D2 vs. BG-42

[mschwoeb]

I am curious about how these two types of steel compare, after hearing all of the demand for D2 and not having any knowledge of it. If anyone could shed some light on the differences, and which is better and how it would be appreciated.

 

[Buzzbait]

I have a feeling that the differences in heat treatment affect these steels more than others; especially concerning D2. Theoretically, D2 should be a little tougher, but less stainless. I’ve heard ravings about Bob Dozier D2, and nightmares about other D2 heat treatments. I guess that D2 takes some serious knowledge and skill to heat treat properly. I now have a Dozier and will attest that his D2 heat treatment takes a wicked edge. Only time will tell how tough and how stainless it is.

Personally, I love BG-42. I have a CR Sebenza in BG-42, and two Bucks in BG-42. I think that Paul Bos heat treats Buck’s BG-42. All I can say is that I’m blown away by the performance and stainlessness of Buck’s BG-42 blades. They sharpen up better than any other stainless steel knives I have. I’ve used the heck out of them, and haven’t had any chipping or premature dulling problems. Not a speck of rust either. And if you get a serrated BG-42 blade from PCKS…..Wow!!!! My serrated Buck110 in BG-42 cuts through anything I throw at it.

I’d say that Buck BG-42 is my favorite stainless steel right now. It isn’t too hard to sharpen, takes a wicked edge and holds it. It’s also quite stainless. It’s almost like getting a good carbon steel that doesn’t rust.

 

[folsom]

Personally, I love BG-42. I have a CR Sebenza in BG-42, and two Bucks in BG-42. I think that Paul Bos heat treats Buck’s BG-42. All I can say is that I’m blown away by the performance and stainlessness of Buck’s BG-42 blades. They sharpen up better than any other stainless steel knives I have. I’ve used the heck out of them, and haven’t had any chipping or premature dulling problems. Not a speck of rust either. And if you get a serrated BG-42 blade from PCKS…..Wow!!!! My serrated Buck110 in BG-42 cuts through anything I throw at it.

I can second that. I got started clearing some brush in my backyard - small trees 1 - 1.5" in diameter, and realized I was doing most of it with the 560 with the partially serrated BG-42 blade. Not the tool you would usually use for that, but it took it and kept on going.