Key Takeaways:
The D2 and the M390 are both great picks in their own categories. D2 is a great choice for people who are new to quality knife steels because it performs well and doesn't cost too much. The M390 is more expensive, but it has great performance that makes up for its higher price for people who want the best. The "best" steel should be the one that fits your needs, your budget, and the way how you maintain things.
Ever wondered why certain knives stay sharp while others dull after a few uses? The steel is the key. Blade steel type can make or break a tool for routine cooking and outdoor activities. D2 and M390 are two prominent choices we're examining today. Whether you're buying your first quality knife or expanding your collection, this guide will explain why knife lovers love different steels and which one may be right for you.
D2 Steel: A Budget-Friendly Premium Option
D2 steel has gained recognition as the "working man's premium steel," providing remarkable performance without a hefty price tag.
What is D2 Steel?
D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel celebrated for its wear resistance and edge retention. Its composition includes approximately 1.55% carbon and 12% chromium, making it a popular choice for novice knife makers due to its manageable heat treatment process.
Advantages of D2 Steel
- The high carbon content and large carbides contribute to outstanding wear resistance, ensuring longevity in cutting tasks.
- D2 steel maintains a sharp edge significantly longer than basic steels, making it ideal for prolonged cutting tasks.
- Priced between $40 and $100, D2 steel knives offer excellent value compared to premium steels like M390.
- While not as tough as some alternatives, D2 provides sufficient durability for most everyday applications.
Disadvantages of D2 Steel
- Although D2 contains chromium, it is not fully stainless, which means it can rust if not properly maintained, especially in humid conditions.
- The hardness that contributes to D2's edge retention can also make sharpening difficult, particularly for beginners.
- The presence of large carbides can reduce toughness, making D2 knives more prone to chipping under heavy stress.
Best Use Cases for D2 Steel
D2 steel is particularly well-suited for:
- Budget-Friendly Knives. Offering premium performance at an accessible price.
- Everyday Carry (EDC). Ideal for daily tasks and general use.
- Light-Duty Outdoor Tasks. Suitable for camping and outdoor activities where durability and edge retention are important.
M390 Steel: A "Super Steel" Worth the Premium Price
M390 steel is often hailed as the pinnacle of blade steel technology, delivering exceptional performance across various metrics.
What is M390 Steel?
M390 is a "super steel" that is made using cutting edge powder metallurgy techniques. It is known for keeping its edge well, not rusting, and working well overall, which makes it a great choice for high-end knives.
Advantages of M390 Steel
- M390 typically possesses a hardness of 60–62 HRC, which enables it to hold an edge much longer compared to many other steels. It often outperforms D2 by 2-3 times in standardized cutting tests.
- With around 20% of chromium, M390 exhibits true stainless properties, so this knife suits the best when used in wet or humid environments. It has good resilience even with regular exposure to corrosive materials.
- M390 blades are so hard and resistant to wear that they can go for months without needing sharpening, hence reducing maintenance efforts.
Disadvantages of M390 Steel
- M390 knives generally start at around $200 and can easily exceed $500, reflecting the high cost of materials and the complexity of the manufacturing process.
- Sharpening M390 can be difficult due to its hardness and wear resistance, often requiring diamond stones or specialized equipment to achieve optimal results.
- But the trade-off with M390 is that it might chip, especially when doing heavy-duty or impact tasks, which makes it less ideal for certain uses.
Best Use Cases for M390 Steel
M390 steel is particularly well-suited for:
- High-End EDC Knives. Ideal for everyday carry where performance and edge retention are critical.
- Professional Culinary Tools. Perfect for chefs who require long-lasting sharpness and corrosion resistance in the kitchen.
- Outdoor Knives. Excellent for outdoor activities where durability and resistance to environmental factors are essential.
How Do D2 and M390 Compare in Real-World Applications?
When comparing these steels, it's helpful to see how they stack up in various categories. Here's a detailed comparison table based on real-world performance:
| Performance Metric | D2 Steel | M390 Steel | Real-World Impact |
| Edge Retention | 7/10 | 9/10 | M390 requires sharpening ~3x less frequently |
| Corrosion Resistance | 5/10 | 9/10 | D2 needs regular maintenance; M390 remains rust-free |
| Toughness | 6/10 | 7/10 | Both perform adequately for normal use |
| Ease of Sharpening | 5/10 | 3/10 | D2 is notably easier to maintain |
| Price-Performance | 8/10 | 6/10 | D2 offers better value for money |
Which Steel Should You Choose Based on Your Needs?
Choosing between these two great steels depends on knowing what specifically you want. Let's break down the decision-making process based on common use cases.
Everyday Carry (EDC) Considerations
Choose D2 if you want a reliable daily knife that offers good performance without breaking the bank. This is ideal for opening packages, light food preparation, and general utility tasks.
Go for M390 if you want a high-end blade that will maintain minimal upkeep while retaining sharpness through high, daily use; perfect for those professionals who use their knife daily.
Outdoor and Survival Use
D2 Considerations: Although it is very good to go for all general outdoor purposes, D2 does need special care in wet conditions. Maintenance with oil and cautious drying after use will be required on a regular basis.
M390 Benefits: Excellent corrosion resistance makes it suitable for marine uses or highly humid conditions. Still, the price might be a deterrent for many users and makes them hesitant to subject it to rough outdoor use.
Professional and Kitchen Use
D2 Applications: The right choice for professional users who are on a budget and don't mind frequent sharpening. It is quite popular in commercial kitchens for prep work.
M390 Advantages: Chosen by professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts as it holds its sharpness longer and requires minimal maintenance.