Have been reading up on knife blade materials (Thanks to you guys) and have determined D2 sounds like the stuff I'm interested in. I know Knives of Alaska, some of Benchmades, and a bunch of custom makers use D2. Any other manufacturers you guys know of? Looking at folders primarily.
Which knives have blades made from D2 steel?
- Thread starter duckjihad
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Bob Dozier has been using D2 for decades. He's a semi-custom maker, and folks like AG Russel Knives carry his stuff. It's first class and also affordable (but not cheap). I highly recommend his hunting blades.
http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_maker/a_through_d/dozier_knives.html
http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_maker/a_through_d/dozier_knives.html
Valkman
Member
I've been using 1/4" D2 for a couple of my models but now have a bunch of the new CPM D2 coming from Crucible. Should be even tougher yet easier to sharpen, and I'll be making all of my models out of it.
Zeke/PA
Member
In my knife making days, I offered a choice between O-1 and D-2 in all my offerings.
D-2, a WW1 era die steel, in my opinion cannot be beat for a knife blade.
Years ago I helped a local firm do extensive research on knife steel and their findings were made viable by their ability to duplicate a knife edge time after time.
Of course, D-2 won out thumbs down.
It's only drawback was it's rust resistance so in that vein the local firm chose 154-CM (ATS-34) for it's blades.
Zeke
D-2, a WW1 era die steel, in my opinion cannot be beat for a knife blade.
Years ago I helped a local firm do extensive research on knife steel and their findings were made viable by their ability to duplicate a knife edge time after time.
Of course, D-2 won out thumbs down.
It's only drawback was it's rust resistance so in that vein the local firm chose 154-CM (ATS-34) for it's blades.
Zeke
Charles S
Member
No....Bob Dozier is a full custom maker, but there are semi-custom Dozier knives available through selected retailers like AG Russel.
If you purchase a Dozier from Dozier it is a full custom knife and will be one of the finest knives you can purchase. Dollar for dollar it is by far the best custom knife on the market.
D2 is excellent.
Benchmade uses D2 also.
What kind of knife do you have and mind, and for what purposes. That wil help us direct you in a better manner.
Flintknapper
Member
The two knives on top are from D-2.
I have used them extensively for over a dozen years skinning and caping game animals. I am sold on D-2.
You'll need to keep the blades oiled to prevent rust though. I know it sounds funny, but I swear the metal literally soaks up light oil (I use Marvel Mystery Oil).
I have used them extensively for over a dozen years skinning and caping game animals. I am sold on D-2.
You'll need to keep the blades oiled to prevent rust though. I know it sounds funny, but I swear the metal literally soaks up light oil (I use Marvel Mystery Oil).
22-rimfire
Member
I'm not a knife expert; I have been told that the choice of D-2 steel is important, but just as important is the heat treatment to harden it. Dozier does a great job and I consider him and his small group custom knife makers. Bob will probably not make the entire knife, but I believe his sweat is part of every knife that carries his name. I consider Randall's semi-custom.
Regolith
Member
D2 is extremely good steal, but you should know that it is difficult to resharpen and shouldn't be used for chopping tasks. It can be prone to brittleness when not heat treated properly.
Valkman
Member
It can also be soft - that's why all my knives go to Paul Bos for HT. There is no better.
I like D2 also. Benchmade makes the Griptillian series in D2 with a black coating. I got the small folder at Cabela’s, they say it is their exclusive. I am very happy with it and planning on getting the fixed version soon.
D2 is indeed somewhat hard to sharpen but when done right it is very sharp and holds the edge well.
D2 is indeed somewhat hard to sharpen but when done right it is very sharp and holds the edge well.
Aren't Knives of Alaska D2?
Some of them are... http://www.knivesofalaska.com/catalog/prod_display.aspx?from=Fixed Blade Knives&cat=Bush Camp
Some of them are... http://www.knivesofalaska.com/catalog/prod_display.aspx?from=Fixed Blade Knives&cat=Bush Camp
You'll find other Ontario knives in D2 (all Dozier designs).
Several custom makers use D2 and KaBar will be offering some Beckers in D2.
Walter Brend told me that the new CPM D2 is amazing stuff and that it is all that he's using for using knives.
Diamonblade, Knives of Alaska's offspring, uses a new "friction forging" process that produces even grain size 1/10th that of normal D2. Articles on performance of these blades published in Blade and Tactical Knives have been very enthusiastic.
Several custom makers use D2 and KaBar will be offering some Beckers in D2.
Walter Brend told me that the new CPM D2 is amazing stuff and that it is all that he's using for using knives.
Diamonblade, Knives of Alaska's offspring, uses a new "friction forging" process that produces even grain size 1/10th that of normal D2. Articles on performance of these blades published in Blade and Tactical Knives have been very enthusiastic.
JTW Jr.
Member
Queen also uses D2... have one of these coming any day now.
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=9404
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=9404
Stainz
Member
My Queen Cutlery #92 small hunter fixed blade is an inexpensive way to evaluate D2 - and to learn how to put the 'final edge' on such a blade, as they don't generally come 'hair-shaving', much less 'scarey', sharp. My dullest Buck is sharper - I am trying to get the confidence to get the Spydie Sharpmaker out for this one. D2 is reportedly 'fun' to put an edge on...
I personally like Buck's 420HC - but love their 'Alaskan Guide' 110 and Vanguard in S30V - and look forward to getting their #408 Kalinga Pro (also S30V) - when they become available.
Paul Bos is Buck's heat treater, which may explain the excellent edge retention and ease of sharpening of their super standard 420HC steel.
Stainz
I personally like Buck's 420HC - but love their 'Alaskan Guide' 110 and Vanguard in S30V - and look forward to getting their #408 Kalinga Pro (also S30V) - when they become available.
Paul Bos is Buck's heat treater, which may explain the excellent edge retention and ease of sharpening of their super standard 420HC steel.
Stainz
kershaw tyrade has a new 154CM + CPM-D2 blade.
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=10300
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=10300
loandr.
Member
357wheelgunner
Member
You can get a Spyderco Military in D2, as well as other Spydercos.
I really like 154CM, it's just as good as my old ATS-34 blades...
I really like 154CM, it's just as good as my old ATS-34 blades...
gb6491
Member
In a folder, the Ka-Bar D2 Dozier or (if you can find one) Camillus CUDA EDC made for A.G. Russel in D2
Regards,
Greg
Regards,
Greg
swingkingknives
Member
D2 Knives
Some of the best knives, That wont break your pocket would be:
Lonewolf knives, They have several options as for type and blade style in the D2 steel...
Some of the best knives, That wont break your pocket would be:
Lonewolf knives, They have several options as for type and blade style in the D2 steel...
Valkman
Member
How about this one I just whipped up in 1/4" D2 - 7" blade and 12" OAL:
Sweet! Super heavy-duty knife ready for anything!
Sweet! Super heavy-duty knife ready for anything!
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