D2 and plain carbon steel; woodworking

Q

Quy4n8

Joined
Nov 27, 2002
Messages
659
How does D2 (such as from Queen) and say 1095 or O1 compare for carving or whittling? Plain steel should have a much finer grain structure, which would theoretically give you a much finer edge, better for push cuts than D2. But this is all theory, how do they compare in real life? I could get basically the same knife, either from Queen in D2 or from Moore Maker in 1095 (still made by Queen, I believe). Any thoughts or suggestions are most welcome. I am looking for a nice pocket knife that has secondary blade/s for woodworking.

Q
 
Production slipjoint is correct. Even CPM D2 is going to have a relatively course grain compared to properly heat treated carbon steel.
 
ag russell knives has their own pocket whittler ,kind of arc'd shape for comfort,very nice I have one and whittled a bit of wood trying to make a handle for a puuko,held up very well ,only thing it's made of 14-4 CrMo(60-62 rc) steel but it still is nice.
 
An excellent choice would be A-2 ! They do make high end planer blades of A-2 .Bark River makes some knives of the steel which should be more popular than it is.
Of course that's not a powder steel .For that I'd like to try may favorite CPM 154 !! That will take a very fine edge and is easy to sharpen.
 
D2 will not be "hair whittling" sharp as long, but will hold a functional carving edge longer than 1095.
OTOH, you'll need a diamond hone to sharpen it.
while I like plain carbon steels a lot, I'm also pretty fond of D2 and doubt you'll be disappointed with either.
 
IMO, the type of steel is less critical than the blade's geometry and heat treatment. Geometry defines a knife's cutting abilities, while the heat treatment determines edge holding. Shallow convex grinds are best for whittling and precise woodworking (but they are very hard to find). Hollow grinds are better suited for slicing. Flat grinds are a compromise between those two. Most manufacturers these days make hollow ground blades because they are cheaper to mass-produce. Stick a piece of steel between two grinding wheels and out comes a hollow ground blade. And then another one and another one... That is how and why knives from China cost $10 even though they are really worthless. That said, there are still companies that know how to make quality knives. You can buy any model with any steel from companies like Queen or GEC with confidence as these folks make great quality folders that are superbly heat treated. I have a D2 Scandi Enzo folder and can say that it is an outstanding whittler. Northwods and Scagel make some outstanding folders worth checking out as well. Derrick at Knivesshipfree.com will take care of you if you are interested in those two brands.
 
I love D2 for it's savage edge retention, the knives I use for flesh and hide are made of Bob Dozier's D2, but its large carbides make it tough to get that highly polished edge I like for woodworking.


On the flip side, a simple high carbon steel like 1095 will easily take a high polish, and cut through wood fibers with ease. What it gives up in edge retention is offset by the ease of sharpening. A little stropping as you work, even if just on your jeans, will help keep that edge razor sharp.





Big Mike
 
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