How hard is D2 to sharpen? Would I be better off with the 1095 version of this knife
591213
D2 is a challenge on whetstones. Won't need too many touch ups tho, let alone sharpenings. 1095 aint bad, only beats d2 at impacts/shock tho. Except for impacts, d2 is more quality for more price, so price is your top factor. If you're looking for the best, this is practically it. But much more $ efficient is a carbon steel mora knife (endorsed by cutlerylover & nutnfancy). Small fixed blades are generally pricy, 'specially compared to folders.
591214
D2 Steel is harder which provides a longer edge retention than 1095 but since it is a harder steel once it does need sharpening it may take slightly longer to bring the edge back. 1095 is easier to sharpen but will need sharpening more often. Each is a trade off that comes down to personal choice.
591215
D2 Steel is harder which provides a longer edge retention than 1095 but since it is a harder steel once it does need sharpening it may take slightly longer to bring the edge back.1095 is easier to sharpen but will need sharpening more often. Each is a trade off that comes down to personal choice.
461141
The main blade is stainless with D2 steel forged on the edge. The D2 part will get off color and will rust if not cared for properly. My nephew has one and has had really good luck with it. The one I purchased was over ground on one side and barely ground on the other and was not sharp. I worked with it for a while and finally got it sharp but it would not hold an edge nearly as good as my basic Leek knife. I sent it back to the factory explaining the problem but they only reground the blade and returned it. The blade still will not hold an edge. I have had 2 of the basic Leek knives and have had no complaints with either. The main blade is stainless with D2 steel forged on the edge. The D2 part will get off color and will rust if not cared for properly. My nephew has one and has had really good luck with it. The one I purchased was over ground on one side and barely ground on the other and was not sharp. I worked with it for a while and finally got it sharp but it would not hold an edge nearly as good as my basic Leek knife. I sent it back to the factory explaining the problem but they only reground the blade and returned it. The blade still will not hold an edge. I have had 2 of the basic Leek knives and... » Read More The main blade is stainless with D2 steel forged on the edge. The D2 part will get off color and will rust if not cared for properly. My nephew has one and has had really good luck with it. The one I purchased was over ground on one side and barely ground on the other and was not sharp. I worked with it for a while and finally got it sharp but it would not hold an edge nearly as good as my basic Leek knife. I sent it back to the factory explaining the problem but they only reground the blade and returned it. The blade still will not hold an edge. I have had 2 of the basic Leek knives and have had no complaints with either. « Show Less
193229
No. Its 1095 crovan high carbon steel. Not to bad to sharpen, but then again i use diamond stones. The 1095 takes a lot of abuse and holds a edge for a while.
1464030
First off let me say I love this knife and is a good hard use knife the elmax is great as well but comparing it to the adamas I think for the hard use application I would rank the adamas as a better option bc of the d2 blade ... I believe zero tolerance doesnt bring the elmax to as high heat treat as it can ive read its around 57-58 .. compared to d2 which is harder .... both great blades if you want a flashier hard use knife the 561 is your blade (also easier to sharpen then d2 and it does hold a great edge) sorrt for droning on there is just so much I could say about this blade
2152078
Yes it is. 1095 Rc. 57Better knife than kabar Bk2 and Ontario but it is more expensive.
914892
The D2 will be harder to sharpen, but the edge should hold up longer (meaning less attention needed in the field). It is barely in the stainless category so proper care after use will be required more than a coated blade. I bought it because Becker/KABAR does not seem to do longer runs on anything but 1095. I also have the BK14 and a Lanksy dog bone for sharing. The D2 BK24 will not be put in the hands of friends.
404495
I dont know any chinese manufacturer that is trying to copy these. They certainly wouldnt be this expensive either. As far as grind do you mean angle of the edge? If so Im not sure what it would be called. Its not a standard 20. Its a slow regression towards the spine and evens out about halfway. Its a bit of a pain to get used to sharpening, but rarely needs it, and is super sharp. Its my hunting knife.
193231
I belive nick is right about it being 1095. I have two knives, (ka-bar) same steel, the other one point broke of the first day reshape it like a screwdriver point,
1462667
I can't comment on the 316 since I never used it. I have Global, Shun and Calphalon Katana series knives. I've use the 315 on each. The edges are extremely sharp. I've only sharpened and polished each knife at least once but no more than twice in a years time. All I can say is that this works, the edges keep and I've had no problems. Read the instructions several times before starting as it is important to follow the process as stated.
62596
I got this knife when it was still being made in taiwan, and at that point it was made in SK5. They probably changed to 1095 cro van when they started making them in America. I have a couple other knives made with SK5 and 1095 crovan and I can't tell the difference. I did a little research and discovered that these two steels are very similar.
407256
1075 is good carbon steel. The heat treat is very good on these blades, they are very durable and sharpen easily.This isn't a fillet knife and has a very thick blade, but with a little work it will shave like a razor. It is a true workhorse, and is cheap enough to use roughly in the field. This isn't a wallhanger. I highly recommend this knife if you need a large blade for heavy use.
1706892
Although I have both, I prefer the 102 is it is smaller, its blade is thinner and narrower which in my mind makes it a more useful and versatile knife. The 119 is a cool knife also but it is very large and stout. I do love the brown handle versus the black, it is worth the extra cost in my view.
1098285
IIRC, out of the box the blade was good and sharp.If you sharpen your own, you'll *love* the way this thing takes an edge. My Zetsurin is just about the sharpest thing I own. After a bit of work ;)
1924792
Since, I think, August of 2013, Kershaw started getting away from Crucible, aside from S30V, for their steels. I just bought one recently and it is not CPM D2, just regular D2. Will you notice a difference? probably not. Is there a difference? yes. It is a shame because I thought I was buying CPM D2. Amazon needs to update the description.
1173083
Blade is very sharp out of box, hadn't needed to sharpen yet, expect it to be a bear when I do because of the d2 hardness
1088067
A stone is best but I've found that dexter makes a diamond steel that sharpens exceptionally well. Just make sure you use a light touch and hold at the 11.5 degree angle roughly.
1280299
I like it, I think it holds an edge well and is decently easy to sharpen. Probably better than 8cr13 or 440c in my opinion, not sure about AUS8 I don't have any personal experience with that. Doesn't hold an edge as well as VG-10 but isn't as brittle either (and easier to sharpen).