S30V vs. D2

[Blop]

I have a problem with the coarse working vs. razor edge terminology. I understand of course what is meant but in general I think it serves to misinform anyone who isn't that much into steels. This terminology suggests that D2 or S30V can not get shaving sharp, which is wrong, because most people correlate razor to shaving. It is true that I wouldn't want a straight razor in either D2 or S30V, but both steels can take an edge that easily shaves and will perform a number of sharpness feats/stunts like wittling hair just fine (well, actually I don't know this about D2 from personal experience, but I know that S30V can and I believe many people have reported similar things about Dozier knives), which is far sharper than what many people consider a "working edge".

Yes, the terms are twisted. I hoped, to get both together, they can take shaving sharp edges but their strength is not to keep them. They keep sharp edges were they rather bite hair than really shave it.

It was meant to limit expectations.

 

[flatgrinder]

I have knives in both S30V and D2.

Both hardened to HRC 60, S30V will outcut D2. It also takes a sharper edge. BUT the difference is so slight, the average user can't tell the difference.

Personally, I consider D2 a poor man's version of S30V. Meaning that it gets the job done, but in terms of toughness, edge retention, edge "sharpeness" and corrosion resistance, S30V is better. Slightly better, but much more expensive.

Don't overthink it. I used to think what steel is better and almost freak out trying to decide what to use. These days, I've gone back to O1 and absolutely love it. It doesn't cut as long as the other two (D2 and S30V won't outcut it massively, they're just fractionally better), but I prefer how sharp the edge can get with properly heat treated O1. O1 really loves to CUT. Try the Pepsi challenge, it really is that good.

 

[MORIMOTOM]

Larrin
I think S90V will cut longer than D2. Not 30V. I don't like either one better than d2, or I would use them. I also do not put cyro treatment down, I just have not found it to improve the cutting ability of D2. It may improve other steels that need a little help, D2 does not need it.
The makers that want to spend their time and money on it have my blessing.

And I am not struggling to sell knives, so I don't need snake oil to sell what I make.

Bob dOZIER

sharpest knife i own, or have ever owned, is a dozier k4.

 

[mr.trooper]

A high sharpness, in general makes a knife easier to sharpen. It will of course lowerer grindability, but if this is a concern then you have the wrong steel for the knife and/or grind.

-Cliff

Maybee im just an idiot - thats a REAL posibilty.

But saying that sharp things are easyer to sharpen is kind of like calling the sky blue. Or are you talking about whare resistance?

 

[Cliff Stamp]

mr.trooper, I meant hardness.


-Cliff