[snow]

Hey all I already have the kabar short and the kabar short tanto in 1095 cro-van and I like them, I decided that I want a full size kabar but cant decide on whether to get the next generation in 440A or the D2 extreme. What do you suggest as the merits of both and the drawbacks in regards to the 440A and the D2.

[E304life]

I'm no expert but I always think of 440a being on the low end of steels and D2 being on the high end. I think 440a can be good enough if it is heat treated right. 440a has high corrosion resistance but will never take an edge like D2. D2 can take a wicked edge and has high wear resistance but moderate corrosion resistance. It is all in the heat treatment though for any steel.

[7X57chilmau]

D2. Not a real choice. Unless you intend to use it for salt water service (like on a fishing boat)....

J

[bikerdoc]

Just me. I like D2

[Madcap_Magician]

That's almost no contest. 440A is a low-end stainless steel that I consider only suitable for knife liners. D2 is a high-end tool steel that takes a good edge and has good wear resistance. 440A is only suitable for diving knives, IMHO, and even then there are better choices.

[hso]

No question, D2.

The 440A is just for appearances, not real work.

[JShirley]

If you don't plan on actually using it, get the 440. It'll resist rust better and be less expensive. If you want to use it, or just like the idea of having a very capable knife, D2.

John

[Black Toe Knives]

D2 is the best of carbon steels. 440a is the softest of 440 series 440a has Rockwell harness of 55-57 and D2 starts at 57-61. Higher the number harder the steel.

[RatDrall]

D2 is good, until you have to sharpen it, then it's not so good.

[7X57chilmau]

I've found D2 to be faster sharpening than some of the cheaper stainlesses..... I reprofiled the edge on my D2 Leek in about 20 minutes on a waterstone.... It's not the bear some make it out to be.

It definitely requires less frequent sharpening than my 1095 knives.... Probably about half as often, and when the time comes, it's always had a less damaged edge than my more humble alloy knives....

J