D2 Tool Steel

D2 is a high-carbon, high chromium tool steel and one of the highest carbon alloyed tool and die steels often used in knife making.

With a chrome content of 12%, some call it semi-stainless as it’ll tend to resist rusting even though it’s not classified as a true stainless steel.

D2 knife blades were popularized by Jimmy Lile, and later by Bob Dozier.

Now we find that D2 tool steel offers a perfect balance of corrosion resistance, sharpen-ability, durability, toughness and polish-ability.

One of the greatest things about D2 is that it’s a fairly inexpensive steel, which means that a number of companies are now offering it as a premium material at a fantastic price. All resulting in a premium knife at a very affordable price point.

Specifics:
Carbon: 1.50%
Silicon: 0.30%
Chromium: 12%
Molybdenum: 0.80%
Vanadium: 0.90%