Custom tactical folder,A2 or D2

kauai Marc

kauai Marc

Joined
Oct 3, 2006
Messages
1,183
Hello all,

Seeking your opinion,i am getting ready to order a custom tactical folder,
framelock flipper,blade will be 3,5".The maker is offering me the choice
between A2 and D2.Which should i get,and why?
Your imput is greatly appreciated,thanks
Marc
 
Hi Marc,

As long as you are the desert and not around water...salt water in particular...AD or D2 is fine.

Any particular reason the maker doesn't offer a stainless steel for their folder?
 
Well,i live only 1/2 mile from the ocean,corrosion is a big problem here.I guess he offered
the steel he had on hand,but i will ask him if he can get a stainless.
I still would like to hear opinions,pro and con between A2 and D2,thanks
Marc
 
I have a coupla knives of D2, reputable make, which don't really turn my crank, vis a vis easy sharpening and man it's hard to get that razor edge. But is keeps whatever edge you give it for a good long time.
Either A2 or D2 would kind of suck in corrosive conditions I would think. A mirror finish would help, and for god's sake don't let him sandblast the blade!

Call me old fashioned, but I LOVE ATS34 and 154CM, which are basically almost identical, chemically speaking. Not very expensive as bar stock, neither. For that matter, I have some great knives that are 440c, and that stuff is really good value.

I personally would choose neither A2 nor D2 for a custom folder, but that's just me:).
 
Hi Marc,

A-2, inexpensive, easy to work, tough steel that holds a good edge. Will rust if you look at it hard...high maintenance.

D-2 Excellent combination of carbon steel with some chromium. I carried a Brend Model 2 in D-2 for a 4 year stretch that took me from Alaska to Panama to the Desert and the woods. Great steel for a large fixed blade...liked to "freckle" up in Panama.

Fixed blades of these two carried in a kydex and nylon sheath would require some daily maintenance in the field. Which with my knife was done right after the M-16 and my .45 got cleaned.

Folders are a different animal. Due in large part to the fact that they are carried in the pocket and will pick up the heat and moisture from the body wearing the pants that the pockets are attached to.

Consequently, a stainless steel is a better choice than a carbon steel. Even the oil from your hands opening and closing the knife can "freckle" your steel.

S30V or CPM-154 (of today's steels) are probably the better choice for your folder steel.

If the maker has difficulty with those, Lorien's suggestion of ATS-34 will do the trick.
 
for a tool steel that is not bad about corrosion cpm3v is great
i have taken my neckers in the pool and the hot tub and never had a problem (just wash them off after you get out )

i have not ever oiled the knives just kept them washed off after exposure

its a good hard use steel that can hold a great edge and also take high loades to the blade
the next folder i make for myself will be in 3v and it will have replaced a cpm154 and a cpms125v that i had made
 
Les Robertson's recommendation is right on the mark. If it comes down to only having a choice between the A2 and D2 go with the D2 but you will have to maintain the knife.
 
D2 will pit overnite where you live...........

I would get a hi chrome/vanadium knife if I were you.........S30V would be a good choice.......or even stellite 6K if you can find it.
 
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