Rat-7 1095 or D2

Triquetra

Triquetra

Joined
Mar 7, 2002
Messages
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I have been debating on the BK-7 or Rat-7 but after doing a little research on the forum and reading a little about the situation at Camillus, I have decided on the Rat. My decision now is whether to get it in 1095 or D2. I'm not having much luck researching D2 because it says the word is too short to search. I know one type is suppose to be stronger but harder to sharpen and I think that I read that one chips worse. Any opinions or advice on which type of steel to go for? Pros or cons on either?
 
cucharadedragon said:
I have been debating on the BK-7 or Rat-7 but after doing a little research on the forum and reading a little about the situation at Camillus, I have decided on the Rat. My decision now is whether to get it in 1095 or D2. I'm not having much luck researching D2 because it says the word is too short to search. I know one type is suppose to be stronger but harder to sharpen and I think that I read that one chips worse. Any opinions or advice on which type of steel to go for? Pros or cons on either?
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I have knives both steels. Depending on what your main purpose for the knife is (I know cutting is on top of your list;) ) I like 1095. Takes a finer edge, and is easier to bring back to shaving sharp IMHO. It dulls easier however and will rust easier. I have never really had a problem with rust myself, I just wipe the blade when I'm done and thats it.

D2 will stay sharper longer, and is considered to be "semi stainless" but if you do dull it, it it's a pain to bring back. Especially if you're out in the field and didn't pack your grinder. All just my opinion of course.

Both steels are very dependable and you would do well with either.
 
Thanks. I also read after posting this that the D2 wouldn't take as much lateral stress. Does this mean that it is prone to snap when prying.
 
cucharadedragon said:
Thanks. I also read after posting this that the D2 wouldn't take as much lateral stress. Does this mean that it is prone to snap when prying.
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I don't want to speculate as I have never had an experience with a d2 blade snapping. I use my blades for cutting, and not prying though. As I mentioned before, both are top quality steels and as long as they are heat treated correctly, you will have a good dependable knife.
 
If they were the same price, it would be a toss-up. With the price difference, it's 1095 all the way. :thumbup:
 
For the RAT 7 I would definatly go for the 1095.. Its stronger and easier to sharpen.
 
"D2 takes a lousy edge and holds it forever." That's just what I've heard, I've never used a knife made of it.

I've never had a problem with sharpening 1095, and it's never just "gone dull" on me. Not knowing much about D2 knives, it would take some convincing for me to buy one.
 
I'm not familiar with D2 and I'd prefer the 1095, but I think that how difficult it is to put an edge on D2, or how brittle the steel is, etc., would probably depend on the heat treat.
 
My 0.02 worth. I own a RAT-3 and TAK-1 in D2. They are not all that hard to get razor sharp. They stay razor sharp thru a lot of wood carving (dried alder, my hobby). I also own several older knives in 1095. They rust easily and do not seem to get as sharp. That maybe due to their age (they are 60's Shrade and 40's marble). If you want a cutter, get a D2. If you want a pry/chopper (are very reasonable use for a knife), get the 1095 (or better yet, get a Ranger RD7 in 5160). IMHO.
Ron Athay
 
Interesting comments, longbow50 and Ron Athay... I think you're both right.Although I gotta say, that's the first time I've heard of D2 taking a finer edge than 1095. The 1095 and similar knives I've owned, take as fine a polish on the actual cutting edge as I'm willing to put on them.

I've noticed that serious debates about either D2 or 1095 boil down to, are they pretty good, or are they great?
 
I think 1095 would be tougher overall in that size blade, I might consider D2 in the smaller blades.
 
I don't think either D2 or 1095 are slouches. both have merit.
I do not own any D2, so can only speak from what i have read.

Like Tarmix and Longbow, I'm a 1095 kinda guy.

1095 is carbon steel, it is like a "spring steel" and as mentioned above, is going to allow some flex yet remain strong.
I have the Rat-7 in 1095. I like it. That's all I can offer.

As far as research and googling, try searching on "D2 Tool Steel" or "D2 knife steel" , and like that.

Somehwere around BladeFroums is Joe Talmadge's in-depth write up on steels, it's very informative.
or, send a message to Cliff Stamp, I'm sure he could explain it from practical right down to molecular level.
 
SkunkWerX said:
I don't think either D2 or 1095 are slouches. both have merit.
I do not own any D2, so can only speak from what i have read.

Like Tarmix and Longbow, I'm a 1095 kinda guy.

1095 is carbon steel, it is like a "spring steel" and as mentioned above, is going to allow some flex yet remain strong.
I have the Rat-7 in 1095. I like it. That's all I can offer.

As far as research and googling, try searching on "D2 Tool Steel" or "D2 knife steel" , and like that.

Somehwere around BladeFroums is Joe Talmadge's in-depth write up on steels, it's very informative.
or, send a message to Cliff Stamp, I'm sure he could explain it from practical right down to molecular level.
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I've actually found a few things on bladeforums since my first post including a discussion where someone else asked basically the same question. I saw on Cliff's testing site where he discusses different metal types. It looks a little technical but I plan on reading through it a little when I have more time.

So far I think that I will probably go for the 1095 in the Rat-7 and possible the Rat-5. The only problem now is with all the research and looking around that I've been doing, I found the Rat-3 which looks really nice and it sounds like this one would be perfect in D-2.
 
cucharadedragon said:
The only problem now is with all the research and looking around that I've been doing, I found the Rat-3 which looks really nice and it sounds like this one would be perfect in D-2.
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That's not a problem, it's a perfectly valid opportunity to evaluate two fine knives and steels. Let us know how it goes!
 
Yep, you are in the right ballpark, either one is going to give good performance, it may just boil down to personal preference and what we are accustomed to.

I stick to 1095 becuase it is what i know, how it sharpens, and how it performs. I'm not a 1095 bigot, just personal preference given familiarity.

Maybe if my other knives were sitting here in D2 steel, I'd be saying the same thing about D2.
I don't think you will be dissatisfied with either.

Let us know how it goes.
 
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