D2 in a fixed blade??

O

onceuponanace

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Mar 8, 2009
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If this has been done please direct me th the appropriate link.

What are peoples thoughts on D2 as far as a fixed blade knife go?
(Almost a stainless steel but not quite)

Holds an edge really well but can it take the beating fixed blades are expected to out in the field?

Would it make a decent survival knife?

Any issues with chipping/cracking?

First hand knowledge would be appreciated. Thank you.
 
Depends on the heat treatment! The Kershaw Outcast is a good example of a large chopper in D2, and it can really take a beating. There have been other knives in D2 that seem to have chipping/snapping issues, such as those put out by Ontario Knife Company, but this is most likely do to their rather unpredictable heat treating.
 
The Original Busse's were D2 they only changed there steel because they developed their own.
 
D2 is a very good steel, it however does have it's drawbacks. Like 22-rimfire said, it cannot be used as a prybar.
I personally prefer Dozier for his D2 heat treatment. His KS-3 and his Wilderness knife are both really great for survival. They are strong and will take most any abuse you can give them. Though, if you use them as a pry bar, they will not holdup like a cold steel blade. Remember a knife is not a pry bar, though I understand that sometimes, especially in an emergency you may need to use it as one. A Dozier, should hold up.
The benefit to the D2 is the edge retention. They WILL hold an edge when others dull.
Another thing to keep in mind is handle material choices, for survival stick with Micarta, it will not crack, break and is inpenatrable to oils. Very great material.
I use my Doziers to baton wood to make kindling and have never had an issue... One thing I really appriciate is that after hard use during hunting season, it will still shave hair after all the abuse without having to touch it up.
I used my Pro-Skinner (K19) last year on 2 deer, 1 elk. That is gutting, breaking the brisket, skinning, boning and cutting the meat. and still never had to touch it up and it is ready for next season.
All in all, I say go for it... One thing to keep in mind, Dozier has the best D2. Over all other knife makers.
 
thefifth said:
The Original Busse's were D2 they only changed there steel because they developed their own.
Click to expand...



No, they were A2.

I think the general consensus is that D2 is more suited to smaller, more delicate blades (think Dozier). A2 is more suited to applications where toughness is a primary parameter. Generalizing here...
 
The Bob Dozier knives look pretty substantial to me.

My Ladybug 3 and Spin Etched have what I call smaller, more delicate blades!

What do you call a larger, less delicate blade???
 
You will not have any problems with well heat treated D2.
 
One thing about A2 that is better than D2 is the strength, Dozier will use A2 if you request it. It will not hold an edge as well though.
Dozier Knives are typically not as large as some of the knives you see out there, I can attest to the fact that with his knives, you can do more with less knife. Meaning you don't need a huge knife for big tasks. One of my favorite survival knives is Doziers Reverse Tanto, it is not very well suited for working game animals, but it excels as a do it all camp knife. At only 7 1/4 it will do any and everything you need it to do in a survival situation. I carry a metal match in my sheath a friend of mine makes. I would not go into the woods without a Dozier and metal match.
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If I were going to take a survival knife with me that I *might* use to dress an animal, then I would go for a tougher steel, O1, 52100, etc. If I were going to take a hunting knife that I *might* use for survival, then I would take a Dozier.
 
The Reverse Tanto will work on an animal, in fact I have used it on deer in the past. Though it is not as well suited as the Pro or the Yukon. I have used it on a lot of fish as well. I know the limits of my abilities and what a knife is meant to do. I would sacrifice a little strength, (pry bar) for a sharp knife.
Also an important reminder Sodak, people don't go into the wild to have a survival situation. Unless that is the overall plan. Most of the time, people are hunting and they get turned around and lost, or have some situation arise. I always carry my tanto, because it is small, always there when you need it, and reliable. If I were planning to crash a plane in the middle of the wilderness in Alaska, I may plan to have an axe as well, but that is not how most survival situations occur, they are unexpected.
One important thing to remember is the best knife to have in a survival situation is the one you have on you! We could debate for days about which is best for this and that. The main thing is, be comfortable with your knife and only carry one you can rely on. When we teach survival to people that is one of the main concepts about knives you have to convey to people.
I like sharp well balanced knives that are tough and hold an edge through thick and thin. I also really have a love affair with a hollow grind. They make cutting a breeze even on really tough material.
 
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I have and use a couple Dozier Knives. They hold an edge and have had no problems with them over the last couple years. I also have a Kershaw Outcast which is a fine knife as well.

Dozier makes some 7in.+ blades as well out of D2. Check his website out and see if something catches your eye. He will also make something to your liking as well.
 
I’ve had decent luck with D2 in fixed blades, and they’ve haven’t had the extreme quality and reputation of Dozier D2
 
Don't let negative things you've read about D2 keep you from using it in the field. It's fine steel for any outdoor application. Heat treated, tempered properly, with a good blade/edge geometry, D2 is good to go.
Scott
 
I've got a small collection of different steels and the D2 is my favorite cutting edge. Buy a hatchet or the Outcast for chopping though.
 
Thanks for all the replys they have been very helpfull. Buy all means please keep them coming I appreciate reading everyone's view points.
 
Thanks for all the replys they have been very helpfull. Buy all means please keep them coming I appreciate reading everyone's view points.
 
"Don't let negative things you've read about D2 keep you from using it in the field. It's fine steel for any outdoor application. Heat treated, tempered properly, with a good blade/edge geometry, D2 is good to go.
Scott "

That pretty much sums it up right there. Mr. Dozier is very well known for his heat treat of D2, and he has earned that reputation. D2 is probably my favorite steel for a hunting knife and can be very very tough when the heat treat is done properly.

D2 has been discussed many times on here. A forum search should yield plenty of results.

SDS
 
I've a RAT 3 in D2 with Ram's horn handles.It seems very good for a variety of tasks (I won't baton, hatchets are for that)and it has remained keen.
On this knife at least it works well and looks good to as its matte,polished D2 often looks orange peel-like.....
 
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