Jersey axe made with D2???

A

ARsoto

Joined
Aug 22, 2014
Messages
6
Hey buds,

Basically i want to hear your thoughts on an axe bit made from D2 steel. While drinking whiskey in the woods with my drinking buddy uncle he informs me that he has access to D2 steel and that it would be no problem to machine an axe bit. naturally i was intrigued since D2 can be used to cut steel products time and time again without losing its edge. however this is just a theory. what do you think? i mean it sounds like a kick ass axe that would be all my own. let me know guys.
 
I'm sure that those with far more expertise than I will have something to say on this but when I hear that an alloy is used to cut steel my first though is that it must be pretty hard and hard usually = brittle and brittle is an issue with a striking tool.

That said I wait with interest to see what the smiths and fabricators who hang out here have to say about it.
 
I have the same concerns - I've always read that D2 tends to be brittle, and is a poor choice for an impact tool...but Hardcore Hardware tomahawks are made with D2.
 
i hear u. my uncle is a machinist and tells me that this D2steel stamps metal millions of time before being replaced. he works in steel production. i feel like that counts as being used as an impact tool.
 
ARsoto said:
i hear u. my uncle is a machinist and tells me that this D2steel stamps metal millions of time before being replaced. he works in steel production. i feel like that counts as being used as an impact tool.
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kind of depends on the metal. At a given hardness for axes, it will probably be better than the standard 1055 and it is near stainless. However, steels like S7 will offer better impact resistance.
 
D2 doesn't "cut" steel (High Speed Steel like M2 is for cutting steel), it shears it. D2 is used in stamping dies where softer steel is sheared and formed into the correct shape. Pretty much the definition of a tough steel...

I'd say go for it. Make sure you research having the heat treat done, it's going to be important...
 
We can theorise regarding possible issues with it being brittle, but I have to say that it sounds pretty awesome, you can't really lose so I say go for it Bro! And post pics when it comes togerther.:);)
 
my problem is getting the dimensions for the bit. im gonna go for it. a free hunk of D2 with someone with the tools and know-how to machine it is something u cant pass up. im pumped. needa find a nice curved helve now. plus someone that knows how to heat treat it. def need a pros touch . .now what?? will a shop do it for me?? im here to learn broskis
 
ARsoto said:
needa find a nice curved helve now. plus someone that knows how to heat treat it. def need a pros touch . .now what?? will a shop do it for me??
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You'll need to find a local blacksmith. And you might want a pattern for your machinist to work off of. The new stuff in the hardware stores has terrible geometry.
 
With it being D2 and a decent time investment I'd send it off for heat treating. You'll want to eak out every bit of toughness you can get.
 
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