Kershaw's D2 vs. Ontario's D2

A

AfflictedAngel

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Feb 16, 2016
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I am very curious as to how Ontario's d2 steel performs in compariosn to the Aus8 on the original version. For about ten dollars more, the d2 version seems like a considerable upgrade: even a steal. I have experience with Kershaw's d2 as used on their composite leek models, and have been extremely satisfied with its performance. Could someone who is familiar with either of these models, or both, que me in on wether the two companies are comparable by way of their steel, and/or its heat treat? what I really am looking for is a great sample of d2 steel to experience first hand on a work knife. At the price point and blade size, the d2 rat seems like a perfect candidate to become familiar with the steel's qualities, attributes, and performance. What has me hesitant is how this brands steel compares to other brands... I.e. Will my experience using the rat1 in d2 be a good example of how d2 steel acts and behaves in general from a broad perspective. My experience will determine how I anticipate this steel in the future, and if I would purchase other knives in this blade steel at higher price points, etc.

Is the D2 Rat1 that much of an upgrade when compared to the original, standard Aus8?

Is it anything at all like Kershaw's D2 steel as used in their composite blades?

While ignoring price point, Anyone who has owned either knife, have you been happy with the overall experince and peformance achieved while using these companies d2 blade steel? Any complaints?

I find this mind boggling, as the Rat1's blade must use five times as much material as the composite Kershaw Leek's blade, and costs less than half the price. I'm curious to see what kinds of praise, complaints, or both users have in regards to this steel. I have read up on it somewhat, but the information I'm looking for seems vague and obscur to me. Ive yet to find a satisfying answer before I pull the trigger on a d2 Rat1 or save for another composite kershaw of some sort to be my new user work knife.
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Also, is the d2 rat1 something that is now going to be part of the lineup long term? Or is this something One needs to buy now before it becomes discontinued and disappears from the shelves of online stores?

Thanks, all.
 
I too am curious... I love my rat 1, but if the D2 is that much better I would certainly get one. I don't mind the Ause at all.
 
Composite bladed Kershaws, to my knowledge, use CPM-D2, not standard D2. That will make for some performance differences as well as cost differences.
 
As far as I know they switched from CPM-D2 to normal D2 or at least they are stating D2 on they website before there were CPM-D2 (Junkyard Dog II).
 
I got a couple of other new D2 RATs. I put one up in case they disappear, it was one of the ones with the G10 scales with a carbon fiber overlay. I think those were a one time run as well as the colored scaled varieties, because I got a tan one those and they're both numbered and say limited edition. I noticed they came out with a regular black handled one that seems to be missing the limited edition and numbering, so probably going to stick around, and they have hinted in the Ontario forum that a D2 version will be coming for the RAT 2 as well, but said it could be a while. I am not sure if all the LE colored handles ones are sold out. Some did say so for a while but then they came into stock, I think they were delayed on shipping or something like that.

Anyway, I reprofiled mine to about 30 degrees inclusive, and I am very happy with it but it does seem like the main blade grind is slightly off center, could be my eyes but I read someone else mention it. The angles on the cutting edge were way, way off. I didn't measure but I think one was 25 or so and the other was already at 15. It's still a mass production piece for under 50 bucks so these things are to be expected.

It pretty much lives up to the reputation, the quality of the knife is almost suspicious for the price, but I think they probably cut a lot of the price out using those plastic scales and soft metal screws, because I accidentally stripped the head on one as well as squished the scale put underneath it... Well maybe I shouldn't have turned it that hard but anyway I've never had that issue with other knives.

I also like D2 more than others knives I have had in AUS 8. I had a Benchmade with a real similar blade geometry, and this out cuts that all day at the same cutting edge angle. Oh and Ontario gets it way sharper out of the box than I expected, so the reprofile was a preference thing, I set most of my knives to about the same angle.

What I like about the D2 is it seems to take a quick edge without sacrificing keenness. I can sharpen any steel as sharp as I want but some just take to the hone better and this one was really soft feeling for how long the edge lasts. I think it's because most other steels I have used that are "performance" steel were loaded with vanadium so they kind of skated on the hone a lot. The diamonds dig right in to this and I can get the edge on quicker
 
I have some of the same questions AfflictedAngel, but I have neither the Kershaw flavor D2 nor have I spent the $39 delivered from knifeworks for the Ontario regular production black scale Rat 1 with D2 steel, heat-treated to between 58 and 60. Here is what experience and knowledge I have-
Because I'm an old fart I have longer horizons on most choices, and have not bought Ontario's Rat 1 in D2 because I see that 40 bucks as part of savings for a safer more robust lock, harder heat treat, G 10 scales and great warranty services. With this position, I am still looking to buy, and G10 some Rat 1's in D2 for myself, the kids, and the grandkids.
The Kershaw Leaks have different blade geometry than the Rat 1.
The Leak is one of my granddaughters favorite Kershaws, and she tells me the reason is they don't rust or stain in a ranching environment, AUS 8 is easy to sharpen, and they look cool :-)
Without a doubt the Rat 1 is a great proven design, and with AUS 8, one unit scored 20 points higher in vininull's torture test than a Spyderco Tenacious.
Here is a couple links regarding the rat 1 in D2-
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this utuber simultaneously tested a benchmade standard size ritter in m390, and from my observation all three knives chipped when he stripped some silver colored core wire.
AUS8 vs D2. Ontario Rat Model 1. Сравнительный тес
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUBIu65V8Ds

"AZ0960440 2 months ago
Would anyone mind letting me know what the conclusion was between these two knives/steels?
Reply
ARAMIS1001 2 months ago
+AZ0960440 The knife of D2 steel was tough nut. Aus-8 was the softest."

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Ontario Rat-1 Knifeworks Exclusive
http://www.cliffstamp.com/knives/forum/read.php?6,58985,59054
"Current Conclusions:
Decent little knife for $30. I am not sure that D2 is necessarily an upgrade for this sort of knife, but it could prove to be useful to those that need a knife to cut primarily abrasive materials. A nice reference point for D2 as well."
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I love Benchmade D2 hardened between 60 and 62. BM m390 has recently taken over title of "favorite folder blade steel".
Maybe a Benchmade HK AXIS or Benchmade AXIS STRIKER?
 
I have a Kershaw Rake with the D2 edge. As good a cutter as any knife that I have owned. Toothy edge and it's like a pocket chainsaw.
 
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