Para Military D2

[Easy Wind]

Hey there,

I simply have a question about the Para-Military FG G-10 D2 PE.
What is the advantage of D2 steel compared to the other steel used for this model? New to the game, but I do not see many (spyerco) blades made using this steel type. Same goes for other manufactures as well.
Is D2 steel inferior to others steel on the market? Or is D2 a notch above, say, VG-10..?

-Easy Wind

[yablanowitz]

CPM D2 as used in the Military and Paramilitary Sprint Runs is a tool steel produced using powder metallurgy. This process gives it a finer grain structure and more uniform carbide distribution than ingot D2, but the gains are not very large. As far as I know, the Para sprint was done with leftover steel from the Military sprint. That steel was from an experimental batch made to test the effect of powder metallurgy processes on D2. The initial assessment was that the gains were not sufficient to make the process economically feasible, and Crucible decided to drop the project.

The advantage of D2 is primarily its toughness and wear resistence are a bit better than S30V, but its corrosion resistence is lower.

P.S. Welcome to the Forum!

[FLYBYU44]

From the one that I had (Para D2 that is) I would have to say the edge retention and the quality of the edge were superior to VG-10 in everyway. Another plus is the blade was very easy to get shaving sharp, however with my VG-10 models I sometimes have to work at getting a good edge.

[Easy Wind]

Thank you both for a quick response, I do appreciate your help on the matter.
I was on the fence about it but I think I may give the D2 paramilitary a try.
It truly looks to be a perfect choice for many applications.

-Easy Wind

[FLYBYU44]

The only reason I got rid of my D2 Para was I didn't care for the long thin point on it. Probably one of the reasons I've never really felt the need for a Military as well. Other then that reason it is an awesome knife, probably one of the best I've ever owned.