D2

D2 is a high carbon, high chromium die steel and is the highest carbon alloy tool and die steel typically used in knife making. With a chrome content of 12.00%, some call it a “semi-stainless”, because of the lack of free Chromium in solution, even though it is defined by ASM and ANSI as stainless which contains at least 11.5% by weight of chromium. While not as tough as premium carbon steel, it is much tougher than premium stainless steel.