d2 or 1095

Gerberblades

Gerberblades

Joined
Dec 31, 2006
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Which one is better quality kind of steel, and which one holds a sharp edge longer, and is easier to sharpen?


Thanks,
GB
 
D2 will hold the edge longer no question. 1095 IMO is much easier to sharpen, and just gets sharper.

I prefer 1095, but you can't go wrong with D2:thumbup:
 
What is it for?

Ontario's RAT come to my mind, but wich one? What size of knife do you ask this for?
 
I would go for 1095. It easy to get a fine razor edge with little effort. D2 is good but not for me.
 
D2 has a higher wear resistance, is more corrosion resistant and much harder to grind. It is suited to coarse finishes which do well for slicing. 1095 is tougher, easier to grind and more suited to a high polish.

-Cliff
 
Gerberblades said:
Which one is better quality kind of steel, and which one holds a sharp edge longer, and is easier to sharpen?
Thanks,
GB
Click to expand...
I would think that D2 is "better quality" because the impurity standards must meet that of tool steels. Not that 1095 is dirty or trashy, but tool steels tend to be held in a higher standard in the impurity department.
 
I'm patiently waiting for my Dozier Small Folding Hunter which will be my first knife in D2. I have several slipjoints in 1095. I love that steel. Easy to get scary sharp and takes a very nice patina. That steel really looks good when it ages.
 
I agree with Chrisaloia..... my D2 blades hold the edge I can give them substantially longer, but the question is in "the edge I can give them". My 1095 sharpens up very nice and stays that way long enough for me to be happy. No more D2 for me (though I might be tempted to try one of Dozier's hollow ground blades).
 
Gerberblades said:
I want a survival/utility knife. Also what is the best steel for this use?


Thanks,
GB
Click to expand...


Generally, I like D2 over 1095. D2 gets a "toothy" edge that cuts really well, and keeps the edge for a long time. It is not easy to sharpen. It's very close to stainless as far as corrosion resistance goes.
However, as the blade length starts reaching past 7 inches or so, I'd go with 1095 over D2 because of 1095's superior toughness.
And when I buy large 1095 blades, I prefer them to be coated.

So, though as said I generally like D2 better, if I'm looking for a "survival/utility knife", I'd lean towards 1095.
Coated from the factory preferably. If not, that's fine...it will quickly develop a very colorful patina! :)
 
I am in the midst of this decision now, trying to pick out the steel for my Kabar. Also, I have 440A thrown in the mix. I'm looking at the the classic USMC, the Next Generation, and the Extreme. Tough choices.
 
Gerberblades said:
Which steel is stronger,d2 or 154cm? Is it true d2 chips easy?
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Ask Cliff,
- he will definitely answer this question properly. But, the short answer is...depends on the heat treat, and blade/ grind geometry, ref. chipping. But "stronger" ???
For what??? Throwing into trees?....getting the lug nuts loose on your mini-van? ....or slicing or chopping? Depends on the purpose.
 
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