How do D2 and 14C28N compositions differ?
Niagara’s D2 analysis contains more carbon and less chromium than Alleima’s 14C28N analysis below. Alleima also publishes nitrogen in 14C28N; the cited D2 sheet does not list nitrogen. These are the selected suppliers’ nominal compositions, so another supplier’s D2 analysis should not silently replace this one.
| Element | D2 | 14C28N |
|---|---|---|
| C (wt %) | 1.42% | 0.62% |
| Cr (wt %) | 11.50% | 14% |
| Mo (wt %) | 0.90% | Not published |
| V (wt %) | 0.80% | Not published |
| W (wt %) | Not published | Not published |
| Co (wt %) | Not published | Not published |
| Nb (wt %) | Not published | Not published |
| N (wt %) | Not published | 0.11% |
| Producer | Crucible / Niagara Specialty Metals | Alleima |
| Source | Crucible / Niagara Specialty Metals source; checked 2026-11-04 | Alleima source; checked 2026-11-04 |
What does nitrogen change in 14C28N?
Alleima describes a chemistry optimized for edge sharpness, edge stability and corrosion resistance in professional knife applications. Its nominal analysis includes nitrogen as an alloying element. The sheet names pocket, chef, hunting and fishing knives among the applications; it does not turn that list into a cutting-life ranking against D2.
How good is D2 tool steel for knives?
Niagara lists industrial knives and slitters among D2 applications, alongside dies and other wear parts. Its description emphasizes abrasion resistance and a hardenable air-hardening tool steel. That supports a knife-material application, while the handle, grind and heat treatment of a particular pocket knife need their own maker record.
Which catalog knives use D2 or 14C28N?
The Kershaw Highball XL and Deschutes Skinner Gut Hook records identify D2. The CIVIVI Yonder record specifies 14C28N. This pair therefore spans both folders and a fixed hunting blade in the catalog; compare the mechanism and carry system as well as the steel.
| Catalog knife | Maker steel wording | Maker source |
|---|---|---|
| Kershaw Deschutes Skinner — gut hook | D2; stonewashed | Kershaw source; checked 2026-11-04 |
| Kershaw Highball XL | D2; bead blasted | Kershaw source; checked 2026-11-04 |
| CIVIVI Yonder — black G10 | 14C28N; stonewashed | CIVIVI source; checked 2026-11-04 |
Does this establish a D2 price or substitute for D3?
No dated steel-stock price or D3 producer record is supplied here. The saved search questions about D2 cost and D2 versus D3 therefore have no numeric answer in this reference. Use the documented D2 and 14C28N knife examples for product research without inferring an alloy price or substitution approval.
Sources and scope
These references document materials and construction rather than a measured result for a finished knife. Open the original source to check its definitions and limits.
- Niagara D2 datasheet; checked 2026-11-04.
- Alleima 14C28N datasheet; checked 2026-11-04.