D2 vs M2??

Ed,
Assuming a good heat treat, both steels are very solid choices for using blades. Here's a quick compositional breakdown:

--D2--
Carbon- 1.55%
Manganese- .35%
Silicon- .45%
Chromium- 11.5%
Molybdenum- .90%
Vanadium- .80%

--M2--
Carbon- .85%
Manganese- .30%
Silicon- .30%
Chromium- 4.15%
Vanadium- 1.95%
Tungsten- 6.40%
Molybdenum- 5.00%

In practical terms, the general consensus is that the relatively large amount of chromium in D2 makes this very nearly what would be considered a "stainless steel". Ergo, all other things being equal, D2 will enjoy an edge in corrosion resistance over M2. M2, on the other hand, has over twice the vanadium content of D2, so it enjoys a measurable advantage in terms of wear resistance. Both exhibit approximately the same absolute amount of toughness although toughness in D2 is optimized at around an HRC of 60, while M2's toughness is greatest at an HRC of around 63.



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Semper Fi

-Bill
 
I've been using both steels for several years and have come to the conclusion that M2 makes a much better cutting using knife than D2 if properly cared for. M2 is a much finer grained steel and takes a superior edge. D2 also will take a fine edge if ground thin but I find it is more brittle at HRC 61 than M2 at HRC 62-63.

As far as rust resistance goes, D2 has the edge here but if rust resistance is an issue, then you're better served with a high carbon stainless such as ATS 34 or even better BG-42 or one of the powder metal satinless steels.

Workability and ease of perfect heat treat results by any good commercial heat treater give M2 another bir plus in my book. M2 blades can be ground to final specs, finished and then heat treated. I love the finish this steel takes.

For really large knives - camp variety - I wouldn't use either of these steels anyway, but rather something with more shock resistance.

anyway. my 2cents...

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http://www.wilkins-knives.com
http://www.wilkins.de
 
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