D2 Para

slice22358 · #1

Hey I just got my first Para today :D I'm in love with this thing! It fits my hand perfectly. But in the box there was this little slip that talked about caring for D2 steel. So my question is, what exactly is different about D2?
On another note, I also got a green UKPK and an assist :D

brianflhrci · #2

Keep it away from prolonged salt water and always dry it off at night. If you EDC it you'll never have a problem, use the heck out of it!!

slice22358 · #3

Thanks for the tips! I plan on making it my main EDC for awhile so I should use the heck out of it. I already did today while helping my dad take out a fence in the backyard. I don't live anywhere near saltwater, so that shouldn't be a problem either

yablanowitz · #4

The big difference is the chrome content of D2 is about one point below the cutoff for "stainless" steel. It is classified as a tool steel instead. In practice, it is pretty rust-resistant, especially the CPM version that Spyderco has used, but if left wet long enough, it will rust. Nothing like 1095 or even 52100, but it will rust. In my experience, D2 tends to pit rather than just forming a layer of surface rust.

Shenmue728 · #5

It a great knife. Mine dominates my pocket whenever I got to work. I chew trough cardboard like nothing. I have had mine for 2 months with no rust. Just keep the tang and pivot oiled since its harder to clean in there.

LowTEC · #6

I reprofiled the edge of my D2 para, and left the metal deposit and water on the edge for 15 minutes and I saw surface rust forming, it didn't concern me as I give it couple passes on the leather cured that in no time. In practice, the CPMD2 actually don't really rust if I polish the edge. And keep it dry after use, never have a problem, and I don't oil my blades at all

Phalanx7.62 · #7

Shenmue728 wrote:It a great knife. Mine dominates my pocket whenever I got to work. I chew trough cardboard like nothing. I have had mine for 2 months with no rust. Just keep the tang and pivot oiled since its harder to clean in there.

This is good advice. I have a Benchmade in D2 that sat in the box for a prolonged period. I took it apart and noticed the pivot/washer area needing cleaning/polishing.