D2 or VG10?

[The Bear]

I finally decided to purchase a Deer Hunter from A.G. Russell to use it for general camping tasks and food preparation.
Now I would need some suggestions to choose the best steel between D2 and VG10.
Waiting for your replies!
Thanks

 

[Hair]

VG-10 is more rust resistant, so it would tend to be better for food preparation.

However, D2 is tougher, so it would tend to be better for some camping tasks such as chopping.

Either steel should do great.

 

[Franciscomv]

They are both awesome steels. I live in a very humid part of my country and sometimes have to work in the rain for a couple of days, so I'd go with VG10 for the extra corrotion resistance.

Performance wise, I think I like D2 a bit better, in fact I'm having a D2 custom made by Scott (Razorback) for the time I spend in the dryer regions of my country.

 

[DGG]

Bear -

If you are up to an annual knife tuneup get the D2. A little Breakfree CLP once a year will keep it from rusting. Otherwise get the stainless VG-10 model. The D2 will probably sharpen better and hold a edge longer but it is a real toss up as both are excellent knifes.

Better yet, if the budget permits, get one of each. Then sell the one you like the least. I'm sure you can always get most of your money back on the one you don't want.

Did you know that there are only about two knives with "Cobalt" in their steels. VG-10 (Spyderco Steel) is one and ATS-55 is the other. I have always wondered why this is since there are so many other knife steels. What's the purpose of "Cobalt"? It sounds rather nuclear!

Here is an article I found about knife steels that covers most of the bases. It is technical but has some interesting comparisons.

http://www.ajh-knives.com/metals.html


Here is an article that tests various lubes and protectants of steel in guns. However it will also apply to knives.

http://www.thegunzone.com/rust.html

 

[tim8557]

Bear -

Did you know that there are only about two knives with "Cobalt" in their steels. VG-10 (Spyderco Steel) is one and ATS-55 is the other. I have always wondered why this is since there are so many other knife steels. What's the purpose of "Cobalt"? It sounds rather nuclear!

From knifeart.com : Cobalt (Co) 1. Increases strength and hardness and permits quenching in higher temperatures
2. Intensifies the individual effects of other elements in more complex steels

 

[Cliff Stamp]

I finally decided to purchase a Deer Hunter from A.G. Russell to use it for general camping tasks and food preparation.
Now I would need some suggestions to choose the best steel between D2 and VG10.

I have used both of those, that is an easy decision. If you plan on subjecting the knife to a really corrosive enviroment, such as leaving it wet or covered in food acids for extended periods of time then use the VG-10 model, otherwise the D2 one.

-Cliff

 

[DGG]

Bear -

Did you know that there are only about two knives with "Cobalt" in their steels. VG-10 (Spyderco Steel) is one and ATS-55 is the other. I have always wondered why this is since there are so many other knife steels. What's the purpose of "Cobalt"? It sounds rather nuclear!

From knifeart.com : Cobalt (Co) 1. Increases strength and hardness and permits quenching in higher temperatures
2. Intensifies the individual effects of other elements in more complex steels

Tim - I wonder why it is not more widely used? There must be a downside somewhere.