If you search for a premium steel quality for your next knife, then s30v can be the right option for you. Benchmade knife makers use it to make premium hunting knives, now available under the HUNT series and many other knife brands like Zero Tolerance and Piranha.
On the other hand, the D2 steel mainly applies to cheap knives. So you will be able to find steel knives that are reasonable but last genuinely long. Most of the knife makers use steel that is highly durable than some high-end premium knives and reasonable.
Among the two steel, the s30v will be the undoubted winner. The steel is the best for knives, and most of the users purchase this one for its features and low price.
Best s30v vs d2 knives Comparison:
1. Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Review
- An Improved Classic - Undeniably one of Spyderco's most popular and in-demand...
- Superior Quality - We kept the same high-performance full flat-ground blade but...
- A Secure Grip - The G-10 handle is narrowed at the end improving the Ergonomics....
- Easy-to-Use - The Para Military 2 features extreme strength, reliability, and...
In this review, we highly recommend the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. The knife is a very popular blade with many fans, which is just amazing; for any user, it’s a gem, not matter which version will come out, but do you know why?
Because its thick 3.42 blade, that comes with s30v steel which provides great toughness, good corrosion resistance and wear resistance and the knife will hold an edge for long.
Next, cause the compression lock. The knife is an excellent locker that will prevent your blade from playing; the advantage of this lock is that your thumb will never come in the blade path when closing it.
If you need more in-depth information on the other top steel, then you may check out our buyer’s guide – s35vn vs d2 steel
2. Kershaw Natrix – Copper Pocketknife
- The upgraded, high-carbon, D2 steel Natrix with substantial copper handle is a...
- High-performance steel yields excellent toughness, edge retention, wear and...
- Striking handle with silver hardware features a dramatic, oversized pivot and...
- Kershaw’s patented sub-frame lock, a variation of the traditional frame lock,...
Who looks for latest, high carbon, then the Kershaw Natrix – Copper Pocketknife. The knife Natrix with substantial copper handle is a deceptively hefty EDC. On the other hand small but mighty, the pocket knife provides both in professional performance and in arresting good looks.
Top quality steel yields perfect toughness, edge retention, wear and corrosion resistance, an easy to sharpen, long lasting and durable everyday carry that will fast become a user favorite.
Copper frame are very sturdy and machine well and take the best patina over time.
What are s30v vs d2 Steels?
[s30v steel]: The s30v steel is a high-end Martensitic stainless steel high in carbon, Molybdenum, and Vanadium that provides a perfect mix of high corrosion resistance, wear-resistance, and edge retention.
However, Chris Reeve and Crucible made the steel, designed in the USA, and primarily used for high-end pocket knives, premium kitchen cutlery.
[d2 Steel]:
D2 steel is a ordinary tool steel and knife steel. That is professionally popular such as the Japanese designation SKD11, Uddeholm Sverker 21, German designation 1.2379, Hitachi SLD and others. Which knife for best? How long sharpen? Where did it come from? How do its properties compare to other steels? Find your right answers here!
s30v vs d2 properties
[s30v steel]:
After researching the chemical composition and the HRC of the steel, the s30v steel vs. has the following features:
Edge retention: with a maximum of 61HRC due to the mixture of Vanadium, Tungsten, Carbon, and Manganese, the s30v steel provides a perfect hardness followed by excellent edge retention.
Corrosion Resistance: we know s30v steel is stainless steel that provides a good corrosion resistance due to 14% Chromium.
Wear resistance: Cause of the best quality steel in wear resistance, high in Vanadium and Chromium, and the steel provides for wear resistance.
Sharpness: the steel is not easy for sharpening; the more complex the steel, the harder to sharpen it.
Toughness: according to the research, you can’t have hardness, corrosion, resistance, and toughness in one steel; the s30v steel provides high hardness and corrosion resistance. So the steel toughness isn’t at the same level, but it doesn’t mean bad; that has a decent toughness.
[D2 steel]:
| D2 | Work |
| 8 | EDGE RETENTION |
| 2 | CORROSION RESISTANCE |
| 3 | EASE OF SHARPENING |
| 6 | TOUGHNESS |
Is s30v and d2 steel good for knife?
[S30v steel]: The steel is suitable for knives because it provides high hardness, high wear resistance, high corrosion resistance, and decent toughness. As from features, the s30v steel provides high hardness, high wear resistance, high corrosion resistance, and good toughness.
So the steel is considered high-end steel, and most users think it is good quality steel. And honestly, we highly recommend the steel because it is a very well-balanced steel knife.
[D2 Steel]: As from features, for presenting d2 continue to grow in the knife industry, generally because of their working performance and reasonable price, a lot of superior low budget knives are building their reputation. On the other hand, these types of steel provide high wear resistance and toughness.
S30v and d2 steel hardness
[S30v steel]: The s30v steel has a rating ranging from 58 to 64 HRC. The correct rating varies as per the heat treatment. But, its range renders the Crucible steel harder than different stainless-steel options.
[D2 Steel]:
As from features, for presenting d2 continue to grow in the knife industry, generally because of their working performance and reasonable price, a lot of superior low budget knives are building their reputation. On the other hand, these types of steel provide high wear resistance and toughness.
s30v and d2 composition
[s30v steel]:
| Steel Type | S30v | D2 |
| Carbon | 1,45% | 1.5% |
| Chromium | 14% | 12% |
| Molybdenum | 2% | 0.9% |
| Nitrogen | 0,2% | |
| Manganese | 0,5% | 0.45% |
| Silicon | 0,5% | 0.40% |
| Phosphorus | 0,03% | 0.03% |
| Sulfur | 0,03% | 0.02% |
| Vanadium | 4% | 1.10% |
| Tungsten | 0,4% |
s30v vs d2 steel – Final Verdict
Selecting the best steel for your knives requires a considerable amount of research, attention, and comparison. This article compared s30v vs. d2 steel, so if you ask my opinion, the two steel. I have mentioned above that it will fulfill your every need. You can select any one of them according to your choice and criteria.