Because D2 steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel that hardens as it is exposed to air during its production, it exhibits exceptional wear and abrasion resistance characteristics. When heat-treated to a hardness of 55-62 HRC, it is machinable in the annealed state and is machinable in the hardened condition.

In the proper hardening process, D2 steel exhibits minimal deformation. As a result of the high chromium content of D2 steel in its hardened state, it has moderate corrosion resistance.

Meanwhile, D2 steels should be annealed at temperatures ranging from1600 to 1650oF, followed by slow furnace cooling at a rate of 40oF per hour or less. And, D2 tool steels can be tempered at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve a Rockwell C hardness of 61 and at 1000 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve a Rockwell C hardness of 54.