Buck 119 D2 vs S35VN

[Wolverine666]

I’m in the process of choosing between a 119 with D2 and the Dymalux Cocobolo Heritage handle and the 119 with S35VN and green micarta.

How’s Buck’s D2? Decent corrosion resistance for a semi-stainless? Does the Boss heat treat increase edge retention?

Which one would you choose?

 

[jbmonkey]

s35vn for me. I'm not a big d2 fan, but it will do fine also for ya......

 

[Lesknife]

Same for me S35vn is my favorite right behind Magnacut. In performance it’s hard to tell the difference. They both take a very fine edge that lasts a long time and easy to sharpen with the Magnacut being a little easier. I also believe S35vn has better toughness than D2 by a fair amount.

I have only one D2 knife that I haven’t used much yet. It has done very well so far. I clean and oil it after use just to give it more protection so it hasn’t shown any rust or corrosion yet . Several years ago I used a D2 blade not sure what brand it was or much about it and it did okay but not nearly as well as newer steels of today. It could have been the geometry or heat treatment though.

 

[Wolverine666]

I was leaning a bit toward S35VN. I just really like the cocobolo handle on the D2 version. Both look great.

 

[Don W]

I used both steels in a 118 this year during deer season. Both worked great. I can put a better edge on the s35, but I cant tell you why. The s35 seems to last a little longer before needing touch up. I have not noticed any corrosion in the D2.

 

[howiema]

The d2 is my everyday go to knife it is with me around the yard and in the he shed. The edge is excellent on it and I can get it extremely sharp.

 

[GPyro]

Easy.
S35vn is a better steel in my opinion.
Also micarta makes for a better handle if used for hunting.

I'm no longer even interested in D2 if there's other options.

 

[Wolverine666]

Sounds like S35VN and green micarta for me