Considering rust. Upgrading

I would pass on D2 if you fear rust. I would stay the stainless if you only clean and oil when you have to. Post up a budget, a knife you like and someone will give you a good recommendation.

 

Spyderco Byrd knives are pretty resilient around $25. 12c is also pretty rust resistant as well. How much are you looking to spend? What are you going to use the knife for? How long of a blade and what shape do you prefer? The guys here will guide you to the right knife my friend.

 

D2 is actually quite rust and stain resistant, with around 11% chromium. I have had no rust problems with any of my D2 blades: Dozier, 710, Grippie. I wouldn't worry about rust, even given minimal care.

 

In Wisconsin I'm unable to rust D2, in Florida however I've rusted vg10...I can barely rust M4 here. I dont think you'll get get any considerable rust on D2 unless you're in or around saltwater.

 

I bought a 940-1601 last November and the D2 blade is still as pretty now, as she was when I bought it. Actually the finish is quite striking with absolutely no corrosion at all. I just wipe it off when needed with a microfiber cloth.

I was a little worried about how it would hold up but now, no worries at all.

 

That Civivi Statera looks alot like the Kershaw Fraxion to me... the Fraxion is on sale at KnifeCenter for like $25.



It's 8Cr... which isn't super steel by any stretch of the imagination... but it's stainless enough for me and real easy to maintain.

I live next to the ocean, and I have no issues with my D2 stuff. You should be just fine.

 

I have three knives in D2, from three different manufacturers. No problem with rust on any of them. They live in a drawer or pocket and get wiped dry after use. That's all.

If you are looking for a D2 Wharnie, check out the QSP Penguin. D2 and Micarta. I got the blue one, and like it WAY more than the <$30 price tag might suggest. (It's in my pocket now. Plenty of more expensive knives in the drawer.) They have a few other Wharncliffes, also named after birds. But they're more $ and didn't appeal to me any more.

If you're really looking for "tactical", the Penguin isn't very stabby, though.

 

I am in Texas and if I carry D2 it will spot. If I sweat it will spot. Great steel but not necessarily stainless. You would have to oil or wax it. I just used the BHQ website tool (check it out) to find a few for you. These are my pics in no particular order. Use the tool man see what you like!! It’s worth mentioning that as long as the knife deploys reliably it can be tactical. The knife is not tactical you are. With training any blade locking or non locking will suffice in a life or death situation. It is up to you to learn how to effectively use an edged weapon. Hope this helps!

Check these out:
Stedmon Knife Co. ZKC C02 Reverse Tanto 440c (have a stedemon good 440)
Spyderco Endura/Delica Wharncliffe vg10
CJRB Ramphart D2 but its cool as hell
RUIKE P865 14c28n
Artisan Cutlery Apache D2 also cool as hell.

 

I owned a D2 Griptilian until last summer. I never had any rust issues with it. Never. The neat thing is I never did much of anything to take care of it.

IMO, Benchmade does a wonderful job with their D2.

 

I live and work on the Alabama Gulf Coast and I can tell you that D2 will definitely rust but it doesn't pit out and wither away like 1095 carbon.

 

That ZT really is a hot deal right now. Great way to get into a higher end knife without the higher cost. Also look at the rest of the USA made Kershaws. They have a good range of prices and steels.

For a more budget knife, take a look at what Ruike is doing. In most of their line they use 14c28n which is at the higher end of the budget stainless steels. I've got a few from them and have been really impressed.

 

Im in Canada, and all knives I have owned in D2 have gotten rust “spots”, like little dots. Ex: lionsteel, benchmade.
If its taken care of its fine though.
Honestly, the Sandvik steels are great options, some of my favorite budget and custom knives have that steel. They get used, and no rust as of yet. Easy to maintain, and take a great edge.
Welcome to BF!
Lots of info here on bladesteels! Just gotta search around.

 

Polished D2 is pretty rust resistant. I have a few Queen slipjoints. I have never had them rust. I have gotten a slight patina cutting how meat, or other things. Never stayed. Just rubbed off on a loaded strop.

 

Love Sandvik steel. Their 14C28n
is one of my favorite steels. You can get an amazing edge with it.

 

Dude I love that tanto. Will be getting one in T minus. . . JUST ordered it