What is D2 steel? How does it relate to VG-10?

A

aarenb

Joined
Oct 8, 2002
Messages
21
What is D2 steel? How does it relate to VG-10? Which is better for Every Day Carry? -aarenb
 
Thanks Calyth,

Copied from previous article: "D-2
D-2 is sometimes called a "semi-stainless". It has a fairly high chrome content (12%), but not high enough to classify it as stainless. It is more stain resistant than the carbon steels mentioned above, however. It has excellent edge holding, but may be a little less tough than some of the steels mentioned above. And it does not take a beautiful finish. Bob Dozier uses D-2. " -aarenb
 
D-2 has been used by many custom makers for many years. Bob Dozier swears by D-2 and uses it almost exclusively. He's gained a good reputation for his knives. Bob Terzuola used it for all of his knives at one time. Benchmade has done runs with D-2 to the apparent pleasure of their customers.

D-2 is a tool steel used primarily for stamping dies. the 12% chrome makes for less maintenance of die-sets with a small loss of toughness over carbon steels. It is a "semi stainless" because technically 14% is required to be a "true" stainless.

If you live in an area that is near salt water or you are working in salt water constantly, D-2 will require more maintenance than stainless steels, but it's not unmanagable like some of the "carbon steels".

Try to keep in mind that much of the "attraction" of knife aficianados is to "taste" of the new exotic steels, all of which offer something and give up something. "All good, just different"

Spyderco has always gravitated towards the new high tech steels, both because of the "aficianado interest shared", and because the offerings are ususally nice. Hard to beat powdered metals in overall performance. OTOH, they are expensive to purchase, hard to grind, drill, ream and polish (again read expensive).

We've had enough interest in D-2 (at least in the forums) to make something in D-2. We just haven't decided which model.

sal
 
Hi Roger. The short run of Calypso jrs is a test to see if the market really wanted them or not. Were we in eror to discontinue?

We did not change the name because mold costs to change the name would have been $5,000 divided by 1000 knives is $5.00 per knife on the mfg level. That would have created a price variable large enough to taint the results.

Changing to another steel would have the same effect.

Re-creating the design at a slight $ increase (4 years) will tell us more about the design appreciation. Changing the color adds collector value and marks the model run, but doesn't change cost much.

sal
 
I'm so thankful that you're bringing back the Calypso Jr. for a limited run that I hesitate to even bring this up, but I will anyway. My opinion, for what it's worth, is that plain gray FRN may not appeal much to the mass market. Seems to me like it would go over better with a "color", other than gray. Of course, maybe that's one of the reasons why I'm not running a knife company and you are... :D
 
Hi Nobody. The Calypso jr is an excellent EDC. It is PC, properly sized and relatively "non-offensive" in appearance. I felt the gray would be subdued and would assist in its "easy carry" feature. Sort of "invisible"?

sal
 
are we expecting to see VG-10? Would be great!. I like your argument for the grey color. Plus for us suit wearers, it is neutral enough not to show too loud from under our belts - just behind the hip.:)
 
Yes Peshkbz, flat ground VG-10. Slightly smaller swedge (the larger swedge created too sharp of a spine which some had complained was uncomfortable when bearing down) and the "point" above the hole will be softened. Black clip with gold bug.

sal
 
Thanks for your explaination of the gray color Sal. I understand the reasoning much better now.
 
Originally posted by Sal Glesser

We've had enough interest in D-2 (at least in the forums) to make something in D-2. We just haven't decided which model.
Click to expand...
Even though I think the Starmate probably won't be back, I'd still try ;) I'd like to see a D2 Starmate.
But D2 Military or Native would be nice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top