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D2 sharpening challenged
- Thread starter roknjs
- Start date
David Martin
Moderator
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2008
- Messages
- 19,520
I use a Norton JUM-3 coarse side to began working up a burr. Then on to the fine side to remove it and a final scrapping on the coarse diamond. Use a Sharpie and a guide. DM
BluntCut MetalWorks
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2012
- Messages
- 3,476
I sharpened only a few D2 knives, so take my opinion with a spoonofsalt. My hair whittling durable edge progression:
DMT XC -> C -> F -> EF -> EEF -> 1micron diamond/cbn -> debur with EEF -> 0.5u diamond/cbn
-> deburr with EEF (very very light touch) -> 0.1u polydiamond -> finish on plain leather.
I put 'durable' because lack of highly polish finishes, D2 lose its edge really fast. OK, in the past I sharpened D2 with waterstones the whole way through, edge gets sharp but dull very quickly (way below an acceptable working edge level).
DMT XC -> C -> F -> EF -> EEF -> 1micron diamond/cbn -> debur with EEF -> 0.5u diamond/cbn
-> deburr with EEF (very very light touch) -> 0.1u polydiamond -> finish on plain leather.
I put 'durable' because lack of highly polish finishes, D2 lose its edge really fast. OK, in the past I sharpened D2 with waterstones the whole way through, edge gets sharp but dull very quickly (way below an acceptable working edge level).
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2011
- Messages
- 538
I just finished a folder with d2 about an hour ago, I'm not sure what equipment your using but I use a 2x72 belt grinder to put an edge on mine I put a 25 to 30 degree angle on the edge. Got a long full burr at 400 grit lightly buffed it off and it's shaving and cutting thru 1/4 leather strap pretty easily. Just need to get some descent pics and I'll post it up soon in the exchange. http://www.flickr.com/photos/76334310@N07/ I took a few pics with my iPhone. Doesn't look to good but theres some pics
David Martin
Moderator
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2008
- Messages
- 19,520
I've noticed D2 does not hold its edge so great. It's edge retention is ok-good but I'm not taking it as fine as others. So, I thought it could be better. Still, it could be the heat treat. DM
Jason B.
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2007
- Messages
- 11,233
D2 is not hard to sharpen it just takes more time. Diamond, waterstones, or a cheap Sic stone will put a very respectable edge on D2 tool steel.
I find for chopping its best to have a high polished edge in the 1-3 Micron range and for general cutting it seems to do well between 300-1000 grit.
When D2 has been HT'ed softer (say 58-59 Rc) you will notice little in the way of sharpening ease but a big difference in burr formation. As-in, its a pita to remove and keeps reforming itself.
I find for chopping its best to have a high polished edge in the 1-3 Micron range and for general cutting it seems to do well between 300-1000 grit.
When D2 has been HT'ed softer (say 58-59 Rc) you will notice little in the way of sharpening ease but a big difference in burr formation. As-in, its a pita to remove and keeps reforming itself.