D2 or ATS-34

C

coolhandluke4

Joined
Jan 2, 2010
Messages
929
Hey guys, I'm going to be making a few 12" bowies in this pattern http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=168262&d=1275160039

They're going to be from 3/16" stock, hollow ground, but I can't decide between D2 and ATS-34. Had a wierd dream the other night about body snatching aliens and that was my weapon against them, and in the dream it was specifically made from D2 with black linen micarta scales.

What would you guys recommend? Which would perform better for this application, or what do you think people would prefer to make them sell better. I'm going to be making three of them this week with some 1/4" 1095, which will be clay packed to work on my hamon, but mostly just so I can get some good practice before I go to the much more expensive steels

Thanks guys!
 
ATS-34 has more rust resistance and will take a much better edge than D2. However, D2 will hold a less keen edge longer, so edge retention is better than ATS-34. D2 will also rust more easily than ATS-34 but that shouldn't be a problem if you take care of it. For a larger chopper like the one you mentioned I'd choose D2.
 
I mostly agree with E29, ATS-34 is more stain resistant than D2 and D2 does hold an edge better. The part I don't agree with is the statement about the less keen edge on the D2. Use a ceramic stone and you can get D2 razor sharp. I've been using D2 and ATS-34 on and off for the past 14 or so years.
Jim Arbuckle ABS JS
 
Nebulae said:
why didnt whoever thunk up D2 just add 1% extra Cr to make it stainless?
Click to expand...

Because it would actually make very little difference. None of it truly stainless. Some is more stain resistant than others. Unless you are truly careless with it a D2 knife will not rust.
 
DAMNENG said:
I mostly agree with E29, ATS-34 is more stain resistant than D2 and D2 does hold an edge better. The part I don't agree with is the statement about the less keen edge on the D2. Use a ceramic stone and you can get D2 razor sharp. I've been using D2 and ATS-34 on and off for the past 14 or so years.
Jim Arbuckle ABS JS
Click to expand...

I probably could have worded that better... A microscopic comparison between D2 and ATS-34 will reveal that the edge on a D2 knife is a bit more jagged than than a ATS-34 edge. This is because the grain of ATS-34 is a lot finer than that of D2, I believe because of the increased Molybdenum content (~.50% as compared to 4%). I'm not a metallurgist so don't quote me on that though, I could be wrong. Molybdenum increases "hardenability" by limiting austenite grain size; thus leading to the finer grain of ATS-34. However, finer grain decreases wear resistance leading to the wear resistance of D2. I hope this clarifies things... As I said, I could be wrong though so take it for what it is.
 
D2 is a great semi-stainless high carbon steel. It holds a scary sharp useable edge. Seems to be cutting also when going dull because of its lightly coarse carbide grains.

Ats34 is another great steel but it's preferable if you want more stain resistance.

I never made a bowie in D2 or in ATS34, better maybe to use a good carbon steel because they have better toughness than D2 or ATS34.

Cheers
 
Make two, one out of d2 and one out of ats34. Then post a comparison thread with lots of pictures.

FMB
 
I'm far from an expert, but my general impression of the two steels is that the D2 would be better in the larger heavier duty blades. As folks have already said, D2 is tougher and holds a practical edge longer due to the micro-serrated effect of the grain. ATS 34 takes a better razor edge and is more corrosion resistant so for me it gets the nod on smaller knives that see less rough use and more fine work.

There's a certain irony there though, since I'm about to embark on my second "from a blank piece of steel" knife and it's going to be a bowie style design out of ATS34 because that's what I have and I'm more concerned with learning than anything else.
 
Remyrw said:
I'm far from an expert, but my general impression of the two steels is that the D2 would be better in the larger heavier duty blades. As folks have already said, D2 is tougher and holds a practical edge longer due to the micro-serrated effect of the grain. ATS 34 takes a better razor edge and is more corrosion resistant so for me it gets the nod on smaller knives that see less rough use and more fine work.

There's a certain irony there though, since I'm about to embark on my second "from a blank piece of steel" knife and it's going to be a bowie style design out of ATS34 because that's what I have and I'm more concerned with learning than anything else.
Click to expand...

It's not grain size, it's large blocky carbides that are the issue. Large blocky carbides do not abrade to a fine edge, they either stand out like an abrasive saw or, more commonly tear out leaving behind jagged holes

-Page
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top