Stainless D2 Steel - Böhler K110

D2 Steel – Wear-Resistant and Hard Tool Steel

D2 is a semi-stainless tool steel known for its high hardness, wear resistance, and excellent cutting performance. It is a high-alloy steel with a high carbon and chromium content, providing exceptional wear resistance and good corrosion resistance compared to traditional carbon steels.

Properties of D2 Steel:

• Hardness: Can be hardened to 58-62 HRC, ensuring a very sharp and durable edge.

• Wear Resistance: Extremely wear-resistant due to its high chromium and carbon content.

• Corrosion Resistance: Better than standard tool steels but not fully stainless (stainless steel requires >13% chromium, while D2 has about 12%).

• Cutting Performance: Retains sharpness for a long time but can be more difficult to sharpen than softer steel alloys.

• Toughness: Lower toughness than steels like 1095 or stainless steels such as 14C28N, making it more brittle under high impact.

Typical Applications:

• Hunting and survival knives

• Industrial knives and cutting tools

• Tactical and folding knives

• Precision tools and die-making tools

Heat Treatment of D2 Steel:

• Hardening Temperature: 1020-1040°C

• Cooling: Slow cooling in air or oil – rapid cooling can increase the risk of cracking.

• Tempering: Typically at 200-500°C, depending on the desired hardness and toughness.

Conclusion:

D2 steel is a hard and wear-resistant tool steel, ideal for knives that need to maintain sharpness for an extended period and perform in demanding conditions. However, it requires more maintenance than stainless steels and can be more challenging to sharpen. It is a popular choice for hunting, tactical, and industrial knives, where edge retention is prioritized over toughness.