Blade finish on D2 steel

[Gossman Knives]

I stock remove D2 steel and would like to hear some imput from other makers who use D2. My question is, is it me or is D2 tough to get a good final finish. I know you can't get a mirror finish on it. I don't really care for this type of finish since I make using knives. I read where it has what is refered to as a orange peel effect, thus not being as clean looking as say 440C. I work with D2 exclusively and any thoughts or suggestions would be a great help.
Scott

 

[Kit Carson]

Scott,
My first question is why do you work with D2 exclusively? I use alot of D2 but also many other fine steels, especially if I am concerned about getting a fine finish.
In answer to your question, I hand satin finish it to 400 or 500 grit.

 

[Gossman Knives]

Kit thanks for the tip. I'll give it a try. I really like the way D2 performs with the heat treat and cryro treat that TKS does. I don't do my own heat treat. To be honest I like the steel so much that I really haven't considered using anything else. With your experience, what would you consider to be a comparable performance level steel to try?
Scott
By the way, do you 400 or 500 grit after heat treat as a final finish?

 

[jpknives]

Hi ya'll,
Personally, I think the orange peel effect is pretty cool. Depending on the source of the steel and maybe how it was rolled out, the pattern can be subtle or slightly bolder. I tend to hand finish rather than buff, so it doesn't show up until you hit a little finer finish. Its called a dendritic pattern, but to say more without refreshing my memory would be foolish.
D2 is a great steel and has served us well in the tool and die trade. Its usefulness on working knives far outweighs any cosmetic considerations.
JP

 

[Gossman Knives]

Thank you jpknives for your comments. That makes me feel better about my final product. D2 is such an awesome steel but it just doesn't look as clean as the other popular stainless steels. With the heat treat and cryo treat my knives get they are cutting marvels. I can't believe how long they hold an edge. I guess that's why I haven't tried any other steels. I do think I'll take Kit's advice and add another steel choice for my customers. Thanks guys!
Scott
By the way I use the blanchard ground D2 not the precision ground because of cost. The precision ground probably finishes better.