D2 vs. CPM-D2?

James Terrio

Well-Known Member
Does anyone have some experience or info (Charpy notch tests, etc.)on the relative toughness of regular D2 compared to the CPM version? I know a little about the CPM process and how it generally makes the alloy more consistant overall, but for the purpose of this thread I'm concerned specifically with toughness.

The reason I ask is, I'm looking to make some tool-steel knives in the 4-6" long, 3/16-1/4" thick blade range, intended for fairly heavy-duty survival/combat use. I have both D2 and CPM-D2 on hand, but after more study I'm beginning to think A2 might be a better choice... according to the charts I've found A2 has a lot higher toughness, comparable to O1 and CPM-154 (both of which I like very much). Not as much edge retention as D2 of course, but I'd rather offer a knife than can be sharpened in the field over one that might break if you pound on it.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
 
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