SK5 vs D2

[tsuba]

Hello,
I want to pull the trigger on a new fixed blade, but I hesitate between two carbon steels: D2 and SK5.
I would like to know the strength & the weaknesses of these 2 steels (edge holding, toughness), which will be the best choice for hard use (not abuse) like prying the tip in a piece of wood, batoning? The best choice for a survival/combat knife?

Best regards.

 

[TEFL0N_D0N_81]

I own both. Assuming both are heat treated well, I'd give the edge (no pun intended) to D2. D2 seems to hold a myth as a brittle steel but I find this to be false. Also, expect D2 to be slightly more corrosion resistant, although still classified as a tool steel.

I like SK5, but I'd even pick 5160 over that.

 

[res1cue]

Wow you couldnt have picked two more different steels!

I think for the purposes you have listed, SK5 is a better choice

Sk5 is a carbon steel similar to 1080 and makes great choppers and usually are made into large bowies or similar knives. d2 is a very high carbon tool steel with large carbides. It can hold a tooty edge for a very long time and is great for thinly ground slicers

What are the two knives in question?

 

[instructed2]

I would recommend SK5 over D2 for a survival knife. I have done some stupid stuff with SK5 blades, and they have held up really well. One added benefit to SK5 is that if you do chip or roll the edge, it is much easier to sharpen than D2.