Who makes the best d2?

Buck uses D2? Which model ? I thought they only used stainless. I've only seen 420HC, 440C, CPM 154 , 154cm, S30V, BG42, of which only 420HC, S30V, and 154cm are still in use. A D2 Model 110 would be nice. Has one been made?

Thanks,

Joe
 
I've had great results with Blind Horse's O-1 and recently bought a Work Horse in D-2, I expect it to perform just as well.

[video=youtube;9i8J8pasIpU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i8J8pasIpU[/video]
 
Skimo said:
Shilling without getting paid? lose lose situation.
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Just promoting Australasia.
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I doubt I could tell the difference between D2 from company X and company Y even if they were kind enough to make identical blades to be compared. That said, Bohler makes K110 which, from what I've read, still counts as D2 but has a few metallurgical twists to make it perform a bit better.
 
I just received a pm from BF dealer member nsm about CPM-D2 and it's availability. To wit:

nsm said:
Hi James,
We have CPM D2 in stock and Crucible will still make it. You're right in that it hasn't taken off and there aren't many distributors who carry it, but believe me, say the word and I can get as much as anyone could ever want.

Respectfully,
Bob Shabala
Niagara Specialty Metals
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Niagara is the mill that rolls and distributes Crucible stock (among others). I apologize for any confusion, and thank Mr. Shabala for clearing this matter up :) If I am asked to use D2, I would certainly opt for Crucible's CPM version if at all possible. It is cleaner, takes a much nicer finish, and in my limited experience with it, seems both tougher and holds an edge better than "regular" D2.


jill jackson said:
I've had great results with Blind Horse's O-1 and recently bought a Work Horse in D-2, I expect it to perform just as well.

[video=youtube;9i8J8pasIpU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i8J8pasIpU[/video]
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That whole series of videos with LT and Brad about Peters' heat-treating practices is very helpful and informative :thumbup: Thanks for sharing that!
 
jill jackson said:
I've had great results with Blind Horse's O-1 and recently bought a Work Horse in D-2, I expect it to perform just as well.

[video=youtube;9i8J8pasIpU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i8J8pasIpU[/video]
Click to expand...

james terrio said:
I just received a pm from BF dealer member nsm about CPM-D2 and it's availability. To wit:


Niagara is the mill that rolls and distributes Crucible stock (among others). I apologize for any confusion, and thank Mr. Shabala for clearing this matter up :) If I am asked to use D2, I would certainly opt for Crucible's CPM version if at all possible. It is cleaner, takes a much nicer finish, and in my limited experience with it, seems both tougher and holds an edge better than "regular" D2.




That whole series of videos with LT and Brad about Peters' heat-treating practices is very helpful and informative :thumbup: Thanks for sharing that!
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I don't have sound on my computer but I have a D2 blindhorse(T2). What's the synopsys? They use Peter's and they're kick ass at doing D2? :D
 
I'll go with Bob Dozier's D2. Working man's knife. At present he has a three year waiting list. He must be doing something right with his knives.
 
I have several knives that use CPM-D2 and I've been happy with their edge-holding and relatively easy maintenance despite not being categorized as a stainless steel. Many of Kershaw's composite blades have a CPM-D2 cutting edge and perform very well. One of my custom knives that I carry and use quite a bit, uses CPM-D2 and is among my sharpest (although the grind is largely responsible for this), and I've only had to strop it to bring it back to hair-popping sharp.
 
I've had good experiences with CPM-D2 as found on some of Kershaw's composite blades. That is made by Crucible. I also have some D2 blades by Benchmade and Queen. I don't know who makes the D2 on those. They all take a good edge and retain it very well. I've actually had better luck with D2 when stopping at lower grits when sharpening (usually no higher than 600 grit). Although it's technically not stainless, I've never had rust issues (even with the knife sitting in my sweaty pocket in our blistering summers).
 
The only D2 that I have tried is Benchmades and Kershaws, which is CPM D2.
At first D2 was a bit of a pain to sharpen but now for me it is worth the extra effort.

It sharpens to a nice keen edge and tends to stay that way with just a bit of stropping.
I just got a BM Bone Collector and this thing slices with the best of them.
D2 is a nice step up without paying super steel premium prices.
 
sticktodrum said:
Actually no... Crucible isn't the only company that manufactures that tool steel. :D

And what's PM D2?
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You know what I was referring to. Quit trying to troll. We all know Crucible makes a particle/powder metallurgy form of d2. As opposed to a cast d2.
 
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So in essence, the best d2 will be from either Crucible, or Bohler. You will have a nice fine grained edge, which should make your cutting chores extra special. :cool: As mentioned, the heat treat and edge geometry will also be something to consider, which is why it's best to stick with a maker who knows what they're doing.
 
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