Ever wonder what makes a great knife? It’s all about the steel! We’re comparing AUS-8 and D2 – two very popular choices for knives. It’s not just sharpness; we’re talking about durability, how well it resists rust, and how easy it is to sharpen. We’ll break down the differences between these two steel types!

Property	AUS-8 Steel	D2 Steel
Edge Retention	Good	Excellent
Toughness	Moderate	Low
Corrosion Resistance	Very Good	Good
Sharpening Difficulty	Easy	Moderate

AUS-8 vs. D2: What’s in Your Knife Steel?

Let’s break down the ingredients that make these steels what they are.

AUS-8: The Everyday Performer

Carbon (0.75%): Provides hardness, balanced to avoid brittleness.
Chromium (13-14.5%): Makes it stainless and rust-resistant. Trust me on this one.
Molybdenum (0.1-0.3%): Adds toughness and strength.
Vanadium (0.1-0.25%): Improves sharpness and wear resistance.
Manganese (1.0%): Boosts hardness and wear resistance.
Silicon (1.0%): Increases strength and hardness.

D2: The Hardcore Option

Carbon (1.5%): Double the carbon of AUS-8, for superior hardness and edge retention.
Chromium (11-13%): Resists corrosion, but it’s considered “semi-stainless.”
Molybdenum (0.9%): Much more than AUS-8, for increased toughness and heat resistance.
Vanadium (0.9%): Creates hard carbides for extreme wear resistance.
Manganese (0.6%): Contributes to hardness and wear resistance.
Silicon (0.6%): Improves strength and hardness.
Nickel (0.3%): Adds a touch of toughness.

If you are looking for a knife, check out types of Japanese kitchen knives.

Which Holds an Edge Better? D2 or AUS-8

D2 wins on edge retention. Its higher carbon and vanadium levels mean more hard carbides, making it much more wear-resistant.

Which is Tougher? D2 or AUS-8

D2 is the harder steel, thanks to its significantly higher carbon content (1.5% vs. 0.75% for AUS-8). More carbon = more carbides = better edge retention and hardness.

Which Resists Rust Better? D2 or AUS-8

AUS-8 is the clear winner in corrosion resistance. Its higher chromium content creates a strong protective layer against rust, while D2 has less chromium and is more susceptible to rusting.

D2 vs. AUS-8: Which is Easier to Sharpen?

AUS-8 is much easier to sharpen compared to D2. The same things that make D2 hold an edge so well – its hardness and wear resistance – also make it a pain to sharpen. It takes more time, effort, and the right tools to get a good edge on D2. AUS-8, on the other hand, is softer and sharpens up quickly with standard sharpening tools.

Recommended Sharpening Angles

AUS-8: 15-20 degrees. A lower angle gives you a very sharp, but more delicate edge. A higher angle makes the edge tougher, but not as sharp.
D2: 17-25 degrees. Since D2 is so hard, you can use a slightly steeper angle without making the edge too weak.

D2 vs. AUS-8: How Does Machinability Impact Production?

AUS-8 is far easier to work with than D2 when making knives. This is generally more important to knifemakers than knife users!

I saw a friend making a knife from D2 once – he needed special grinding belts, lots of pressure, and had to stop often to let the steel cool down. It was a much longer process than using a softer steel like AUS-8. Because AUS-8 is softer, it’s much easier on tools and doesn’t require as much force. D2’s hardness and wear resistance mean it’s harder on equipment and requires more specialized skills. This difference in how easy they are to work with also affects the price (we’ll get to that later!).

AUS-8 vs. D2: Which is More Affordable?

You’ll usually find that AUS-8 knives are cheaper than D2 knives. There are a few reasons for this. D2 is a more complex steel with more of the expensive alloying elements like vanadium and molybdenum.

Plus, it’s harder to machine (as we covered earlier), meaning it takes more time, effort, and specialized equipment to make a D2 knife.

All of these factors increase the cost of making the knife, which is reflected in the price you pay.

How To Choose The Right Steel – AUS-8 or D2?

Just like you’d pick the right tool for any job – you wouldn’t use a sledgehammer to hang a picture, would you?

EDC Knives: AUS-8 or D2?

AUS-8 is a great choice for everyday carry (EDC) knives, kitchen knives, and general-purpose use. It’s super easy to sharpen. Since you’ll probably be touching up the edge of your EDC knife fairly often, the ability to sharpen it quickly with basic tools is a big plus. AUS-8 also resists rust well, protecting it from sweat, moisture, and whatever else you encounter. Its higher toughness means it’s less likely to chip if you drop it or hit something hard – common occurrences with EDC knives. And, AUS-8 is generally more affordable, which makes sense for a knife you use every day and might lose or damage.

Hunting Knives: AUS-8 vs. D2 – Which Steel is Best?

AUS-8 is a more reliable and all-around better choice for hunting knives. It’s capable enough for most hunting tasks, and the fact that it’s easy to sharpen and resists rust are big benefits. If you’re hunting in wet or harsh conditions, AUS-8 is definitely the way to go, as it’s much less prone to rusting.

Explore other aspects of Japanese knife steel and materials.

FAQs: Your AUS-8 and D2 Questions Answered

Is AUS-8 Stainless?

Yes, AUS-8 is a true stainless steel because of its high chromium content.

Is D2 Harder Than AUS-8?

Yes, D2 is considerably harder than AUS-8.

What’s AUS-8’s Rockwell Hardness?

AUS-8 usually has a Rockwell hardness (HRC) between 57 and 59.

What’s D2’s Rockwell Hardness?

D2 usually has a Rockwell hardness (HRC) between 59 and 61.

Which is Better for a Survival Knife: AUS-8 or D2?

AUS-8 is generally the better choice. A survival knife might need to do all sorts of things, like chopping wood or even prying. AUS-8’s ease of maintenance, better corrosion resistance, and toughness make it more reliable. Being able to easily sharpen it in the field is a huge advantage.

What Does “Semi-Stainless” Mean?

“Semi-stainless” like D2, means the steel has enough chromium to resist rust, but not as much as a truly stainless steel like AUS-8. It’s a compromise – it resists rust better than regular carbon steel but not as well as a true stainless steel.

In Conclusion:

AUS-8 provides a great balance of performance, easy maintenance, and a good price, making it a fantastic choice for everyday use and a solid all-purpose option. D2, with its exceptional edge retention, shines in demanding tasks where keeping a sharp edge is critical, and you don’t mind putting in a little extra work to maintain it.