When it comes to selecting the right steel for your knife, it’s essential to understand the characteristics and composition of different steel types. This article will compare 8Cr14MoV and D2, two popular choices among knife enthusiasts. We will examine their compositions, properties, and discuss which steel might be better suited for your needs.
Short Answer:
8Cr14MoV is a stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and decent performance, while D2 is a high-quality tool steel known for its exceptional hardness and edge retention. If you prioritize corrosion resistance, 8Cr14MoV is the better choice. If you want edge retention and toughness then you will want D2.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each steel, what each steels characteristics are, what each steels composition is, how the two steels compare in-depth, and the best knives in each steel.
Deep Dive on 8Cr14MoV
8Cr14MoV is a stainless steel primarily used in budget-friendly knives. It is known for its good balance of corrosion resistance, edge retention, and affordability. With a carbon content of 0.75%, 8Cr14MoV offers decent hardness and wear resistance.
The composition of 8Cr14MoV is as follows:
– Carbon: 0.75%
– Chromium: 13.50%
– Molybdenum: 0.20%
– Manganese: 0.50%
– Phosphorus: 0.030%
– Sulfur: 0.030%
– Silicon: 0.50%
– Vanadium: 0.20%
This steel is often chosen for everyday carry (EDC) knives and utility knives, where corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance are important factors. It is relatively easy to sharpen and has good toughness, but it may not hold an edge as long as higher-end steels.
Deep Dive on D2
D2 is a high-quality tool steel renowned for its exceptional hardness, edge retention, and wear resistance. It is primarily used in premium and high-performance knives. D2 is classified as a semi-stainless steel, as it contains a significant amount of chromium for improved corrosion resistance.
The composition of D2 is as follows:
– Carbon: 1.50%
– Chromium: 12.00%
– Molybdenum: 0.80%
– Vanadium: 0.90%
– Silicon: 0.30%
– Manganese: 0.30%
– Phosphorus: 0.03%
– Sulfur: 0.03%
D2 excels in edge retention and is known to maintain its sharpness even under heavy use. Its high chromium content provides better corrosion resistance than many other tool steels. However, compared to stainless steels like 8Cr14MoV, D2 requires proper care to avoid rusting.
Deeper Answer on 8Cr14MoV vs D2
When comparing 8Cr14MoV and D2, there are several factors to consider:
1. Corrosion Resistance: 8Cr14MoV offers better corrosion resistance due to its higher chromium content. It requires minimal maintenance and is suitable for knives frequently exposed to moisture or harsh environments. D2, while semi-stainless, is less corrosion resistant and requires regular care to prevent rusting.
2. Edge Retention: D2 outperforms 8Cr14MoV in terms of edge retention. It retains its sharpness for longer periods, making it ideal for tasks that require extended cutting or heavy use. 8Cr14MoV, on the other hand, may need more frequent sharpening.
3. Hardness and Durability: D2 is a harder and more durable steel compared to 8Cr14MoV. Its higher carbon content and alloying elements contribute to exceptional hardness and wear resistance. This makes D2 well-suited for demanding tasks that require a strong and long-lasting blade.
4. Price: 8Cr14MoV is an economical choice, often found on budget-friendly knives. D2, being a high-end tool steel, is generally more expensive due to its superior performance and quality.
Recommended knives in each steel
Now that we have looked in-depth at each steel, their composition, their best uses, and how they compare in-depth we can look at what the best knives in each steel are.
SOG Aegis AT – D2
The Aegis AT is a knife that’s for everyday carry and works for everything from skinning game to opening boxes. It has assisted opening so the knife will spring open and do most of the work of opening it for you. Its other features include SOG’s Cryo D2 blade, a lanyard hole, a thumb stud, and an ambidextrous spine safety.
You can find this knife here (link to Amazon).
Buck Knives 103 Skinner Heritage – D2
The Skinner is a wide-bellied, fixed blade knife made for skinning game animals. This knife has a very big belly and the tip is dull, making it perfect for wide sweeping motions. While it’s made for skinning, it’s also good for chopping because of the weight being in the bottom of the knife. This knife has a D2 blade, a dymalux handle, and a leather sheath.
See this knife here (link to Amazon).
Kershaw Emerson CQC-10K – 8Cr14MoV
The Emerson CQC-10K is a knife with many cool features which make it very interesting to carry. The Emerson has a 3.5 Inch 8cr14MoV blade, a g10 handle, an overall length of 8.5 inches, and weighs 5.1 ounces. The coolest feature of this knife is its spur on the end of the blade that catches your pocket drawing our knife for you. If you want a unique knife that functions very well you should check this knife out.