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D2 for the layman


Dangaard

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Gentleman, I am having some difficulty forging D2 into knives I have some D2 1/2" round stock. I was forging my round into square
(at orange bright/dull heat) when it cracked right through the part I was hammering on straight through the cross section. I figured it was a fluke maybe I was working it too cold, so I hot cut the piece back 3" and started over same thing happened. I have heard and read wonderful things about d2 steel for knives I really want to make one. anyone have any answers/advice?

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D2 is one of the hardest steels to forge and it does sound like you are working it too cold but it will crumble if forged too hot. I would say work at a bright orange and then stop when it starts to cool (dark orange?) and accept the fact it has a narrow temperature range then work within those restrictions. It might be helpful to bend a piece at different temps so you can feel it move; there will be a point as it's cooling where it just refuses to move without breaking - that should be your point of reheating because trying to get that one last hit will likely cause breakage.

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You may also want to pay attention to the heat treat for D2, The short version: to get it to what the makers say is correct is not within the temperature / time things that most of us can do at home....And yes some folks do it But it is not likely that a new person to knves can get it right and it is pricey material try some 5160, 1084 or 1095Those are user friendly. and make great knives.

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HWooldridge: thank you for confirming my thoughts.

Rich Hale: "You may also want to pay attention to the heat treat for D2" I have searched on google on this topic, and the numbers look like I will be moving to another steel for now. Thank you, that was useful information.

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