D2 vs S35VN vs 3V

[bap190]

I have heard a lot of different opinions on these for blades, that D2 is tried and true reliable and been around for ages, and that it doesn't compete with the newer 3V or S35VN, that these are easier to sharpen and more corrosion resistant etc. So, pros and cons anyone? Personal experiences with a couple for fair comparisons?

 

[WuGod]

What are you looking at using these steels for?

 

[shinyedges]

I have knives in 3v and s35vn currently and had d2 in the past. Of the three, my observations:

3v best edge retention of the three, toughest of the three, perhaps the least corrosion resistant but not an issue as 3v is SIGNIFICANTLY more corrosion resistant than simple carbon steel.

S35vn has the best corrosion resistance of the three, but can and will show rust if neglected or taken swimming (I did). Decent edge retention and good toughness for a stainless.

D2 is neither the most corrosion resistant or abrasion resistant but has better corrosion resistance than 3v and less than s35vn. Edge retention is good in my use, better than s35vn at the hardness I have owned these steels at. Toughness is no where near 3v and quite possibly in the range of s35vn or less.. (Impact resistance) but by no means fragile.. It is a fine steel that responds well to a strop and polished easy for me.


Of the 3 steels I prefer 3v, best all around steel of them. Regarding sharpening, if you learn properly or get a guided system, or belt sander.. Not an issue for most any steel.

Hope this helps.

 

[Dean Crail]

I know you are refering to Medford, I have a Fat Daddy in D2, once I re-profiled the edge to 20DPS it is a very good steel. Honestly I am getting better edge retention out of the D2 than I am S35 (Not MKT's S35 though). I will be getting a Arktika hopefully arriving in the next month or so and I will update then as to the steel. The one knife I had in 3V (Chaves Redencion) was awesome though it really is a top class steel.

Only downside of uncoated D2 is I once mowed all daw with my Fat Daddy in my pocket and the portion of the blade not covered by the Ti handles had some very light easily removed surface rust on it so the D2 does require maintenance. If you go for the new PVD coating corrosion should not be an issue though.

 

[bap190]

What are you looking at using these steels for?

Well as an EDC, self defense weapon and survival tool if needed, pretty broad, I now these steels all have different tasks at hand, maybe to understand those tasks more would help make a choice. I also live on the beach...saltwater and salty air.

 

[calc]

Can't comment on 3V, but I prefer S30V/S35VN to D2 simply for the corrosion resistance. Neither are particularly hard to sharpen with the proper tools (i.e., not natural stones), and both perform similarly IMO. If it were down to these two steels I would simply go with the design I liked best, regardless of steel, unless corrosion resistance were an issue.

 

[bap190]

I have knives in 3v and s35vn currently and had d2 in the past. Of the three, my observations:

3v best edge retention of the three, toughest of the three, perhaps the least corrosion resistant but not an issue as 3v is SIGNIFICANTLY more corrosion resistant than simple carbon steel.

S35vn has the best corrosion resistance of the three, but can and will show rust if neglected or taken swimming (I did). Decent edge retention and good toughness for a stainless.

D2 is neither the most corrosion resistant or abrasion resistant but has better corrosion resistance than 3v and less than s35vn. Edge retention is good in my use, better than s35vn at the hardness I have owned these steels at. Toughness is no where near 3v and quite possibly in the range of s35vn or less.. (Impact resistance) but by no means fragile.. It is a fine steel that responds well to a strop and polished easy for me.


Of the 3 steels I prefer 3v, best all around steel of them. Regarding sharpening, if you learn properly or get a guided system, or belt sander.. Not an issue for most any steel.

Hope this helps.

Great info! Thanks! So in short 3V is the easiest to sharpen? S35vn will show rust, so thats a no go in my book. I kind of figured the most corrosive would be the most likely to rust, I guess thats incorrect. And it sounds like D2 is a great choice as well, what made you choose the others over D2...

