I've been asked to assemble a knife for my nephew and the blades I'm looking at come in either 440c or D2 tool steel.  Which of the two would require less maintenance?  I envision the knife sitting in the glove box of his Jeep Wrangler (in a sheath, of course) while driving through 3' of mud and water...      

Thanks in advance,
Rusty

440C should have ~50% more chromium than D-2 and so should be much more resistant to moisture but the cutting edge will need more maintenance (sharpening).

In my opinion D2. it is very close to the level of chromium that makes a steel "stainless" ~13% according to the steel chart provided online by spyderco knives. All the knives I make are D2 and I have never had an issue with them rusting. You could always put a light coat of some various type of rust preventer on the blade for long term storage, I use Boeshield T9.

Again, just my $.02

Post pics of the blade when done.


TBRA

I would pick D-2 over 440C almost every time, given the choice. Some of what is marketed as 440C today does not seem to be the same alloy or quality as the 440C steel used in the past. But if corrosion resistance is one of the most important factors, a good 440C blade might fit the purpose better.

Allan

D2  can rust          proper 440C  will not....

As a test I have left blood on my D-2 blades for 3 days and had no discoloration. If I was going to to leave my knife in a bucket of saltwater I would choose the 440C. In daily use I don't think it matters one bit.

Thanks for all the input, guys.  Because my sister asked me to order the blades the same day I posted the original question, I chose 440c (simply because it SAID stainless).  The blade is one of Jantz's US-made blanks, so I'm hoping the quality is high and the 440c is "proper".  I can tell you it FEELS really nice with the micarta scales attached and pinned.  We'll just have to see how well it holds up.  

I'll post pics once I have it buffed and ready for its photo shoot.

Oh ok... here's a sneak peek.   :D


Thanks again,
Rusty