N690, D2, A2 steel for use as a sword ?

The basic problems with using great steels for swords are of course the expense and difficulty.

I don't think I've seen a sword made with any of those steels but I would be very optimistic about an a2 sword.
 
bah double post

I didn't think the first one worked (too many posts within 60 seconds)
 
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Phil hartsfield uses A2 unless I am mistaken and his blades have a legendary status.
 
A2 Tool steel is an amazing steel for swords. Rob Criswell uses A2 in his work. His swords are incredibly tough, razor sharp, and hold an edge. (In case you can't tell, I'm a big criswell fan) Anway, long story short, A2 is a great sword steel. Haven't tried or heard of D2 or N690 in sword applications.
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-sorry, couldn't get pic to load
(My Criswell Katana)
Cheers,
CaseyP
 
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Criswell definantely used A2. It seems a lot of swords are 5160--John Gage and Angus Trim...
 
A2 would be the best out of the 3 choices the OP presents. I still have one Criswell Katana (I originally had two sets Katana/wakazashi). IMO his swords are clunky compared to higher end swords. But are fine considering the price you are paying. I also didn't care for a hollow ground sword either, but he wouldn't do a flat ground or convex one. He cryo treats the spine to give it more toughness. Yes, Hartsfield uses A2 and has fantastic results with it. James Piorek of Bladerigger fame did as well.

N690 wouldn't do very well as a sword steel just as other stainless steels wouldn't. The only high end sword I know of made with stainless is Barry Dawsons 440c katana.

D2 is not a good steel at all in sword length because of brittleness, large carbides and could not withstand the shock or impact that A2 can from another sword. The expense factor is less of an issue than the fact it doesn't hold up well.

5160 is great for its toughness and is used a lot for larger blades. Other alloy steels great for swords include 9260,8670,L6, 6150.

Simple carbon steels (10xx steels) are used quite often as they lend themselves well to heat treating with minimal equipment, hold a nice edge, polishes very nicely, is cost effective and traditional and can take a hamon like no tool steel can.
 
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