D2 Steel

D2 steel is a highly regarded tool steel that is known for its hardness and wear resistance. It is a semi-stainless steel with a high carbon and chromium content, which gives it an exceptional hardness, usually reaching a value of around 58-61 HRC (Rockwell Hardness Scale). This material is popular for knife making because it retains a sharp edge over the long term even with frequent use, which is especially important when working with harder materials such as wood or meat.

The advantages of D2 steel include:

1. High wear resistance - D2 is known for its ability to resist dulling, making it an ideal material for tools that are subjected to heavy use.
2. Excellent sharpness retention - Thanks to its high carbon content and hardness, a knife made of D2 steel is able to retain its sharp edge for a longer time than conventional knives.
3. Good corrosion resistance - Although not classified as a stainless steel, the high chromium content (typically around 12%) makes D2 steel less susceptible to corrosion than many other carbon steels.

The disadvantages of D2 steel include its relatively higher susceptibility to corrosion compared to stainless steels, especially if it is not regularly cleaned and treated. Due to its hardness, it can also be a little more difficult to grind, requiring special equipment or more patience in maintenance.

Overall, D2 steel is a great choice for those who require a powerful tool with a long blade life, such as kitchen knives, hunting knives or meat processing knives.