D2 is a high-carbon tool steel produced through conventional ingot casting methods, while 8Cr13MoV is a stainless steel manufactured using similar processes.
One of the key differences between these two steels lies in their carbon content and the presence of carbides.
D2, being a high-carbon steel, contains approximately 1.5% carbon, leading to the formation of hard chromium carbides that contribute to its exceptional wear resistance.
On the other hand, 8Cr13MoV has a lower carbon content of around 0.8%, resulting in a finer carbide structure.
The presence of large carbides in D2 enhances its edge retention and wear resistance, making it an excellent choice for knives that require superior cutting performance and durability.
8Cr13MoV vs D2 Steel At A Glance
| Property | D2 Steel | 8Cr13MoV Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Can achieve hardness levels around 60-62 HRC. | Can achieve hardness levels up to 64 HRC |
| Toughness | Toughness roughly equivalent to 10V steel | Better toughness than D2 tool steel |
| Edge Retention and Wear Resistance | Better edge retention and wear resistance compared to 8Cr13MoV | Edge retention performance similar to AEB-L but lower than D2 steel. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Non-stainless tool steel. | Stainless steel with better corrosion resistance compared to D2. |
| Ease of Sharpening | Harder to sharpen, requiring more effort and time. | Easier to sharpen compared to D2. |
Hardness
D2 can achieve hardness levels around 60-62 HRC, which is relatively high for a tool steel. On the other hand, 8Cr13MoV can be heat-treated to achieve hardness values in the range of 60-64 HRC.
The hardness of D2 steel is primarily derived from its high carbon content (around 1.5%) and the presence of chromium carbides.
The addition of vanadium in D2 also contributes to its hardness by refining the grain size and carbide structure.
8Cr13MoV is a stainless steel with a lower carbon content (around 0.8%) but with additions of molybdenum and vanadium, these alloying elements contribute to its hardness of upto 64 HRC
The high hardness of both steels makes them suitable for knife applications, as it translates to better edge retention and wear resistance.
Toughness
8Cr13MoV steel exhibits better toughness compared to D2 steel. Toughness is an essential property for knife steels as it determines their resistance to chipping and fracture.
The presence of large chromium carbides in the microstructure of D2 steel is the limiting factor for its toughness.
These coarse carbides act as stress concentrators, reducing D2 steel ability to absorb impact energy before fracturing.
On the other hand, 8Cr13MoV features a finer carbide structure, which contributes to its superior toughness.
The finer carbide distribution in 8Cr13MoV allows for more efficient stress distribution throughout the material, enabling it to better withstand impact loads and resist chipping or fracture.
Additionally, the lower carbon content of 8Cr13MoV compared to D2 also plays a role in enhancing its toughness.
For knife steels, toughness is a crucial factor, particularly in demanding applications where the blade may be subjected to heavy-duty tasks or impact loads.
Edge Retention
D2 steel demonstrates better edge retention and wear resistance compared to 8Cr13MoV, making it a more advantageous choice as a knife steel requiring better edge retention.
The high chromium content in D2 steel, around 12%, contributes to the formation of hard chromium carbides, which improve its wear resistance and edge retention.
Additionally, the presence of vanadium and molybdenum in D2 further enhances its wear resistance and cutting ability.
CATRA edge retention testing results showed that D2 exhibited better edge retention than steels like 8Cr13MoV, 10Cr15CoMoV, and 440C.
On the other hand, 8Cr13MoV, with a lower carbon content of around 0.8% and a chromium content of 13-14.5%, exhibited edge retention performance similar to AEB-L and Nitro-V.
While 8Cr13MoV’s edge retention is respectable for stainless steel, it falls short of D2 edge retention.
Corrosion Resistance
8Cr13MoV exhibits better corrosion resistance compared to D2 steel, making it a more suitable choice for knife applications where corrosion resistance is a critical factor.
8Cr13MoV is classified as a stainless steel, containing 13-14.5% chromium, which forms a passive oxide layer that protects the steel from corrosion.
Additionally, the molybdenum content in 8Cr13MoV further enhances its corrosion resistance, particularly against pitting and crevice corrosion.
On the other hand, D2 is a non-stainless tool steel, and although it has a high chromium content of around 12%, approximately half of this chromium is tied up in carbides.
This leaves a lower amount of chromium elements available to contribute to corrosion resistance.
As a result, D2 is not considered a corrosion-resistant steel, and its corrosion resistance is inferior to some non-stainless steels with lower chromium content, such as 3V or CruWear.
Ease of Sharpening
8Cr13MoV stainless steel is easier to sharpen compared to D2 steel.
D2 steel is known for its high wear resistance due to the presence of large chromium carbides in its microstructure.
While these carbides contribute to excellent edge retention, they also make the steel more abrasion-resistant and harder to sharpen.
The large carbides require more effort to remove material during the sharpening process, making it more challenging and time-consuming to restore a keen edge on D2 steel knives.
In contrast, 8Cr13MoV exhibits a finer carbide structure, with fewer large carbides compared to D2. This microstructural difference results in a steel that is generally easier to sharpen.
The finer carbides in 8Cr13MoV allow for more efficient material removal during sharpening, requiring less effort and time to achieve a sharp edge.
Final Thoughts on 8Cr13MoV vs D2 Steel
D2 steel is a true performer when it comes to achieving and maintaining a sharp edge, almost on par with high-end steels like S30V.
Its high carbon content and large chromium carbides contribute to exceptional wear resistance and edge retention, making it an excellent choice for knives that demand superior cutting.
However, it is important to note that while D2 excels in edge retention, its larger carbides can make it more susceptible to edge chipping or breakage under impact loads.
On the other hand, 8Cr13MoV steel shines in terms of corrosion resistance and better toughness.
As a stainless steel with a finer carbide structure, it offers a balance between wear resistance and toughness, while also providing superior protection against rust and corrosion.
This makes 8Cr13MoV an ideal choice for outdoor and kitchen environments where knives are exposed to moisture conditions.