 

[bap190]

I know you are refering to Medford, I have a Fat Daddy in D2, once I re-profiled the edge to 20DPS it is a very good steel. Honestly I am getting better edge retention out of the D2 than I am S35 (Not MKT's S35 though). I will be getting a Arktika hopefully arriving in the next month or so and I will update then as to the steel. The one knife I had in 3V (Chaves Redencion) was awesome though it really is a top class steel.

Only downside of uncoated D2 is I once mowed all daw with my Fat Daddy in my pocket and the portion of the blade not covered by the Ti handles had some very light easily removed surface rust on it so the D2 does require maintenance. If you go for the new PVD coating corrosion should not be an issue though.

You caught me, just ordered up a praetorian Ti and was debating on changing the steel from D2 for the extra $100, I also did not get the PVD coating even though I know its best for the blade, their Vulcan finish is so unique I have to spin the lottery wheel and see if mine turns out colorful and nice. I also really like polished blades, and primarily an EDC soooooo the looks get me.

 

[K.O.D.]

This is a difficult comparison, two tool steels vs a stainless. I have not owned 3V, I currently own three knives with S35VN and two knives in D2. D2 is considered a semi-stainless, and depending on the maker etc, it can vary in corrosion resistance. I've owned quite a bit of D2.

My observations:

D2: One of my favorite steels, does not take or hold a super amazing laser sharp edge, but holds a toothy usable edge for quite sometime. Never an issue with corrosion. I currently own a Lionsteel Opera and Brous Bionic in D2. I've used the Brous a ton and it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. My LionSteel has been carried maybe five times in nearly a year and a half, and used once (it is my suit knife, and I rarely wear a suit). It sits in its leather sheath, in the box, and has never rusted. Last time I carried it was at my wedding in July. Just opened it up yesterday, no sign of rust. I've owned D2 from Lionsteel/DPx, Benchmade and Brous. Great steel.

CPM-S35VN--I'm relatively new to this steel, I own it from three different manufacturers; Kizer, Three Sisters Forge, and Southern Grind. I love it, another favorite.

 

[shinyedges]

Ease of sharpening is really null and void if you get a good guided system or belt sander such as a harbor freight 1x30, or even a lansky or sharpmaker... lots of options.

S35vn is a stainless steel and is very corrosion resistant, BUT if you take it swimming it can develop rust spots... so can 3v, or d2 for that matter.

All of the steels you are discussing are pretty rust resistant, with s35vn being the most rust resistant. What i'm trying to say is, on these particular steels rust is less of an issue unless your in a very humid or salty environment, then more frequent maintenance is necessary if you want to keep an absolutely rust free blade. ( a little patina is fine)

3v is more durable in every aspect than s35vn or d2...

Great info! Thanks! So in short 3V is the easiest to sharpen? S35vn will show rust, so thats a no go in my book. I kind of figured the most corrosive would be the most likely to rust, I guess thats incorrect. And it sounds like D2 is a great choice as well, what made you choose the others over D2...

 

[Sulaco]

Nothing special is required to sharpen any of these steels. D2 is the hardest to sharpen, especially at higher hardness levels, but it isn't impossible. Personally I prefer 3V. It's hard for me to justify anything else over 3V. It just does everything right for me.

 

[GatorFlash1]

I currently EDC a Spyderco Gayle Bradley, M4 steel blade. I have used the CRK Zaan with S35V, and the Kershaw Rake with D2. All are top EDC, IMHO. The Kershaw wins on price. I have never had a 3V folder. The ones I did use are heavy duty, tough working knives. I don't take them swimming but have never experienced a corrosion problem. I give my tools an occasional squirt of Breakfree CLP which seems to eliminate rust issues.

Here are some pictures of the Kershaw Rake. It is a neat composite of D2 edge, Sandvik on the rest, joined by a copper seam which you can see in the pictures.

 

[Cobalt]

you live by the beach, S35V hands down. D2 properly treated is an excellent steel but it has no where near the corrosion resistance of S35VN. cpm3V is the worst in corrosion resistance, but beats the other two in toughness. Edge holding will similar in all three and I would not make that the deciding factor.

 

[shinyedges]

I disagree s35vn has similar edge retention as 3v, not even close. I'm excited to try big Chris custom 3v should be even better.