D2 Steel Balisong Butterfly Knives
D2 is the steel to pick when you want to sharpen as rarely as possible. Our D2 steel balisong butterfly knives are hand-forged on the traditional Batangas pattern in the Philippines, and this is the largest collection on the site — 66 knives from $220 to $650.
Why D2 holds an edge longer
D2 is a tool steel, not a cutlery steel. It runs roughly 1.5% carbon against 12% chromium, and it is hardened to about 58–62 HRC. That combination throws a heavy load of chromium carbides into the steel matrix, and those carbides are what resist abrasion — which is the technical reason a D2 edge outlasts 440C several times over in real use.
The trade-off is honest: the same carbides that resist wear also resist your sharpening stone. Bring a diamond or ceramic hone rather than a soft Arkansas stone. D2 is also only semi-stainless at 12% chromium, so a wipe and a light film of oil keeps the surface clean.
Choosing from this range
This collection has the widest spread of anything we stock:
Blade profiles — tanto for a reinforced tip, dagger for symmetrical balance in both hands, drop point as the all-rounder, plus double-edge, eagle, snake, shark and hunting profiles for collectors who want something recognisable at a glance.
Handle materials — kamagong (Philippine ebony), carabao horn, stag horn, black horn, bone and jigged bone, narra burl, rosewood, wenge, micarta and mother of pearl.
Weight — 6.3 oz to 7.8 oz, so there is a real difference in feel across the range rather than one weight in different clothes.
Open length — 8.7 in to 11.4 in, covering compact through to the full 11.4-inch Batangas proportion.
Who D2 suits
Flippers and collectors who actually cut with the knife, and anyone who resents sharpening. If you would rather have a blade that stays sharp for months than one that comes back to razor in thirty seconds, D2 is your steel.
Want easier maintenance instead? Look at 440C stainless. Want a keener edge with stainless behaviour? Try VG10. Want the traditional carbon-steel feel? See high carbon.
D2 Tool Steel Balisong Butterfly Knife – Rosewood & Brass Handle | Authentic Filipino Balisong BF-115
Original price was: $330.00.$181.50Current price is: $181.50.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between D2 and 440C for a balisong?
Edge retention versus ease of care. D2 holds an edge several times longer than 440C thanks to its heavy carbide load, but it takes longer to sharpen and is only semi-stainless at roughly 12% chromium. 440C gives up some edge life in exchange for full stainless behaviour and quick sharpening. If you cut often and sharpen rarely, D2 wins; if you want zero maintenance, 440C wins.
Does D2 steel rust?
It can, slowly. D2 is semi-stainless — its 12% chromium resists staining far better than plain carbon steel, but it is not immune the way 440C or VG10 are. A wipe after handling and an occasional thin film of oil keeps a D2 blade clean indefinitely.
What is the best way to sharpen D2?
Diamond or ceramic stones. The chromium carbides that give D2 its edge retention are harder than the abrasive in most natural and soft synthetic stones, so those cut slowly and glaze. A diamond plate or ceramic rod restores the edge properly. The good news is you will not be doing it often.
Which D2 balisong should I pick from this range?
Decide on blade profile first, then handle. Drop point is the all-rounder, tanto has the strongest tip, dagger balances identically in both hands, and the eagle, snake and shark profiles are display-forward grinds. Then pick the handle material by feel and weight — the range runs 6.3 to 7.8 oz, and heavier knives swing more deliberately.