What's tougher, D-2 or ATS-34?

tallwingedgoat · Jul 31, 2002

Having never owned a D-2 blade I don't know what to expect. D-2 has higher carbon but lower chromium so theoritically it shouldn't do too bad. Which of the two is better suited for a medium size heavy duty tool, lets say both heat-treated to 60-61 HRC?

RHINOKNIVES · Jul 31, 2002

this is one of those questions that will have several correct anwsers

D-2 seems to hold a edge a little longer, but i preffer the way the edges come out on the ats-34. they are both good and if you want more corrossion resitance go with the ats.

rev_jch · Jul 31, 2002

D-2 is harder, if heat treated properly, ats-34 is easier to sharpen (not much though), and has better corrosion resistence (much, much better!)

rev_jch · Jul 31, 2002

oopps! almost forgot, 60-61 rc is a bit hard for d-2, you do that and have fun sharpening it!!

Cliff Stamp · Jul 31, 2002

tallwingedgoat :

Which of the two is better suited for a medium size heavy duty tool, lets say both heat-treated to 60-61 HRC?

Neither of them as they are both brittle steels that fracture with little or no deformation at that hardness. P.J. Turner uses D2 in the Uluchet, but leaves it *much* softer to avoid such problems. D2 makes and excellent light utility knife at ~62 RC which takes a fast oil quench and deep cryo. ATS-34 makes a very nice filleting knife and hunting knife when you want more corrosion resistance than D2. It can also get to 62 RC, but it is rare to see it. Of course it depends on what you mean by heavy duty.

-Cliff

tallwingedgoat · Aug 1, 2002

Thanks for the reply everyone.

Cliff,

Would you think D-2 can perform to the level your Strider did? As I recall you killed the Strider but not after it put up a good fight.

Cliff Stamp · Aug 1, 2002

Yes, it would be very similar in behavior.

-Cliff

Gator97 · Aug 1, 2002

Originally posted by rev_jch
oopps! almost forgot, 60-61 rc is a bit hard for d-2, you do that and have fun sharpening it!!

I have D2 blade from Neil Blackwood which is 62 HRC. I wouldn't say it is too much of a hassle to sharpen. I've had mor probs sharpening BG-42 than D2. Yet the edge holding is very good. I never use it for anything heavy duty though.