D2 versus M2 Steel

I

ivan_yulaev

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Oct 20, 2003
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In general, what is better for a knife?

I know D2 has much more carbon, but M2 has significantly more Molybdelium, as well as a good 5% tungsten...so what has better overall hardness/wear resistance? I would assume it to be M2, because tunstein and vanadium carbindes are alot harder than chromium ones...but then again, what do I know?
 
I'd say the D2 will be more rust resistant. I don't have anything in M2 but I've recently bought a hunter by Philippe Laurent in D2 and it sure is a great knife.
 
It is not that is has to be a hard carbide. The more important point is carbide size and distribution. M2 is tempered on higher temperatues (500°C) than D2, so you can expect much more small carbides, than on normal treated D2. Tungsten builds smaller carbides compared to vanadium. Even though they are not as hard as vanadium they are quit hard. Considering wear resistance the small carbides perform aswell as the bigger ones, but M2 contains some bigger carbides too.

Many reports are saying, that M2 takes and holds a finer edge than D2. I don´t know this by own experience. I didn´t fuond much difference between a 40+° and a 30+° edge angle on a D2 blade. Tried it and the edge behaves the same, considering noticeable breakouts at the edge.

I hold a D2 blade, which is tempered at nearly the same temperatures of M2 and the edge comes out very fine. I really love it. As a positive extra result, the blade is tougher than tempered at normal ranges (100 - 200 °C). This D2 blade remained rust resistant enough for my tasks. Even cuttting oranges don´t make any harm (i usually wipe or clean my blades after using, no matter if they are stainless or not).

So, if rust is a problem or concern, M2 might cause more maintance for you. But, as many say, the wild wild west was won with non stainless knifes, so what? Benchmade protects M2 blades with a good coating.

For a fixed production knife, i would go for M2. For a folder, D2 might be the bettter choice. The best, looking at the two: D2 tempered on high temperatures, or S30V.:D
 
Although M2 may hard an edge longer and be tougher/harder or whatever I think that the differences is hard to discern for the normal knife user. I would pick D2 simply because it is more rust resistance. I have a m2 folder that I always keep dry and clean and it still rusted.
 
I use D2 a lot. I have thought about trying out M2, but it is three times as expensive as D2 and so far I haven't thought any differences to be worth the extra expense. The M2 is almost twice as expensive as S30V.
 
I would bet M2 is more wear resistant than D2. It isn't used in drill bits for nothing.

My 814HS (M2) has held its edge better than my 806D2, but I've probably carried and used the 806D2 more. They are both fine steels.
 
I own both - D2 clearly more rust resistant. M2 is harder to sharpen, but once you get an edge it seems to stay sharp forever.
 
M2 HSS
My dad brought this knife that was ground from a used HSS saw blade (Saw mill equipment) and it took an edge forever(slashed drywall, cardboard and tons of packaging tape with it). Kept it drive and didn't rust at all.
 
M2 all the way.

Contrary to what most people say it will not rust just by looking at it so you are safe for most applications.

I have seen rust form on 440C and it has never been near water so you be the judge. Sure if you are going to dump it in water and never clean it off then don't even touch tooling steel. get H1 or 440A if you want an edge get M2 and give it the odd rub and you will be fine.
 
I have managed to rust my m2 blade on more than one occasion. I'm regularly near water during the summer, flyfishing for various fish here in Alaska. I've even managed to get a little rust spotting on my D2 bladed Dozier. That was after wiping off peanutbutter and jelly and then rinsing the knife in a river and then sticking it back in a wet sheath. Wet because I was busy holding a friends float plane in a fairly strong wind and really wasn't thinking about the knife. 180 dollar knives loose out to 150k airplanes every time.

Overall I would say m2 rusts easier (especially around salt water), but holds a wicked edge. D2 is more rust resistant, and has a nice toothy edge that I like very much.

I'm really fortunate to have recently won a Talonite knife from Tom Walz in a recent knife drawing. At least now I don't need to worry about rust.

Bruce
 
It's a good thing you didn't ask about W2 or A2 or this thread would get really complicated. :rolleyes:
 
I tend to take pretty good care of my knives, and very rarely get them wet. I almost always try to keep a film of oil on the blade, as well. M2 for me then!
 
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