Guys, how does that D2 steel perform?

[Cackmandu]

In general. TIA

 

[knarfeng]

For cutting abrasive materials it is close to high end PM alloys in performance, and is about equal to S30V.

Can get rust spots, so wants a bit of oil now and then.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...PM-M4-HC-ZDP-189-M390-and-S30V-edge-retention

 

[TravisH]

Me likey.

Got the BK24 instead of the BK14 cuz it had D2.

Edge retention has been excellent. Really seems to respond to stropping quite well.

D2 is a 'semi-stainless' so periodic oiling would be good. Just get into the habit of oiling everything and no worries.

 

[DeadboxHero]

D2 is not for me. It likes to be working sharp for a long time. I've put the effort to sharpen it to infinitely and it held a razor sharp edge like a bag of ice on sunny asphalt.

My guess is edge corrison.

It was on my BM 51 balisong so I guess the working edge probably saved my fingers.

It's pretty tough. I dropped my 51 a ton on concrete. Dented the tip but no breaks. Not bad for a steel in the 60- 62 hrc range.

 

[flarp]

It's served me very well on my CB Leek, D2 MiniGrip, and ZT 0454. I like D2 a lot. It took me a bit of trial and error at first to figure out how to sharpen it to my liking, and it didn't help that I started on some less abrasive natural stones (D2 is very wear resistant). But with diamond stones, it sharpens up great. I also leave mine a bit toothy (usually stopping at about 600-800 grit).

 

[bodog]

If you're gonna try D2, you might want to up it to CPMD2 or PSF27.

 

[CapitalizedLiving]

D2 is fine as is. I hated it but after getting an EnZo with it I realized I was just being a powder steel elitist snob.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

It works well,
When I got into knife making the saying about D2 that was meant in jest but holds a lot of truth is D2 take a lousy edge, and holds it!

Meaning that the edge is not really refined,It has Large carbide clumps but the edge lasts a heck of a long time. The finish can have orange peel look as well.

Ive made hunters and many Culinary knives with D2. CPM-D2 is a favorite of D2 steels for the slightly more refined grain.

 

[Franciscomv]

I've got several small-medium D2 fixed blades (mostly customs, but also a couple of production ones) and some Benchmade folders with D2 blades. I really like it and haven't had any issues with it.

I don't know how well it would work for larger blades that might be subjected to more shock and impacts from chopping and stuff like that, but my 5" Tusker in D2 from Scott Gossman and my old Ontario RAT3 both have performed great for years.

 

[bodog]

Here ya go, pretty interesting reading:

http://www.thefabricator.com/article/metalsmaterials/the-science-of-steel

 

[NJBillK]

OP: I have a Becker BK24 and I love it. I have owned this knife for near two years, and I have done Nothing for corrosion maintenence and it looks near new.
Regarding the edge, I bought the knife with the intent on using it in a harsh environment. Landscaping was the job it was purchased for. I used it to open bags of cement, dig holes, cut sod, trim small plants and trees, cut plastic flower pots, trim vinyl fencing, sharpen pencils, and anything else you can think of.
Though it would lose its shaving edge in a similar time frame to my SAK, it would maintain a working edge for Much Much longer. One of my favorite steels for adverse conditions, where a working edge is preferred.

The BK24 from Becker was my Go to knife for over one Very harsh year, and it took it like a champ.

For cutting abrasive materials it is close to high end PM alloys in performance, and is about equal to S30V.

Can get rust spots, so wants a bit of oil now and then.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...PM-M4-HC-ZDP-189-M390-and-S30V-edge-retention

Umm... this is intended for clarification purposes. What are the intervals shown by the graph?
-How many days, weeks, months between sharpening?
-How many pieces of paper it can push cut?
-How many times it can cut 1" manilla prior to experiencing a roll?

A graph without values specified and designated to specific areas just looks nice while allowing for A Lot of misinformation to be passed around.

I am not disputing that m390 or m4 holds an edge longer than aus 8, but what is the scale that the retention shown is based upon?

 

[JR88FAN]

OP: I have a Becker BK24 and I love it. I have owned this knife for near two years, and I have done Nothing for corrosion maintenence and it looks near new.
Regarding the edge, I bought the knife with the intent on using it in a harsh environment. Landscaping was the job it was purchased for. I used it to open bags of cement, dig holes, cut sod, trim small plants and trees, cut plastic flower pots, trim vinyl fencing, sharpen pencils, and anything else you can think of.
Though it would lose its shaving edge in a similar time frame to my SAK, it would maintain a working edge for Much Much longer. One of my favorite steels for adverse conditions, where a working edge is preferred.

The BK24 from Becker was my Go to knife for over one Very harsh year, and it took it like a champ.




