I can't decide between 1095 and D2, Please Help Me!

theocguy85

theocguy85

Joined
Apr 5, 2006
Messages
132
I am planning to order an Ontario Rat-3, but I cannot decide between D2 and 1095. I will be using it for ordinary tasks primarily. I will carry it often, but, for the most part, will not use it very hard. I will also consider it my primary knife for self defense.

I appreciate any and all comments on this question. :)
 
Personally, I would get it in D2 because I already have two 10xx series knifes. My Ka-Bar USMC (1095) and my Cold Steel pange machete (1055). Both will take an exceptional edge, and the 1095 really holds it well. I would have no hesitation about getting another 1095 blade.

Only reason I would go with D2 is to try something new. I don't know what the price difference is, but if it was too much, I would stick with 1095. Really a great steel. Old isn't always out-dated.
 
I don't know much, but from what I read on the RAT site, the D2 is lower maintenance, but doesn't hold an edge quite as well. I'm sure some of these guys that know a lot will give you some good advice though...
 
diceman said:
I don't know much, but from what I read on the RAT site, the D2 is lower maintenance, but doesn't hold an edge quite as well. I'm sure some of these guys that know a lot will give you some good advice though...
Click to expand...

D2 is both lower maintenance and holds an edge way better.
 
My bad - they said that 1095 will take more lateral stress and is easier to sharpen - the D2 holds a better edge and is more stain resistant...
 
If you can afford the extra cost of the D2 model, then get it. You'll not be dissapointed.
 
No comparison, in my opinnion D2. 1095 is a little tougher for what that is worth but D2 is as tough any KNIFE needs to be.

Leon Pugh
 
Carried lots, used little. That being the case, either steel type will do. Good old 1095 is relatively cheap and easy to sharpen. With minimal care, it won' t corrode unless you are in a tropical/ marine environment. Just keep your blades clean. And top it off with a coat of any light oil. I believe the 1095 Ontario RAT3 sports a black protective coating. All the better. Now all that being said, D2 is my top choice for real working knives! :)

N.

www.dozierknives.com/forum
 
Thanks for all your help! I decided to go with the D2, as it seemed the most popular choice. I always prefer to go with the best option I can afford! :)
Thanks again. I can't wait for my new RAT! :D
 
Good choice, but you'll need to profile that blade to make it right. My D2 Rat3 had a horrible relief -- now, however, it's right and a great knife for the price...relief about a 1/4" initial bevel, then edge for around 15 degrees; the D2 will handle that just fine considering your use...

Also, check the handle fit -- mine required about 30 minutes of work to make it all even...


Dead
 
deadmarsh said:
Good choice, but you'll need to profile that blade to make it right. My D2 Rat3 had a horrible relief -- now, however, it's right and a great knife for the price...relief about a 1/4" initial bevel, then edge for around 15 degrees; the D2 will handle that just fine considering your use...
....Also, check the handle fit -- mine required about 30 minutes of work to make it all even...
Dead
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Hey Deadmarsh,
Maybe you can help me. My RAT3 profile isn;t very good either and I'm having a hard time getting an edge on the last part of the sweep from the belly to the tip. It's D2 and the edge came ground at about 40 degrees. Would you clarify your words about the 1/4" initial bevel and how you did that? I'm assuming you mean to regrind the edge....but what angle will give you 1/4"?

Also, I'm using a Sharpmaker so if I regrind I suppose I'll have to try to borrow my friend's Lansky...though I've never used one.
Help please.
By the way, good choice on the D2 theocguy85. You'll love that RAT-3 and, if you want to try the 1095 carbon later, you can get the RAT-5 :D
 
deadmarsh said:
Good choice, but you'll need to profile that blade to make it right. My D2 Rat3 had a horrible relief.....
Dead
Click to expand...

I have a RAT-7 D2 that is an exceptionally good knife. For the price, I think it's one of the best investments I've made! That being said, I also had to do some work to mine to make it a good performer. New, the edge was ground asymmetrically, and far too obtuse even for chopping wood. Because the D2 is a very wear resistant steel, I eventually took it out to my bench grinder and very gently took the edge down a bit. Once that was done, I smoothed it out with a coarse diamond stone, and have been getting it closer to what I feel is an optimized blade. In order to slice well, the edge needs to be thin, but get it too thin, and you'll ripple the edge slightly under hard chopping. Granted, your RAT-3 isn't going to see the same kind of hard chopping, so you could go pretty thin and have an amazing slicer. I really like the flat grind on the blade, and the over shape is excellent.

Now I'm going to have to get a RAT-3!
 
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