Will D2 rust in every day carry?

G

gearfreak

Joined
Sep 29, 2000
Messages
67
I'm wondering if I should get a knife in D2? For my kind
of carry on a mountain bike or hiking, the knife will
get exposed to blood, sweat, and tears (well, mostly sweat).

Walt

ps. whoops. I just noticed I'm in the reviews section. Oh well,
D2 is a steel used on many new knives. OT*: What does everyone
think of the Rekat Sifu in D2?

*OT=on topic?
 
In my experience, satin finished D-2 will rust much less than bead-blasted ATS-34. I've owned a lot of D-2 knives and never had a problem with any of them except a Dozier that I used to spread cream cheese on a bagel, put back in the sheath, and left in my toolbox for a week before cleaning it off. I blame myself.

Regarding the Sifu, I've got one on the way. I expect I'll like it. :)
 
I sure hope not as I just picked up a D2 AFCK in trade to rotate with my M2 710 for those times when corrosion situations are anticipated.
 
I carry a SW D2 Sifu every day, never used Tuff-Cloth on it, don't use it for utility, and not a speck of rust. If you're planning on using the knife for a lot of wet stuff you could probably pick a better steel, but D2's worked fine for me.
 
D2 falls into that "almost stainless" category. If that is the knife that does it for you go ahead and get it. Just rince it off and dry it when you get back from carrying it and you should be fine. A tuf-cloth might also not be a bad idea.
 
I have had a D-2 Sifu for quite some time now. No rust problems. I tend to be an oiler and am big on keeping an eye on that sort of thing. I love both of my Sifus. Single finger groove the best though.
 
I have been carrying a camillus D2 EDC for a few months now. Almost peel an apple everyday, and haven't seen any rust on it yet. I am not using any protective products and simply wash it after use.
 
My Dozier K1 did show some small brown stains after being used all day, rinsed a lot, but never dried (just put back in sheath). Otherwise, I've been carrying D2 knives a lot lately, and have had no problem. Just don't leave them wet for hours at a time...
 
In my experience, a knife never rusts when I'm carrying and using it -- only when I don't use it for a while, a few weeks at least. It's one of those rules like a watched pot never boils -- a used knife never rusts. YMMV, though; some people have perspiration that can tarnish 18k gold.
 
My experience with D2 has only been with Doziers. They have been amazingly rust and corrosion free. The heat treatment that Bob Dozier employs brings out the best in D2. I don't think you can go wrong.
 
I've got several Darrel Ralph pieces with D2M that I put into rotation for my EDC knives. They mainly see general use such as cutting food, opening mail, packages, and such. So far, no problems at all. If you clean the blades regularly (especially if stuff sticks to them during use) you shouldn't have any problems. Of course, occasional applications of Tuf-Cloth will also help it along as well.
 
D2 is a very serviceable steel, but it definitely stains easily if not properly maintained. This can be tricky with a folder and all the hidden nooks and crannies, but not too tough. Be vigilant and your knives should last a lifetime :)
 
What kind of coating is good for a semi-stainless steel like
D2?

Are any coatings non-toxic so I can use my Sifu for slicing
food?

Walt
 
(1)...Why get a coated blade???

(2)...D2 is great stuff.., and with minimal care is absolutely fine.

Also, the edge holding ability will amaze you if you've never had a knife with this bladesteel...

Have fun... :)


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
I just got my Sifu in D2 and wore it on a ride. Noticed
a slight rusting discoloration on a region having some
move visible tooling marks. So, it looks like this knife
may need some protective lubricant. I put some Triflo on it
last night but will switch to some non-toxic mineral oil
or something.

Sure wish the carbon fiber scales had more texture - with
sweaty or wet hands, it is kind of slippery. What do
people think of sanding down the carbon to create some texture?
 
There's no reason that a materials supplyer could not produce CF stock with about the same surface texture as G-10. It would look a lot like G-10, however, not as "sexy" as a mirror finish, and people probably think it would be harder to justify the cost. But it you really want high strength/weight ratios and performance....

I guess the real reason is that the producers don't see enough of a market for a textured CF material.
 
Camillus / AG Russell D2 EDC carried every day for 2 months now inside my waistband. Not a speck of corrosion. It came stonewashed; I polished it with a dremel polishing wheel. Don't know if that has anything to do with it or not. Have only oiled it maybe once in all that time.
 
I had my A.G.Russell/Camillus D-2 Arclite coated with Boron Carbide. Bodycote did this work for me. They also coated a couple of other blades for me. The Boron Carbide is a ceramic coating with a RC hardness of 93 - 95. I believe it is non toxic. If you can remove the CF scales, you can send it in to Bodycote. Their prices are very reasonable.

Ken
 
I thought about maybe using hard-chrome on D2 blades. There was an old article were the owner of Mad Dog Knives talked about this guy he send his blades to for chroming with a proprietery process.

The nice thing about hard-chrome is that you can polish the plating.
 
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