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Thanks to its versatility, hard-wearing nature and approachable pricepoint, D2 steel comes standard in many popular knives. Here are some of our favorites.
By Hayley Helms
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D2 steel has beenprized for generationsfor its wear resistance, edge stability and respectable toughness. For years, D2 was deemed the go-to material for a knife blade that could handle the rigors of daily wear and tear without breaking down or losing its edge. Recent materials developments likeCPM MagnacutandM390 steelhave shifted D2’s position on the pyramid, and today, its star attribute isn’t its ability to resist damage or maintain its integrity, but rather, its price: D2 has become an affordable, dependable alternative to powder metallurgy stainless steels that can (admittedly) outperform it in regards to wear resistance, toughness and corrosion resistance.
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If you’re in the market for a reliable blade that’s easy on the wallet without being cheaply made, D2 is going to be the metal of choice for you. Read on to discover what makes it valuable, when and where you should use it and the top knives that make the best of its combination of utility and affordability.
Products in the Guide
Kershaw Cannonball
Best Unique Design
Read moreCRKT Bona Fide Field Strip
Best Slim Profile D2 Knife
Read moreWESN Microblade
See AlsoAll About D2 Steel - Development, Use in Knives, and Properties - Knife Steel NerdsThe Best D2 Steel Knives And What Makes Them Great | Nothing But KnivesIs D2 Steel Good for Knives? [Complete Steel Guide]D2 Knife Steel: An In-Depth Analysis and Expert Review - Blade ProtectionBest Keychain D2 Knife
Read moreOntario RAT Model 2 Liner Lock Knife
Best Budget D2 Knife
Read moreSOG Stout FLK – Blackout
Best Compact D2 Knife
Read moreCRKT Pilar III
Editor's Pick
Read moreBoker Mini Kwaiken Flipper Knife
Best Upgrade D2 Knife
Read more
What is D2 steel?
D2 steel is a chromium-rich, high-carbon, air-hardening tool steel with a hardness range of 55 to 62HRC. (HRC refers to the Hardness Rockwell C Scale, which measures the hardness of steel and its ability to retain its original shape.) All of these properties come together to form a deeply hardened steel that is durable, wear-resisting and can stand up to a temperature of 425 °C (797 °F). Thanks to its hardening capabilities, D2 steel is almost entirely free of size changes after it’s been properly treated.
How does D2 compare with other knife blade materials?
Think of D2 like a workhorse: it’s not the show pony that you’ll spend more time snapping pics of for your Instagram story than actually using, and it’s not a cheaply made substitute for the real deal that you’ll have to replace in a year or two. D2 is affordable (especially considering its fortitude and durability) and will retain its hardness and original shape even after plenty of EDC use.
The Best Pocket Knives Made with D2 Steel
Kershaw Cannonball
Best Unique Design
Kershaw Cannonball
The Kershaw Cannonball is a work knife that is bold, burly and tough. Featuring a BlackWash finish on its D2 blade, which hides scratches, as well as a long handle for comfortable holding and a no-nonsense stainless steel handle, the Cannonball doesn’t pull any punches.
Specs
Blade Length | 3.5 inches |
Blade Steel | D2 |
Handle Material | Stainless steel |
Locking Mechanism | Frame lock |
Total Length | 8 inches |
Pros
- No-nonsense materials make it great for tough jobs
Cons
- Can be unwieldy for smaller hands
$69.11 at kaiusa.com
It’s unique design may throw you off at first, but the Cannonball is sure to make a splash in your everyday routine. That’s thanks to a few details: the blade has a Blackwash finish, which helps hide scratches; the assisted open makes deploying on the go easier; the handle texture, though a little odd, helps with grip; and the reversible deep-carry pocket clip makes it a low-profile carry option. This knife is billed as an everyday workhorse, and although the blade isn’t terribly thick at 0.10 inches, it’s a solid option ready to tackle most tasks.
CRKT Bona Fide Field Strip
Best Slim Profile D2 Knife
CRKT Bona Fide Field Strip
Designed by Ken Onion in Kaneohe, Hawaii and inspired by the shape of a traditional Hawaiian waʻa, or canoe, the Bona Fide Field Strip is a slim and sleek option that combines the utility of D2 and the careful design ethos of CRKT.
Specs
Blade Length | 3.59 inches |
Blade Steel | D2 |
Handle Material | Aluminium |
Locking Mechanism | Liner lock |
Total Length | 8.25 inches |
Pros
- Flipping action is good
Cons
- Price doesn't reflect budget-minded materials
$100.00 at crkt.com
Built with an aluminum handle and D2 steel, the Bona Fide keeps things trim at 4.3 ounces, and proprietary features like the Field Strip (easy cleaning and maintenance) and the ball bearing pivot opening will keep the blade functioning at its full potential years after its first use.
WESN Microblade
Best Keychain D2 Knife
WESN Microblade
By utilizing D2 steel in such a small package, WESN combined hard-wearing materials like titanium and G10 with an approachable profile: two attributes anyone looking for an everyday knife can appreciate.
