S35VN vs D2 Steel Comparison

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S35VN vs D2 Steel Comparison over a blurred abstract steel background

S35VN and conventional D2 receive the same abrasive edge-retention score. S35VN adds greater toughness and stainless corrosion resistance, making this a comparison about easier care and more resistance to edge damage rather than a jump in wear performance.

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.

Dr. Thomas’s property ratings. Separate scales, not physical percentages or an overall score.
Property	CPM S35VN	D2
Abrasive edge retention	5	5
Toughness	5	3.5
Corrosion resistance	7.5	4.5

Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.

The Wear Score Is a Tie

Both steels rate 5 for abrasive edge retention. For prolonged abrasive slicing, the chart does not give either a material-level advantage. Compare the blade’s grind and the maker’s treatment before expecting different cutting life.

This page uses conventional D2, not CPM D2. The powder-metallurgy designation matters when reading a listing or comparing another set of scores.

Our S35VN steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.

S35VN Has More Toughness

S35VN rates 5 for toughness against D2 at 3.5. We would value that difference in an otherwise similar knife when chipping resistance is a concern.

It remains one part of the design. A thin edge and a thick edge do not have the same damage tolerance merely because the steel names are known.

Our D2 steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.

Stainless Care Favors S35VN

The corrosion ratings are 7.5 for S35VN and 4.5 for D2. S35VN is the more appealing option for someone who wants less concern about damp carry, although it still benefits from cleaning and drying.

If a D2 knife repeatedly develops rust in your routine, S35VN addresses that limitation more directly than changing only the blade coating.

A Practical Upgrade, Not a New Cutting Schedule

With comparable designs and prices, we would choose S35VN for the added toughness and corrosion resistance. We would not promise that it needs sharpening less often than D2.

An existing D2 knife that holds its edge, stays rust-free and feels good in hand is still useful. Upgrade for the properties you need rather than for a supposed wear advantage absent from the data.