440C vs D2
440C resists corrosion better and is easier to sharpen; D2 holds an edge longer. Choose 440C for corrosion resistance, D2 for edge retention.
Who wins each property
Side by side
| 440C | D2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Stainless steels | Tool steels |
| Hardness | 57–59 HRC | 58–61 HRC |
| Edge retention | 4/10 | 6/10 |
| Toughness | 3/10 | 3/10 |
| Corrosion resistance | 7/10 | 4/10 |
| Ease of sharpening | 6/10 | 4/10 |
| Price tier | Budget | Budget |
| Maker | Generic (AISI) | Generic (AISI) |
Composition
| Element | 440C | D2 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.05 | 1.5 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17 | 12 |
| Vanadium (V) | — | 0.9 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.75 | 1 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.5 | — |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1 | 0.4 |
| Silicon (Si) | 1 | 0.4 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.04 | 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.03 | 0.03 |
Property by property
Edge retention
D2 holds an edge longer: 6/10 against 4/10 for 440C, a 2-point gap. Vanadium: 0% vs 0.9%; more vanadium carbide generally means more wear resistance.
Toughness
Both rate 3/10 for toughness. Typical hardness: 57–59 vs 58–61 HRC; harder blades trade toughness for edge holding.
Corrosion resistance
440C resists corrosion better: 7/10 against 4/10 for D2, a 3-point gap. Chromium: 17% vs 12%, though what matters is the chromium left in solution, not the total.
Ease of sharpening
440C is easier to sharpen: 6/10 against 4/10 for D2, a 2-point gap.
Knives in each steel
440C
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Böker Plus Fafo | Böker Plus | 3.81" | 3.7 oz | — | $89.95 | Blade HQ |
| Böker Plus HL Fixed Universal Drop Point | Böker Plus | 3.54" | 3.46 oz | — | $49.95 | Blade HQ |
| Böker Plus Zenshin 42 Brass | Böker Plus | 2.95" | 2.5 oz | Slip joint | $79.95 | Blade HQ |
D2
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civivi Elementum C907A | Civivi | 2.96" | 2.89 oz | Liner lock | $59 | Blade HQ |
| QSP Penguin QS130 | QSP | 3.06" | 3.14 oz | Liner lock | — | Blade HQ |
Shop 440C knives Shop D2 knives
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FAQ
Which is better, 440C or D2?
440C resists corrosion better and is easier to sharpen; D2 holds an edge longer. Choose 440C for corrosion resistance, D2 for edge retention.
Which is harder, 440C or D2?
440C is typically run at 57–59 HRC and D2 at 58–61 HRC.
Is 440C or D2 more rust resistant?
440C (7/10). 440C is a conventional stainless steel; D2 is a tool steel.