Ontario Rat AUS-8 v. Ontario Rat D2...is it really worth it if you live in a moist climate zone?

I work right on the coast... in sand, salt water, salt air blah blah blah...

I don't have the slightest issue with corrosion even with my 1095 stuff. D2 would not scare me in the least.

However, I do like Ontario's AUS-8. I like how sharp it gets with little effort. I like how affordable it is.

Me, I'd do the AUS-8, but not because I was fearful of corrosion.
 
One AUS8 RAT outperformed one D2 RAT in that test. Having knives with AUS8 and D2 blades, my experience is that D2 outperforms AUS8 in edge retention by a good bit. AUS8 has the edge (yuk yuk yuk!) in corrosion resistance but D2's chromium content helps it resist rust. D2 with minimal maintenance should not be a rust risk, in my opinion.

If you haven't tried a D2 blade, the Ontario is a good opportunity to try one at a bargain price. Everyone seems to love them. Either way, I don't think you can't go wrong for the money involved.
 
I have and use both. The AUS8 versions take a polish extremely easily, and will resist chipping more than the D2. They will still spot with corrosion if not taken care of.

The D2 version will keep a toothy working edge for a noticeably longer time, but does not polish as easy. It will chip a bit more readily than the AUS8. The D2 will spot rust within a day of sweaty use, but wipes off easily, but is not as resistant as AUS8.

That’s just from my own personal use and environment. Yours may vary.

They are both great knives.
 
Sorry, yes it's true. Have been carrying knives of all types for 50+ years in very wet, humid conditions. Sweated my ass of working in temps above 100 twelve hrs. a day. I live on the coast and even have taken my carbon based D2 and ATS34 into the Gulf, which has a salt percentage that is so high anyone will float, like sitting in a lounge chair. All I had to do was wash them down and put them up. It's so freaking easy.
 
SOLEIL said:
Sorry, yes it's true. Have been carrying knives of all types for 50+ years in very wet, humid conditions. Sweated my ass of working in temps above 100 twelve hrs. a day. I live on the coast and even have taken my carbon based D2 and ATS34 into the Gulf, which has a salt percentage that is so high anyone will float, like sitting in a lounge chair. All I had to do was wash them down and put them up. It's so freaking easy.
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Lol okay man.
 
Proper care of a carbon steel (or marginal stainless steel) blade in ANY environment will prevent rusting/deterioration of the blade, which simply means to clean, dry and oil the blade before sheathing/storage.

It's NOT that complicated.

And, even if you don't do that, you can just wipe off any surface rust and use Naval Jelly or more serious corrosion and you'll still have a useable blade that can be sharpened to a razor's edge that will last for decades.

I know becuase I've got various kitchen knives made of simply carbon steel that have been in my family's and my possession for over 50 years that I still use in my kitchen to this day.
 
sgt1372 said:
Proper care of a carbon steel (or marginal stainless steel) blade in ANY environment will prevent rusting/deterioration of the blade, which simply means to clean, dry and oil the blade before sheathing/storage.

It's NOT that complicated.

And, even if you don't do that, you can just wipe off any surface rust and use Naval Jelly or more serious corrosion and you'll still have a useable blade that can be sharpened to a razor's edge that will last for decades.

I know becuase I've got various kitchen knives made of simply carbon steel that have been in my family's and my possession for over 50 years that I still use in my kitchen to this day.
Click to expand...
I don’t have any of my family’s kitchen knives but, I do have their kitchen steel. You know, the thing that comes with every knife block and nobody ever knows how to use it.
 
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