Umm... this is intended for clarification purposes. What are the intervals shown by the graph?
-How many days, weeks, months between sharpening?
-How many pieces of paper it can push cut?
-How many times it can cut 1" manilla prior to experiencing a roll?

A graph without values specified and designated to specific areas just looks nice while allowing for A Lot of misinformation to be passed around.

I am not disputing that m390 or m4 holds an edge longer than aus 8, but what is the scale that the retention shown is based upon?

I never liked those graphs either.

They give you a good General idea, but I never find the steels to work exactly that way in real world use....

I think a lot of it has to do with the HT's differing from manufacture to maker, and even from knife to knife.

I haven't yet used D2 enough to want to leave any advice, but I am very interested to read what everyone else thinks...

 

[bdmicarta]

I have a Benchmade 913 that I bought used. It came with a somewhat polished and convexed edge that was very sharp, and has stayed sharp. The only knife I own that seems to hold an edge as well is my Spyderco Manix 2 with M4 steel edge. Of course this is just my opinion and is very unscientific, but I like D2. In light of new super steels it seems that D2 is viewed as old hat and gets little respect, but it is a very capable steel. Given a choice I would take S110V or M4, but I have no problem with my D2 knives.

 

[perchjerk]

Only experience I've had with D2 is from Queen. I have several slip joints and one skinner. I used the skinner last year on two white tails and was pleasantly surprised to find the edge just as it was when I started. I took it in to strop it but after a paper and arm hair test I decided against it. Didn't need it in the least bit. So my real world experience with it is a very positive one.

 

[Cackmandu]

Bill, the BK24 is the knife I am looking at, sounds like you have put it through the paces, exactly the info. I was looking for. Sad to say mine will not see anywhere near this type of use, but just knowing it's a great work knife is good enough for me! Any idea where you would look for third party scales, I haven't been able to find any yet! Thanks

OP: I have a Becker BK24 and I love it. I have owned this knife for near two years, and I have done Nothing for corrosion maintenence and it looks near new.
Regarding the edge, I bought the knife with the intent on using it in a harsh environment. Landscaping was the job it was purchased for. I used it to open bags of cement, dig holes, cut sod, trim small plants and trees, cut plastic flower pots, trim vinyl fencing, sharpen pencils, and anything else you can think of.
Though it would lose its shaving edge in a similar time frame to my SAK, it would maintain a working edge for Much Much longer. One of my favorite steels for adverse conditions, where a working edge is preferred.

The BK24 from Becker was my Go to knife for over one Very harsh year, and it took it like a champ.




Umm... this is intended for clarification purposes. What are the intervals shown by the graph?
-How many days, weeks, months between sharpening?
-How many pieces of paper it can push cut?
-How many times it can cut 1" manilla prior to experiencing a roll?

A graph without values specified and designated to specific areas just looks nice while allowing for A Lot of misinformation to be passed around.

I am not disputing that m390 or m4 holds an edge longer than aus 8, but what is the scale that the retention shown is based upon?

 

[shqxk]

I just test test mine own heat treat D2 at 62HRC blade a week ago,

4" blade
8" overall
0.13" thickness
Full flat grind with 0.013" thickness behind edge.

At this point it won't shave hair but still can slice print paper.

Now let baton it through galvanized iron with hammer.

[video=youtube;MsLDdgCOz7Y]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsLDdgCOz7Y&feature=youtu.be[/video]

Let do even more.

Plenty of microchip but still in good shape.

 

[shqxk]

I will say that D2 steel when done properly, it just far tougher/stronger than what people give it credit for...

 

[Noswad0208]

I just test test mine own heat treat D2 at 62HRC blade a week ago,

4" blade
8" overall
0.13" thickness
Full flat grind with 0.013" thickness behind edge.

At this point it won't shave hair but still can slice print paper.

Now let baton it through galvanized iron with hammer.


Let do even more.

Plenty of microchip but still in good shape.

(pics snipped)

 

[NJBillK]

There are a few options for scales:
Izula 1 micarta

[/URL]
-------------
Izula II micarta

You can also go with the stock grivory ones they offer, they come in orange and black.
Or cut down a Becker tweener (15, 16, 17) scale set to fit.
Horse mat can also be cut down to fit.
-------------
Take a look at this thread for Becker handle mods.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Modifications-The-Complete-Guide-(Hopefully)

 

[knarfeng]

Umm... this is intended for clarification purposes. What are the intervals shown by the graph?
-How many days, weeks, months between sharpening?
-How many pieces of paper it can push cut?
-How many times it can cut 1" manilla prior to experiencing a roll?

A graph without values specified and designated to specific areas just looks nice while allowing for A Lot of misinformation to be passed around.

I am not disputing that m390 or m4 holds an edge longer than aus 8, but what is the scale that the retention shown is based upon?

Read the thread to which I linked in that post and all will be revealed.