D2 (AISI) and SKD11 (JIS) are nominally the same steel family — 1.5% carbon, 12% chromium. Yet blades made from each behave differently, and buyers are rarely told why.
The difference is in melting and refining. Japanese-origin SKD11 is typically electro-slag remelted with tighter control of carbide distribution. Carbides are smaller and more even, so the edge microchips less under load.
What this means on your machine: SKD11 blades tend to hold a consistent cut quality for a longer stretch before regrinding, especially on thin film and foil. D2 is more affordable and perfectly adequate for paper, board and general converting.
Beware of misleading labels: much "SKD11" on the market is actually domestic D2 re-branded. At NavBlade we mill-certify every steel lot, and you can request the certificate with your shipment.
Our recommendation: run D2 for cost-sensitive general work, SKD11 where edge quality between regrinds matters, and step up to PM steels (M2, M35) only when both fail.