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D2 offers more abrasive edge retention than 8Cr13MoV, but it gives up toughness and corrosion resistance. That makes D2 a worthwhile option for frequent dry slicing, rather than an automatic upgrade for every budget knife. 8Cr13MoV still makes sense if you prefer a more forgiving everyday blade and do not mind touching up the edge.
Performance Ratings
For the science, we turn to Dr. Larrin Thomas of Knife Steel Nerds, who has kindly allowed us to share his ratings here.
| Property | 8Cr13MoV | D2 |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
When D2 Is a Useful Upgrade
D2 rates 5 for abrasive edge retention, versus 3 for 8Cr13MoV. If repeated cardboard cutting wears your edge dull, that difference is a relevant reason to consider D2. The scores do not tell you how many extra boxes a particular knife will cut.
For infrequent cutting, paying more for edge retention may solve a problem you do not have. A comfortable handle, a useful blade shape and an edge that slices cleanly remain worth prioritizing even in a low-cost knife.
See our 8Cr13MoV steel profile for more on its properties and care.
Why 8Cr13MoV Is Not Simply the Worse Steel
8Cr13MoV rates 6 for toughness against D2 at 3.5. It also rates 7 for corrosion resistance, compared with D2 at 4.5. Those are useful advantages for a blade that gets damp or occasionally meets awkward cutting conditions.
The 8Cr13MoV ratings share a row with AUS-8 in Dr. Thomas’s table. That grouping does not mean every knife made from those steels performs identically. The maker’s heat treatment and the edge geometry still affect the finished knife.
See our D2 steel profile for more on its properties and care.
Think About Your Sharpening Routine
An edge that needs more frequent attention is not necessarily a poor fit. If you already touch up your knife regularly, 8Cr13MoV’s lower abrasive-wear resistance may be an acceptable exchange for its other properties. D2 suits someone who values longer wear between sharpenings and is willing to clean and dry a non-stainless blade.
Neither the ratings nor the steel name tells us how easily a specific knife will deburr. D2 can require more abrasion when repairing damage, while a thick edge in either steel adds work. There is no honest minutes-to-sharpen figure we can attach to this comparison.
Compare the Knife Before Paying for the Steel
If the D2 version costs more, ask what else changes. A steel upgrade alone is not a reason to accept poor fit, an uncomfortable grip or a grind that does not suit your cutting. When the knives are otherwise comparable, choose D2 for frequent abrasive slicing and 8Cr13MoV for a more rust-resistant, tougher everyday option.
This comparison uses conventional D2. A listing that specifically says CPM D2 describes a different production route and should be assessed separately.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains what the elements do and how to read these values.
8Cr13MoV: Spyderco reported 8Cr13MoV chemistry; values are not individually labeled nominal or typical; not a finished-blade assay. Spyderco: 2026 Steel Chart, 8Cr13MoV.
D2: Niagara typical composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: D2.
| Element | 8Cr13MoV | D2 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.8% | 1.42% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 13% | 11.5% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.15% | 0.9% |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.1% | 0.8% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.2% | Not listed |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.4% | Not listed |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.5% | Not listed |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.02% | Not listed |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.01% | Not listed |
Compare Two Knife Steels
Sources and Update Notes
- Dr. Larrin Thomas: knife steel ratings · Property ratings and their limits.
- Spyderco: steel chart · Knife-maker reported 8Cr13MoV composition, not a producer batch certificate.
- Niagara Specialty Metals: D2 · Typical composition for conventional D2.
- Knife Steel Nerds: D2 history and properties · Conventional D2, powder metallurgy and corrosion behavior.
