I have recently acquired some of this steel, in 1/8 thickness. This is old stock and is not the new D-2 steel. I would appreciate any info on NORMALIZING, ANNEALING, HARDENING, AND THE DRAWING of this steel. TIA for the info.
KEN (WWJD)

Hi Ken!
I can't be much help here, outside of what is available on the web. D-2 is not something I've dealt with for several years. I took a whack a trying to forge the stuff, and found that it wasn't worth my time and effort to mess with. My big complaint about it is that it is too brittle in my opinion for blades. Many have great luck with it, but due to it's lack of flexibility, it has no place in my shop.

Old or new, it's still D2. Forumulation varies only slightly from Mfgr. to Mfgr. Just use whatever published data you can from any Mfgr. and you'll be fine.

I like D2-it takes a great edge and has great wear resistance.

Good Luck,

RJ Martin

Hey Ed, I have heard that D2 can be given a soft back treatment.

If so, how is it done and is it realy worth it in terms of flexibility.

Just wondering, almost all of my production is carbon steels and what little stainless I work with is mostly ATS-34, never worked with D2. I know D2 is pretty close in alloy.