D-2 for a larger blade?

TheDandyLion

TheDandyLion

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Mar 27, 2013
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I have decided to make another knife, this time a larger fixe blade (8-9"+) but can't decide on a steel. I have made a small knife in the past from D-2 and fell in love with the steel, that said I have never heard of it beig used in a large wilderness type blade or chopper. Is there a reason? If so what other steel should I use and where sould I get it?

Thanks for the help,

Jake
 
D2 is not a good choice for a chopper. It lacks the impact resistance and edge stability to make a good chopper. Sure, you could do it, but it really doesn't make a whole lot of sense. 5160, Calmax, and 1080 are all much better choices for a chopper.
 
I have read that D2 may chip when used in a chopper sized knife for chopping. I believe this is why you simply don't see many large choppers made with D2 steel. It is a great steel for cutting.
 
Kershaw Outcast run at lower hardness does not chip and certainly isn't brittle. I've used mine a good bit and its very tough.
 
crom said:
Kershaw Outcast run at lower hardness does not chip and certainly isn't brittle. I've used mine a good bit and its very tough.
Click to expand...
Running a steel at less than optimal hardness is not a real good way of making a knife, you are better off choosing the right steel for the application. Do I know why they decided on D2 in the outcast? I have a few guesses, but there is probably good reason (besides economy) why they use MN65 (or whatever ) for the Camp series.

That's not to say that D2 will explode if you do anything but cut with it, but soft D2 + a relatively obtuse edge angle would make something like the Outcast survive chopping. It's just not anywhere near being the ideal.
 
So I guess I should choose a different steel, anyone know where I can get .25/.188"x3" 1080/1084?
 
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