9cr18mov vs d2 steel | Which Steel is better?
There’s a wider option of different categories of steel blades. Some are stainless steel; some are semi-stainless steel. But you can’t notice the differences between these two categories. Well, you may already mess up with two Chinese steel- 9cr18mov and D2 steel; which should you pick up? Let’s make it easier with their key differences.
9cr18mov and D2 have many key differences. 9cr18mov is stainless steel, having high toughness & corrosion resistance than D2 steel. Whereas D2 is semi-stainless steel and has high hardness and better edge retention compared to 9cr18mov. Again, 9cr18mov is easy to maintain and sharp, whereas d2 isn’t!
You can’t differentiate them with this short comparison. Let’s dive into the details of these two steel with an overview & detail comparison!
Quick comparison chart table
| Basis for comparison | 9cr18mov | d2 |
| Chemical compounds | Carbon 0.95%; Chromium 18.5%; Molybdenum 1.3%; Silicon 0.8%; Manganese 0.8%; Nickel 0.6%; Nitrogen 0.6%; Vanadium 0.12%; Phosphorus 0.04%; Sulfur 0.03%. | Carbon 1.5%; Chromium 12%; Molybdenum 0.9%; Vanadium 1.10%; Nitrogen 0.03%; Manganese 0.6%; Silicon 0.6%; Phosphorus 0.03%; Sulfur 0.03%; Cobalt 1.0%. |
| Hardness | 58-60 HRC | 52-62 HRC |
| Toughness | Excellent | Better |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent | Better |
| Edge retention | Good | Excellent |
| Ease of Sharpening | Easy | Hard |
| Maintenance | Require less maintenance | Require more maintenance |
| Cost | Affordable | Affordable |
In-depth comparison
Don’t have any idea yet about what should you pick? Let’s clarify the answer with this detailed comparison.
1. Hardness
Hardness is the most important factor that gives you the overall description of a steel blade. Between 9Cr18mov and d2 steel, d2 beats the hardness of 9Cr18mov.
D2 steel has the highest carbon content (1.5%), whereas 9Cr18mov has 0.95% carbon.
According to the Rockwell Report, the hardness of 9cr18m9v is 58-60HRC and d2 has a hardness of 52-62HRC.
2. Toughness
As we know, D2 always shows greater toughness than other stainless steel. But this time, it can’t beat the toughness of 9Cr18mov.
Mainly, the addition of molybdenum & manganese helps the 9cr18mov to show resistance to chipping or breaking! That’s why it’s most popular for kitchen tasks.
3. Corrosion Resistance
Stainless steel is always great for its corrosion resistance and similarly, 9cr18mov beats the corrosion resistance of D2 very easily.
With 12% chromium, D2 steel can’t resist corrosion like stainless steel, whereas 9cr18mov strongly resists corrosion or rust as it has 18.5% chromium & 1.3% molybdenum.
4. Edge retention
The harder the steel, the long edge it would be held! Simply, D2 beats the edge retention of 9cr18mov with better hardness.
D2 steel holds the edge sharp and long and as a result, it don’t require frequent sharpening. On the contrary, 9cr18mov needs frequent sharpening for its less edge retention.
5. Ease of sharpening
As the harder steel is hard to sharpen. So, it is true you may have to face difficulties to sharpen D2 than 9cr18mov.
6. Price
As 9cr18mov is stainless steel, it’ll be a little more pricey than D2. But, 9cr18mov is very popular for its affordable budget than other stainless steel.
D2 is best for its affordable budget and great performance.
About 9cr18mov: Overview
9cr18mov is a Chinese high-quality stainless steel with high corrosion & wear resistance. The percentage of high chromium, carbon, molybdenum & vanadium makes it effective for pocket EDC knives. It’s a low-price stainless steel, so it’s gaining popularity day by day.
The 9cr18mov is also widely used in –
- Cleavers,
- EDC knife,
- Pocket knives,
- Surgical blades.
Though it has low toughness & tensile strength, it’s only perfect for kitchen tasks. But, It’s not suitable for hunting & campaign.
About d2: Overview
D2 Steel is an air hardening & high carbon alloy steel. It is considered semi-stainless steel as the chromium percentage is 12% only! Instead of semi-stainless steel, it has higher wear resistance and abrasion resistance properties than other stainless steel.
D2 steel is great for its toughness, hardness, & edge retention. It’s great for any kitchen task. The other use of this steel are given below-
- Shear blades, knife.
- Tyre shredder
- Punches
- Forming Rolls.
- Scrap choppers
My opinion)
At the end of the discussion, it’s time to take a final decision. Have you chosen one of them? Or haven’t yet!!
If you can’t take a decision, let’s get to the point! You know what features you need! And, the budget is also a factor, right?
If you want stainless steel with high corrosion resistance, good hardness & toughness, 9cr18mov best choice. There are no worries to take the difficulty of sharpening it! Even, its price will be worth your money!
If you want better edge retention, higher hardness, and toughness, go with D2. It would be the best choice because you don’t need to sharpen it frequently! Also, the price is a little bit more affordable than 9cr18mov.
So, what do you think about choosing the next steel? Tell me in the comment section fast!
Read More:
My favorite knives in each category
Oops!! You may miss out that a suitable knife also needs to buy! Well, take a breath! I’m already making your buying task easier.
Here, you’ll get two of my favorite knife, which are also popular knives among knife users! Take a look and select!
- Civivi Baklash Knife| (9cr18mov)
I think you may be the lucky one to buy this amazing EDC pocket knife which has nailed it already among knife users. The design, ergonomics, and budget are truly appreciable.
It has a superb pocket knife size, a great grip with a durable G-10 handle, convenient pocket clip. You are totally satisfied with the sharpness of this knife. The price is also very affordable to buy.
- Cold Steel Leatherneck-SF | (D2 steel)
If you need a heavy-duty knife to give you full support, then this one will best choice for you! The knife is lightweight and the handle is very comfortable to work with.
Besides, the blade has better edge retention, so don’t worry about the sharpness. Hope this affordable knife will serve you the best, as did mine!
