A2 vs D2

B

buffumjr

Joined
Mar 14, 2019
Messages
9
I am considering the purchase of a simple skinning knife for deer and pig. I have two candidates. One has A2 steel and is by Blackjack. The other has D2 steel and is by an offshore company called IH Knife.

(ebay links removed by staff)


In general, is D2 better than A2, or are they nearly the same?

Have looked here,
https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Best-Knife-Steel-Guide--3368

but your experiences would be more informative.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Its almost impossible to call one steel "better" than another. A2 and D2 are both very good steels (when they are real), but have diffrent properties.

AG Russell's Knife Encyclopedia is a good starting point for understanding what specific steels are "all about"

https://agrussell.com/encyclopedia
 
For me, it depends on the knife & the maker... but, in general, I prefer A2 over D2. That said, I would take Dozier or Carothers D2 over just about any A2.
 
The the next question is "Better for what?"

What do you the steel in your knife to do? Do you not want to have to sharpen it often? Do you want it to be easy to sharpen? Do you want rust resistance? Do you want it to stand up to hard use? etc etc etc
 
Both A2 and D2 are fine steels (from the right maker). Ive skinned warthogs and boars plus various deer wih knives in A2 and D2 for years. You cant go wrong with either once youve mastered sharpening them.
Its important that you buy from the right source. Dont buy Chinese mystery 'D2.' Buy for example a D2 knife from Dozier. He is the master of D2. I bought an A2 huntng knife from Scheppmann but dont know if he still makes knives.
 
Last edited:
D2 will offer slight more wear resistance than A2, not much tho. But it is still my preferred steel for game dressing.
 
I've used both A2 and D2.

I do find that A2 is a bit easier to sharpen ( D2 typically has larger carbide sizes) if I remember correctly.

I have more experience re-grinding D2 (because I've done full regrinds on several knives with D2 steel...it is kind of a bear at full hardness especially to polish out scratches!!!)

In my experience D2 is more stain resistant with a polished finish than A2 will be.

The A2 that I used had a nice grey patina.

I think for edge holding, you might not notice the difference. For rougher work, you might notice a difference in toughness from A2.

I'd not hesitate to get a knife in either steel for general cutting chores, game processing, etc.

If looking at a knife for more survival/chopping/ harder use I might lean more towards A2 (out of those two choices).

As others have said, some makers have proven their heat treat on D2 steel is very dialed in. (Carothers, Dozer, Krein come to mind off hand).

(The D2 I have is Queen).

The only A2 that I have knowingly used, the heat treat was done by Busse (and they have a whole lot of research and development and equipment geared toward testing limits of steel of all types....they nail the heat treat with an eye towards toughness).
 
For toughness, A2 is going to be a better choice. For wear and corrosion resistance, D2 will be better. This is, of course, assuming a good heat treat from both, but I think that's a given from reputable companies.

I'd think that, given those general properties, D2 would be a better choice for your application. However, the company you listed may not provide a good heat treat or even high quality D2 steel, so maybe try to find a different knife company that also makes knives in D2?
 
For bigger knives, 6"+, I'll take A2 for toughness. Under 6" is where the better edge holding of D2 is most noticeable. But I wouldn't feel slighted by any knife in either of these steels, if I had faith they were properly heat-treated.
 
Perhaps Ebay is not the best place to buy an item like a knife. I'll start looking at reputable dealers. Thanks for the warning on Pakistan.
My Dad once introduced me to a fellow named Bill Moran, in Limekiln, MD, in 1971.

I need to do more research. Sooooo easy to get took.
 
Bill Moran. Pretty much a legend. The man who re-invented pattern-welded steel, damascus. I see his knives on occasion, usually in the $10k+ range, at our big local show. I was always impressed with his work.
 
If it's on low quality knives it don't make much a difference.

Now all things being even.
A2 will always be tougher more reactive, and will work better with a polished edge then D2 cause A2 has finer carbides that will fight you less to get that crisp polished edge.

D2 is better for lower grit edges and slicing edge retention.


If you like to draw the edge across media with light touch and let the aggression of the teeth slice then you might like D2 more.

If you like a steel that's easy to sharpen and but balances toughness, strength and wear resistance decently for a more plain carbon steel then the A2 is kinda of a good all rounder except it will rust faster. D2 is not stainless either though.





The edge holding between them depends on the user, the use ,and just simply preference
 
Of the two, A2 holds an edge better and can be at a higher Rc. I believe most companies keep D2 at 58 and A2 is often 61. D2 is not stainless, but takes longer to rust if abused than, A2
 
buffumjr said:
I am considering the purchase of a simple skinning knife for deer and pig. I have two candidates. One has A2 steel and is by Blackjack. The other has D2 steel and is by an offshore company called IH Knife.

(ebay links removed by staff)


In general, is D2 better than A2, or are they nearly the same?

Have looked here,
https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Best-Knife-Steel-Guide--3368

but your experiences would be more informative.
Click to expand...

Get the Blackjack. They make excellent knives.

D2 is semi stainless and thus is slightly more corrosion resistant. A2 will probably be somewhat tougher.
 
B buffumjr Why would you buy on Ebay? There are many other places to get it where your warranty and quality would be both intact and assured, respectively. Including supporting dealers for the site.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top