So if D2 is stainless as a result of its chromium content, why is it normally referred to as "tool steel" rather than "stainless steel"? In other words, wouldn't it be just as correct to say that D2 is stainless steel with tool steel characteristics as it would be to say that D2 is tool steel with stainless steel characteristics? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
My understanding is that steel is sold according to the primary application which in the case of D2, is tooling. If I remember correctly, tool steels typically have some amount of Vanadium content. Admiral Steel characterizes O-1 steel as "tool steel". O-1 has a Cr content of .50 (half a percent) so its definitely not a stainless steel. So you can have a tool steel which isn't stainless and you can have a stainless steel which isn't a tool steel. They are independent characteristics. I would say that D2 is a stainless tool steel. Interestingly, Crucible just calls D2 "tool steel" and only lists their proprietary CPM S30V/S60V/S90V steels as "stainless tool steels". <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
