First Fixed Blade & A2 (Hogue).

[Douglas Wever]

Background: I have a Benchmade folder with D2 that was my duty knife in state LE, I recently acquired a Benchmade Titanium 761 which I picked up for the sheer lightness of the carry, and have subsequently become a fan of M389.

Now I have ordered a Hogue total length foot long fixed blade with a 7” blade and A-2 Tool Steel - RC 57-59. Only $249, so a good starter for my first fixed blade.

1. For general outdoor use, how will I like the A2 Steel. While the blade is coated in Armor Tuff (a coating I was very pleased with on a Wilson Combat 1911), how will the edge stand up to corrosion? I’m in Alaska and it can be wet.

2. How will the A2 edge hold compared to D2?

3. For general outdoor use, is .235 a thick enough blade in this A2?

 

[Charlie Mike]

A2 is one of my favorite steels to work with. As long as you strop lightly once a week (you should be doing this anyway), the edge won't accumulate any corrosion. It's more than tough enough at that thickness and RC. I run mine a little higher. Edge retention will be a little less than D2.

 

[dirc]

A2 is wonderful stuff, but it is also a more simple steel than D2. The edge may not hold as well as D2, but it will be tougher and resist chipping much better. Thus, great for outdoor and hard use.

C 1.00% Mn 1.0% Cr 5.00% Ni 0.30% Mo 1.0% V 0.15-0.5%

It is lower in Chrome than D2 also, so keep the edge oiled esp if it will spend a few days in a leather sheath.

more info...
https://www.steelexpress.co.uk/toolsteel/A2-Steel-properties.html

With a good maker like Hogue, I would not worry about the heat treatment at all, and any thickness over 0.187 tends to work well for outdoor & rough use. Report back in a month after you have it tested