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D-2 or A-2 ?

I don't know a lot about steels. What I would like to know is what's the difference between D-2 & A-2 steel. is one better than the other for knives? Is one better than the other for specific types of knives, or applications? How can I find out about different types of steel if I had questions? inquiring minds wanna know.

Views: 126

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Alexander Noot on March 19, 2012 at 4:10

Do you want Edge retention? Or Toughness. From what I understand I'd go with A2 for toughness and with D2 for edge retention.


In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on January 25, 2013 at 21:37

Re: inquiring minds wanna know.

Interactive Knife Steel Composition Chart here.

... or ...

A2 is 2cnd listing & D2 is 5th listing here.

... or ...

Answer in a nutshell .. re: Alexander Noot's response !!!

Permalink Reply by Brad T. on January 26, 2013 at 9:38

Alexander is right. Everything that make D2 excellent at edge retention are the higher levels of Carbon and Vanadium, plus the lack of Nickel leave D2 very brittle at high tempers. Where A2 has a compromising blend that lends itself better for "prying" type jobs.

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