Caly 3 - ZDP189 vs. VG-10

To me ZDP-189 and CF is well worth it, but I am a sharpening nut that loves to thin out my edges and sharpen to extreme polish. ZDP-189 excels at this, and the edge retention is noticeably better than VG-10, probably 50% or more for keeping a good edge. If you don't like to push the limits of steel with either prolonged cutting sessions or sharpening to very acute angles then the steel and CF handles might not be worth it to you. VG-10 certainly isn't bad steel, in fact it is excellent, and if you plan on keeping the factory bevel angle and don't need extreme edge retention it may be a better choice for you.

Mike
 
Even if you don't end up putting a very fine edge on the ZDP-189 it is still nice to have a steel that will have really good edge retention. I have had many VG-10 Spydies and although they are a good balance between edge retention and ease of sharpening, it's the Caly3 CF ZDP-189 I carry every day!

The reason is I really like having a super sharp blade that holds it edge well and ZDP does that. only occasionally do I take the my Caly3 ZDP to a leather strop to keep that edge razor sharp, I have yet to actually use a sharpening system with stones or rods. The CF and the ZDP is worth the extra $80 to me, but it all depends on your use and preferences.
 
Both are great. I've had both and sold the ZDP/CF one. It'd be better, IMHO, if it was the textured carbon fiber. So, I like the G-10 better than the smooth carbon fiber and VG-10 is pretty good.
Perfection would be textured carbon fiber (like on the CF Military's) and BG-42 or S90V (or even S30V).
The ZDP-189 blade is crazy sharp, though.
 
Caly CF/ZDP is one of my favorite EDC.

Even non knife people, when they hold it, say that it's a great knife.

It's a beauty that works :)
 
No I EDC my Caly 3 VG10 all the time and it is awsome, no need to waste ur money on over hyped ZDP that once it loses its edge takes way to long to sharpin and you need a dimond stone etc etc. I dont think the every day knife Carrier needs zdp.

VG10 is easy to sharpin holds an edge well and is faierly stain resistant.

My 2 cents

Sixheads
 
Go for the ZDP Caly3. I've owned both and sold both my G10 models, maybe it was just mine but my ZDP's pivot is WAY smoother than both my G10's. I love that it functions as a EDC, but can still play the role of a gentlemans folder. It's pretty non-knife people friendly too. Not knocking the G10 Caly3 it's a very good knife, but for me the ZDP/CF wins hands down.
You don't need to be a steel-geek to appreciate ZDP. I would suggest picking up a sharpener (sharpmaker) that way you never let your knife dull. A lot steels can be hard to sharpen if you let it dull.
 
sixheads said:
No I EDC my Caly 3 VG10 all the time and it is awsome, no need to waste ur money on over hyped ZDP that once it loses its edge takes way to long to sharpin and you need a dimond stone etc etc. I dont think the every day knife Carrier needs zdp.

VG10 is easy to sharpin holds an edge well and is faierly stain resistant.

My 2 cents

Sixheads
Click to expand...

IMO ZDP is far from over hyped or a waste of money, it will take a very sharp edge at very thin angles, then cut for at least half again longer than VG-10 before needing sharpening. If you don't know how to sharpen maybe you will have trouble resharpening dull ZDP, but it takes me all of maybe 10 minutes, including changing out stones and lapping films, to go from dead dull to beyond hair whittling sharp on a microbevel. You don't need diamonds but they do help, but I easily brought my Caly 3 CF to hair whittling sharp in a few minutes on my Sharpmaker. With a DMT XX Coarse it only takes a few minutes to rebevel ZDP as well. Proper tools and a little sharpening skill go a long way, and using microbevels makes ZDP almost as easy to sharpen as any other steel since you are working so little steel. As far as most knife users not needing ZDP, that's very true, but to someone that uses knives a lot and appreciates the difference between a very good steel (VG-10) and an exceptional steel it sure isn't a waste of money. For some people like Yablanowitz that cut drywall all day having a ZDP 189 or S90V makes his life much easier than having to stop much more often during a day of work to get sharpen his knife when he could have just kept on working with a better steel.

Mike
 
I EDC original Caly3 (VG10/G10) for almost three years and absolutely love it. 99% satisfied (give me bolsters and my satisfaction would jump to 150%). I own ZDP/CF Caly3 as well, but never carried. I do not enjoy prolonged sharpening sessions and do not like uneven laminated lines, which are very noticeable on polished blades.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top