1. I suggest you buy one of each. (But NO serrations.)

2. Try them out in gentle, non-destructive ways, then report back on your findings.

3. Whichever one you like least, sell to me for half-price.

4. Seriously consder buying a RAT-7 in the same steel, so you'll have a nice set.

(I have the RAT-7 in 1095, so I suggest you like the TAK in D2 more than in 1095.)

I have knives in both steels, but have no real-world experience that distinguishes between them. The D2 is certainly harder and keeps an edge longer. I have to use diamond tools in my Sharpmaker to work on D2.

1095 is much easier to sharpen. I can start and finish with ceramic stones.

Bear