Bushcraft knives are essential for outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and hunters alike. They are designed to handle tough outdoor activities, from carving wood to a field dressing game, and are a crucial element in any outdoor kit. When it comes to choosing the right bushcraft knife, the type of blade steel used is critical. D2 blade steel, like the Real Steel Bushcraft III blade, is a popular choice in the bushcraft community due to its unique properties that make it well-suited for outdoor activities. In this article, we will explore what D2 blade steel is, its properties, and why it is an excellent choice for bushcraft knives.
What is D2 Blade Steel?
D2 blade steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium alloy steel that contains a high amount of molybdenum. It was developed in the early 20th century by the steel company Bohler Uddeholm, based in Austria. D2 blade steel is known for its high hardness and excellent wear resistance, making it a popular choice in the knife-making industry.
Properties of D2 Blade Steel
D2 blade steel is a tool steel that has a high carbon content, typically around 1.5%. This high carbon content gives D2 blade steel its hardness, which makes it suitable for cutting and slicing tasks. Additionally, D2 blade steel has a high chromium content of around 12%, which gives it excellent corrosion resistance. The high molybdenum content of around 1% also enhances its toughness, which makes it resistant to chipping and breaking.
Advantages of D2 Blade Steel in Bushcraft Knives
Bushcraft knives need to be durable and capable of handling tough outdoor activities. D2 blade steel is an excellent choice for bushcraft knives for several reasons:
High Hardness
D2 blade steel is tough, with a Rockwell hardness of around 60-62. This makes it highly resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for bushcraft activities such as carving wood, processing game, and cutting rope.
Good Corrosion Resistance
The high chromium content of D2 blade steel gives it excellent corrosion resistance. This means that it can withstand exposure to water and moisture without rusting or corroding. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities, where exposure to the elements is unavoidable.
Great Edge Retention
D2 blade steel holds an edge exceptionally well, making it an excellent choice for bushcraft knives. This means that it will stay sharp for longer periods, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.
Resistance to Chipping and Breaking
The high molybdenum content of D2 blade steel makes it highly resistant to chipping and breaking. This is an important characteristic of bushcraft knives, which often require considerable force to perform tasks such as batoning or splitting wood.
Conclusion
D2 blade steel is an excellent choice for bushcraft knives due to its unique properties that make it ideal for challenging outdoor activities. Its high hardness, excellent corrosion resistance, great edge retention, and resistance to chipping and breaking make it a popular choice in the bushcraft community. When choosing a bushcraft knife, it is essential to consider the blade steel carefully, and D2 blade steel is undoubtedly an excellent option.