D2 Steel is a Pain in the Rear to Sharpen

[sadclownwp]

So I got an Ontario RAT3 in D2 steel, in a knife trade. OMG is it hard to sharpen with my Spyderco Sharpmaker. CPM S30V isn't this much of a pain to sharpen, nor is 154CM.

I did 50 passes on each side, and it still will not shave hair. Usually 10 passes on each step and it is good to go, but not with this D2 steel.

I will post more once it finally has a good edge on it.

 

[grunt soldier]

I hate d2 for that reason it's my arch enemy steel.

 

[sadclownwp]

ok, 100 passes on each side, and it will now cut hair, on to step 2, god help me

 

[Gabriel]

I don't recall having issues with sharpening D2, but I haven't had a D2 knife in a long time. It must have been so bad that my mind blocked it all out.

 

[Jeremiah]

Hard to Sharpen often means its hard to dull.....

 

[grunt soldier]

D2 does hold a decent edge but I have never noticed any edge retention on it vs other good steels. it's never been worth it to me.

 

[sadclownwp]

Well it finally has an edge that is as good as the one on my ZT 0200. Which is kinda depressing since the ZT 0200 has a longer and thicker blade, and is also lighter and easier to carry around. Yep after all that work, I have depressed myself.

 

[billyboyr6]

I've sharpened my HEST folder which is D2, on a diamond kitchen knife sharpening rod. And then stroped it a couple times on the back of my leather belt and it was taking hair of my arm with ease.

 

[lawrra]

Amazon.com: Spyderco Diamond Triangle Pair: Sports & Outdoors

Those do the trick, but they're about the same price as a standard Sharpmaker.

 

[Capt. Jeff]

i agree. i sharpen my Hest the same way, and have had no problems.

 

[Capt. Jeff]

I've sharpened my HEST folder which is D2, on a diamond kitchen knife sharpening rod. And then stroped it a couple times on the back of my leather belt and it was taking hair of my arm with ease..

i agree, i sharpen my Hest the same way and have had no problems.

 

[tradertator]

Amazon.com: Spyderco Diamond Triangle Pair: Sports & Outdoors

Those do the trick, but they're about the same price as a standard Sharpmaker.

These are great, but be careful. If you are rough with them, you will scrape the diamond material off. Nice and easy does the trick.

 

[ruger44srh]

I've got a WartHog diamond sharpener that came with steels too. Kind of pricey but does an excellant job on D2 steel