420HC Vs D2 Steel: An in-depth comparison

If you are curious about knives, you’ve probably heard much about 420HC or D2 steel from various sources. It’s because both types of steel are dominating the knife market. That’s why I am here to tell you more about 420hc and D2 steel. So if you are interested, let’s begin with the article.

Here’s a quick summary of each steel type before we compare 420hc vs. D2 steel in greater detail. 420hc is stainless steel, and it is harder than D2 steel. On the other hand, D2 steel is not stainless steel, making it less hard than 420hc steel. 

The main purpose of 420hc steel is to make knives for cutlery, surgical purpose, and kitchen purposes. Mid-tech industries and other custom industries use D2 steel to make their custom knives.

In short, 420hc is undoubtedly best for regular cutting and slicing and for strong bone breaking. And D2 steel is quite lower in grade, but if maintained on a regular basis it can be more sustainable than 420hc.

Read the article to learn an in-depth comparison between 420hc and D2 steel.

Which one is better 420hc or D2 steel?

The 420hc steel is a newer version of the 420 steel that has been improved and strengthened. It has more than 12% chromium, making it a solid stainless steel. D2 steel is also very common steel and easily available. D2 steel is a high carbon, air-hardening steel with a high hardness capacity.

Because of its high-hardness capacity, D2 steel can be easily used for any work. This knife is adaptable and can be used for outdoor activities like gardening and hiking and cutting food. Moreover for cutting solid bones, this steel will be great if the hardness increase.

However, 420hc is specifically best for chefs and cutlery users. Because of the stainless steel property, 420hc is best for cutting veggies, chopping food, and dicing hard fruits. Furthermore, 420hc won’t be damaged by moisture or water.

420hc Vs. D2 Steel: A quick comparison chart

420hc Vs. D2 Steel: Key Differences

The key differences between 420hc Vs. D2 steels are their hardness and toughness. Moreover, the amount of chemical compounds is also very different from each other. Let’s see what the actual key differences between 420hc and D2 steel are.

Built Quality

The built quality of 420hc steel and D2 steel is similar, but 420hc has fewer chemical elements than D2 steel. 420hc is a stainless steel but D2 is not, because D2 has less chromium than 420hc steel. D2 steel contains more chemical compounds than 420hc steel, except for chromium.

Hardness

D2 steel is less hard than 420hc steel, which is 55-62 HRC. 420hc has a 57HRC score which makes it harder than the D2 steel. However, if the manufacturer raises the temperature of the D2 steel, the HRC score can reach 62. D2 steel will then be harder than 420hc steel.

Toughness

Although 420hc steel has a higher hardness capacity, it is not as tough as D2 steel. D2 steel is the toughest steel due to its exceptional chemical compounds and hardness capacity. Because 420hc steel is more prone to breakage and can be brittle, it is not tough.

Wear and Corrosion Resistance

420hc delivers great wear and corrosion resistance but is not the best. However, D2 steel has high corrosion resistance because of its vanadium and Chromium levels. D2 steel is resistant to rust and dust, which is why it is popular for hiking and gardening.

Edge Retention

Because 420hc is hard stainless steel, it provides exceptional edge retention. You can easily cut any hard vegetables or fruits with the help of 420hc knives. On the other hand, D2 steel has a decent amount of edge retention as well.

Ease of sharpening

420hc is extremely easy to sharpen thanks to its stainless steel properties. Industries are producing kitchen knives for professional chefs from 420hc steel because it is easier to sharpen. D2 is more difficult to sharpen than 420hc because it contains more chemical compounds.

Conclusion

Whether you choose 420hc or a D2 knife, both of them are the best in their own way. You only need to know the purpose of those knives to make them fit for your work. For example, in the kitchen, you can choose a 420hc knife because it is made of stainless steel. Which is best for the kitchen and cutlery so that the water does not ruin the steel.

On the other hand, cutting boards, trees, leaves, hunting animals, etc are the best fit for a D2 knife. Make sure you are choosing the best knife for you from 420hc Vs. D2 Steel battle. 

Read More:

• 420HC steel vs 154CM | Which steel is better?
• 9cr18mov vs d2 steel: Which Steel Cuts the Longest?
• Key Differences between A2 vs D2 Tool steel
• 420HC vs 440C Steel: Which is better and why?

My Favourite Knives in Each Category

I had to get both 420hc and D2 steel knives to test. And I must say I have some strong recommendations for you in each category. 

1. LEATHERMAN, Bond Multitool, Stainless Steel EDC Tool with 420HC Blade and Nylon Sheath(420HC Steel)

For both cooking and hunting, the LEATHERMAN, EDC Tool is the best knife. This knife will be useful if you enjoy hunting and cutting the meat of the animals you catch. This knife is foldable and easy to carry, which makes it a multipurpose knife.

This stainless steel knife has a comfortable grip and easily fits in the palm of your hand. So if you love camping and cooking there, LEATHERMAN bond multi-tool stainless steel is just for you.

• CJRB Folding Knife Feldspar Pocket Folding Knife Stonewash D2 Steel Blade G10 Tactical Handle EDC Knife (D2 Steel)

CJRB Folding knife is a premium knife with a high-functional design for everyday use. The blade stays sharp in any condition and does not require maintenance. It’s a foldable knife that is easy to carry and travel-friendly. The handle is comfortable to hand.

The G-10 material makes the handle grippy and non-slippery. CJRB Folding knife is best for hunting, hiking, gardening, cutting, and so many other things.