D2 Maintenance

B

Big Algernon

Joined
May 29, 2012
Messages
9
I have a few D2 knives between one Kershaw and a Benchmade. I was wondering what sort of maintenance it may need. I know it isn't stainless and I know it can take a patina. I saw one D2 benchmade on Reddit a few months ago with one... but does it rust easily? Should I keep it oiled?
 
No, it doen't rust easy, but you should oil any steel IMO. It's about as close to a stainless as you can get. I find it about like the stainless ATS-34 in that regard.

Most all of my fixed blades are D2, and several of my folders. I've never had one develop any rust, and I treat them the same as my stainless knives.

D2 doesn't take a patina very well. It will, but not like most carbon steels.
 
Thanks guys... and I just put a bit of 3in1 oil on an off-color spot on my Para 2, it seemed to even out the color on the handles.

Good for a variety of uses, I suppose.
 
Use car paste wax if you want something to coat it that will stay in place.
 
D2 is pretty low-maintenance. It holds an edge quite well and does not rust or tarnish easily. All the oil/wax ideas mentioned above will be fine - unless you cut your food with the knife. Plain mineral oil will protect the steel, doesn't stink, and is food-safe.
 
I have a Kershaw Outcast that's seen some hard use and I just spray it down with WD40, slide it into the sheath, and it's been rust free for years now.
 
I agree with Ken D2 is some good stuff, I have tried forcing a patina on a queen D2 and it took an hour with mustard just to get it to darken a tiny tiny bit, I am talking just high polish to satin finish. It can discolor over time but just dont leave it out in the rain or snow and put a very thin film of oil on it and it will serve you well.
 
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