a stone. And responds well to stropping. Just because both have a notation of a alpha letter followed by a 2. They are in no way related. They are two different animals. Good luck in your search. DM
 
tueller said:
Do they just sound similar or are they actually similar? What are their similarities and how are they different? If you were to choose between A2 and D2 for your favorite knife disign, what would you choose and why? Thx for any input.
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Between the two, I would choose A2 for a knife that must be very tough, easy to put a fine edge on, and doesn't have to be particularly corrosion-resistant. Not for maximum edge-holding. Excellent choice for an all-around/general purpose/survival knife.

I would choose D2 for a knife that has to cut a lot of abrasive material without being sharpened often, and resist corrosion pretty well. Definitely not for maximum toughness or the finest edge. It performs very well when ground thin for dedicated hunting/skinning/meat-slicing knives.

I choose 3V for knives that must be very tough, reasonably easy to put a fine edge on, stay sharp a long time even when cutting abrasive material, and resist corrosion pretty well. At the same or higher hardness, 3V equals or surpasses A2 and D2 in all those categories... it's the best of both worlds, plus a bit more.
 
Thanks a lot. Yes I don't mind oiling my blades and am used to 1095 so I will go with the A2 for the toughness and easier sharpening. Thanks for all the input.
 
james terrio said:
Between the two, I would choose A2 for a knife that must be very tough, easy to put a fine edge on, and doesn't have to be particularly corrosion-resistant. Not for maximum edge-holding. Excellent choice for an all-around/general purpose/survival knife.

I would choose D2 for a knife that has to cut a lot of abrasive material without being sharpened often, and resist corrosion pretty well. Definitely not for maximum toughness or the finest edge. It performs very well when ground thin for dedicated hunting/skinning/meat-slicing knives.

I choose 3V for knives that must be very tough, reasonably easy to put a fine edge on, stay sharp a long time even when cutting abrasive material, and resist corrosion pretty well. At the same or higher hardness, 3V equals or surpasses A2 and D2 in all those categories... it's the best of both worlds, plus a bit more.
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Great, informative response James :)

Cheers,

Ben
 
tueller said:
Do they just sound similar or are they actually similar?
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Both are Tool Steels, hence the similar nomenclature.



tueller said:
If you were to choose between A2 and D2 for your favorite knife design, what would you choose and why?
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D2 is a favorite of mine for hunting and game processing.

D2's savage edge retention just keeps on cutting through abrasive hides and fibrous tissue.

NQg1nLu.jpg



A2 is what I use when toughness rules, like chopping and bush-craft duties.

It's everything you need in an all-purpose field knife, a well balanced knife steel that's relatively easy to keep sharp.

7VSnMk3.jpg





Big Mike
 
Big Mike said:
Both are Tool Steels, hence the similar nomenclature.







D2 is a favorite of mine for hunting and game processing.

D2's savage edge retention just keeps on cutting through abrasive hides and fibrous tissue.

NQg1nLu.jpg



A2 is what I use when toughness rules, like chopping and bush-craft duties.

It's everything you need in an all-purpose field knife, a well balanced knife steel that's relatively easy to keep sharp.

7VSnMk3.jpg



Nice old Bravo.

Big Mike
Click to expand...
 
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