Specs
Blade Length | 1.5 inches |
Blade Material | D2 |
Handle Material | Grade 5 Titanium Scales, w/ or w/o a single G10 side |
Locking Mechanism | Frame lock |
Total Length | 3.75 inches |
Pros
- Extremely convenient
Cons
- Easy to lose
$89 at WESN
WESN says its Microblade is the “perfect spot where practicality and versatility meet” and we couldn’t help but agree with its logic: at just under four inches opened, with a 1.5-inch blade, the teeny-tiny Microblade can be taken anywhere and everywhere with ease. Built with Grade 5 Titanium Scales and ceramic bearings, this small-but-mighty number manages to pack in as many features as its larger counterparts: a frame lock design, lanyard hole and pocket clip. At less than one hundred bucks, WESN’s little knife packs a big punch.
Ontario RAT Model 2 Liner Lock Knife
Best Budget D2 Knife
Ontario RAT Model 2 Liner Lock Knife
A trimmed-down version of OKC’s Rat Model 1, the Model 2 is an exercise in restraint, both frame a design and pricepoint perspective.
Specs
Blade Length | 3 inches |
Blade Material | D2 |
Handle Material | Nylon |
Locking Mechanism | Liner |
Total Length | 7 inches |
Pros
- Easy on the wallet
Cons
- Low on features
$37.95 at Blade HQ
$55.95(32% off)
This legendary knife is equal parts economy and poise, thanks to features like the nylon handle, drop-point blade, dual thumb stud opener and four-position pocket clip. The Rat Model 2 won’t win contests for premium materials and finishes, and that’s kind of the point: If you’re looking for a hard-working knife that you don’t mind scratching up a bit, this one’s for you.
SOG Stout FLK – Blackout
Best Compact D2 Knife
SOG Stout FLK – Blackout
The aptly named Stout is a sturdy, mid-sized folding knife with a 2.62-inch drop blade, flat grind, short swedge (a tapered or beveled false edge along the spine of the knife) and an oblong hole in the blade that can be used for one-handed folding or as a flipper tab.
Specs
Blade Length | 2.62 |
Blade Material | D2 |
Handle Material | G10 and stainless steel |
Locking Mechanism | Frame |
Total Length | 3.38 |
Pros
- Flexible carry and ergonomic design
Cons
- Too small for large jobs
$59.95 at sogknives.com
This is the ergonomic knife you’d grab for cutting chores and other knife work that requires a bit of force and dexterity. In fact, the Stout features an extra large choil and a large finger recess in the handle; these, along with its other design features, allow for more control over a smaller knife, giving you the flexibility to get work done without having to reach for a larger, more cumbersome blade.
CRKT Pilar III
Editor's Pick
CRKT Pilar III
The Pilar III is slightly heavy but it’s hard-working: the G10 stainless-steel handle is plenty durable, and the high-carbon stainless-steel blade takes an edge with the best of them.
Specs
Blade Length | 3 inches |
Blade Material | D2 |
Handle Material | G10 stainless steel |
Locking Mechanism | Frame |
Total Length | 7.25 inches |
Pros
- Versatile design works great for lots of tasks
Cons
- A little bulky in the pocket
$60 at Blade HQ
$85(29% off)
We’ve waxed eloquent about the Pilar before, and for good reason: This knife is built to serve. As I stated in my review, it’s “practical and straightforward enough for the most inexperienced wielder of knives to handle, but built with enough know-how to keep die-hard enthusiasts satisfied, as well.” The Pilar III boasts a bevy of useful attributes: the IKBS ball bearing pivot keeps opening and closing smooth, the high-carbon, stainless steel blade is easy to sharpen, the G10 handle feels and looks bombproof and the frame lock felt secure during use. If you could only choose one D2 knife for your EDC kit, I would highly suggest this one.
Boker Mini Kwaiken Flipper Knife
Best Upgrade D2 Knife
Boker Mini Kwaiken Flipper Knife
The Mini Kwaiken is one of the most influential knife designs of the 21st century, thanks to its clean lines, elegant look and simple yet effective function.
Specs
Blade Length | 3.125 |
Blade Material | D2 |
Handle Material | Titanium |
Locking Mechanism | Liner |
Total Length | 7.4 inches |
Pros
- Elegant design
Cons
- Expensive
$158.95 at Blade HQ
$182.95(13% off)
Lucas Burnley’s popular design got a downsize in this knife; it retains all the features of the first version, it’s just pared down to a more EDC-friendly take. The Mini Kwaiken is one of the most influential knife designs of the 21st century, thanks to its clean lines, elegant look and simple yet effective function. Boker describes Burnley’s knife as a cross between the Gentlemen Folder and Tactical Knife — and features like the removable clip, flipper, liner lock and titanium scales back up this claim. If you’re one for style, efficiency and perhaps even a little drama, look no further than this sophisticated EDC choice.
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