The choice of steels is a religious question for many. In fact, I think some people take it more seriously than their religions... <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

You should check the Steel FAQ at BladeForums.com, which has plenty of info.

The bottom line is that steel is complicated. Some steels may hold an edge but be too brittle. They may also be difficult to sharpen, e.g., S30V. On the other hand, some steels may be softer, meaning they are less likely to chip, but they won't hold an edge as well. On the plus side, they may be easier to sharpen.

Whether you get D2 or 1095, be sure to dry them off after every use, particularly the 1095, because they can rust. Also, heat treating can make more of a difference than the choice of steel itself, and you have to rely on the manufacturer to check for quality.

Bottom line is that you probably can't go wrong with either, but it really depends what you're after.