Benefits of D2?

BlackKnight86

BlackKnight86

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Oct 14, 2003
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Hi, guys!

Just wanted to verify: the benefit of D2 is edge-holding (resistance to wear) that's tougher than stainless, but with near-stainless properties, right?

Thanks!

BK86
 
I used to have a D2 Griptilian and I really didn't like the steel to much. In my experiences, it held it's edge extremely well but it was extremely hard to sharpen and if it's not coated it will rust up easily as it doesn't have like any corrosion resistance. I remember the edge would get spots of rust which annoyed me.
 
Tougher than some stainless, not all. But yes, a steel with very good edge holding properties in abrasive cutting applications that does a good job of resisting blunting. Doesn't like impacts or twisting and doesn't support super-thin edges very well, (so, not the best chopper steel nor the ideal material for a straight razor) but makes a hell of a utility cutter. Not saying the previous poster's comments are untrue, but yes it does have some corrosion resistance, it's just not corrosion PROOF. No metal that contains iron is. Diamond and ceramic sharpeners are definitely a plus when sharpening this steel.
 
Great steel, and one of my favorite steels ever:thumbup:

Not as hard to sharpen as some of the newer super steels, holds a good edge, and is the only stainless that I have never had any rust with. Its about the exact same as stainless ATS34 in that regard(rusting). Both can rust, but with a little care that won't be a problem.

As far as the one poster that said it wouldn't take a thin edge, thats not exactly really true. Bob Dozier(the master of D2) edge grinds are from 13 to 15 degree per side as they leave the factory. That is by far as thin an edge as I will ever need, they hold up and hold an edge extremely well.

My last custom fixed blade was in D2, and another being made is. Also have a custom slipjoint thats almost finished thats in D2. Love it!
 
Actually, it IS true, just depends on your preferences. My large, heavy choppers seldom get more than 35 degrees included. For me, 13 to 15 degrees per side is medium geometry, which is just fine. Going thinner, other steels do significantly better.

Ken44 said:
Great steel, and one of my favorite steels ever:thumbup:

Not as hard to sharpen as some of the newer super steels, holds a good edge, and is the only stainless that I have never had any rust with. Its about the exact same as stainless ATS34 in that regard(rusting). Both can rust, but with a little care that won't be a problem.

As far as the one poster that said it wouldn't take a thin edge, thats not exactly really true. Bob Dozier(the master of D2) edge grinds are from 13 to 15 degree per side as they leave the factory. That is by far as thin an edge as I will ever need, they hold up and hold an edge extremely well.

My last custom fixed blade was in D2, and another being made is. Also have a custom slipjoint thats almost finished thats in D2. Love it!
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I really like D2. I blame carrying Queen slip joints for getting me hooked on this steel. :D

I found like most things in life, with a little Practice/Experience sharpening D2, it really isn't that bad.
 
It is my favorite steel. I have never had a problem putting and keeping a thin edge on it.
 
555 said:
I really like D2. I blame carrying Queen slip joints for getting me hooked on this steel. :D

I found like most things in life, with a little Practice/Experience sharpening D2, it really isn't that bad.
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Hi,

+1! Those Queens will ruin you.:D

dalee
 
One of my favorite folder steels as well. Quite resistant to corrosion and holds an edge well.
 
Nikkogi said:
I used to have a D2 Griptilian and I really didn't like the steel to much. In my experiences, it held it's edge extremely well but it was extremely hard to sharpen and if it's not coated it will rust up easily as it doesn't have like any corrosion resistance. I remember the edge would get spots of rust which annoyed me.
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Not sure what you are doing to your knife but I have had my D2 710 for close to a year now with zero rust. I think I have wiped a little oil on it twice, I carried it for most of the time I owned it, including hot sweaty days and heavy down pours, It has been used in -40 temps cutting boxes and still no rust. And it holds and edge for ever and a fairly fine one at that. Yes its a little harder to sharpen then my other knives when it does get dull but a couple of swipes on a strop at the end of the day is enough to keep the major sharpening at bay. D2 is one of my favorite steels right now
 
t1mpani said:
Actually, it IS true, just depends on your preferences. My large, heavy choppers seldom get more than 35 degrees included. For me, 13 to 15 degrees per side is medium geometry, which is just fine. Going thinner, other steels do significantly better.
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Well yeah, maybe it IS true for your prefrence's if you consider 13 to 15 per side a medium geometry:p

I've never cut a thing where I needed a super thin edge, esp not below 13 to 15 per side. Cut meat for a living, owned a game processing buisness, and have used knives for over 40 years for similar task as hunting/fishing.
If I ever get into spitting hairs and paper I might just get into the super thin highly polished edge:p

But you are correct, there are better steels out there for a tough edge at under 13 per side. IMO M4 is hard to beat in that area.
 
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Really liking the Para D2. While I haven't let it get dull, I find it no harder to touch up than 154CM.
 
Ken44 said:
Well yeah, maybe it IS true for your prefrence's if you consider 13 to 15 per side a medium geometry:p

I've never cut a thing where I needed a super thin edge, esp not below 13 to 15 per side. Cut meat for a living, owned a game processing buisness, and have used knives for over 40 years for similar task as hunting/fishing.
If I ever get into spitting hairs and paper I might just get into the super thin highly polished edge:p

But you are correct, there are better steels out there for a tough edge at under 13 per side. IMO M4 is hard to beat in that area.
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M4 caused me enormous pain by finally supplanting W2 as my favorite steel of all time.
 
D2 is one of my favorites. I disagree that it rusts easily, it does not. I also disagree that it can't server in a chopper role, just take the Outcast for example. Touch it up every couple of weeks with regular use and the edge will be easy to maintain. I have a D2 Benchmade FB I use daily in the kitchen and it's just an awesome knife, head and shoulders above kitchen cutlery.
 
I keep one of my Doziers in my vehicle at all times. It has been a primary camp knife for at least 15 years. I used to go kayaking every weekend and it was the stay in camp knife. Never had a problem with rust on it at all, but I do wipe it off before putting it in the sheath.

I have not seen D2 rust with minimal care. (Wiping it off after use.)
 
I have CPMD2 in one of my knives and I've never had any issues with sharpening or rust and it's a bead blasted blade. Granted I live in Nevada where our humidity is under 20%.
I've found that with the SM and an old belt it takes probably 50% more time for me to sharpen it than CPM154 and about the same time as Sg2. This is all completely subjective and my knives have different edge geometries so it's by no means scientific.
It doesn't hold a razor edge forever but it will hold a plenty sharp working edge for quite awhile.
 
crom said:
D2 is one of my favorites. I disagree that it rusts easily, it does not. I also disagree that it can't server in a chopper role, just take the Outcast for example. Touch it up every couple of weeks with regular use and the edge will be easy to maintain. I have a D2 Benchmade FB I use daily in the kitchen and it's just an awesome knife, head and shoulders above kitchen cutlery.
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I have looked at the Outcast--the factory bevel is like 45 degrees. At that geometry you could damned near make it out of glass. :D
 
A bit quirky to sharpen, but once you get a good edge on D2 it lasts a long time. I keep a fine polished edge on my Dozier K1, but some others prefer a coarser edge on D2. No problems with rust or staining. A great steel, at least the way Dozier does it.
 
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