Compare please

udtjim

udtjim

Joined
Sep 4, 2007
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For you Spidie guys, How do you compare the 189 ZPD to some of their other blade steels. Who has the Delica in the 189 steel? Xmas is coming:D
 
I too am interested in what replies you get to this post. I'm considering a purchase of a Stretch soon and am debating between VG10 and ZDP189. Based upon some reviews I've seen on youtube I'm leaning toward the VG10. The complaint was that ZDP189 is very hard to sharpen and while it maintains a good working edge for a long time it doesn't hold a razor sharp edge much better than S30V. I've also heard that ZDP189 is less corrosion resistant than S30V or VG10.

Of course I have no personal experience w/ ZDP189 and am eager to read what the experts have to say.
 
I am interested in a good Spyderco for around 100.00. The Military is a bit out of my rice range. I looked at a Delica with ZPD 189 but have never talked to anyone who owned one.
 
I don't have the Delica in ZDP, but I do own the Stretch II in ZDP. Came insanely sharp from the factory. I've been going off and on with the ZDP version and the VG-10 version since they came out in early fall. The ZDP holds an edge extremely well and it will last a very long time. If you let it get dull, then it will take a very long time to sharpen the blade, diamond rods for the sharpmaker help a lot. I've read about people who have had their edge "chip" a little, but it was due to them using their knives improperly (ie, prying). ZDP can show signs of rust easier than VG-10, however, if properly maintained (oiled, dried after washing, etc...) then you should have no problems with rust. Hope this helps a little, good luck on your purchase.

Canis

Edit to say overall i like the ZDP version a bit more than VG-10.
 
I'm sure you'll get plenty of responses from people w/ experience using ZDP189, but let me suggest you also look at the Stretch w/ 3.5" blade and the Endura w/ 3.75" blade. All can be had under $100. It just depends on what length blade you want.They are all similar in design, should carry well, and have FRN handles.

I've never been disappointed in any of the steels on my Spydercos and that goes back to AUS-8 and ATS-55 and includes newer knives with S30V and VG10. I'm sure ZDP189 is great, but it may not be worth the extra cost to me, waiting to hear what others have to say.
 
I've used both, and I prefer VG-10 in every respect. Both will get scary sharp and stay that way for a while. The ZDP will stay sharp longer, yes, but to me it's not worth the extra money and difficulty in sharpening. We're not talking about twice the edge-holding; it's a pretty small increase in my observations.
I've found VG-10 to resist rust better and is easier to sharpen. My VG-10 Delica is a much better knife than my ZDP Delica, to be honest. It's cheaper, easier to sharpen, more corrosion-resistant, and holds its edge for a very respectable amount of time. That little edge-holding doesn't justify the higher price to me.
 
Thanks guys. The difficulty to sharpen has held me back thus far with the 189 steel. I may take a look at the stretch and the VG-10
 
JNieporte said:
I've used both, and I prefer VG-10 in every respect. Both will get scary sharp and stay that way for a while. The ZDP will stay sharp longer, yes, but to me it's not worth the extra money and difficulty in sharpening. We're not talking about twice the edge-holding; it's a pretty small increase in my observations.
I've found VG-10 to resist rust better and is easier to sharpen. My VG-10 Delica is a much better knife than my ZDP Delica, to be honest. It's cheaper, easier to sharpen, more corrosion-resistant, and holds its edge for a very respectable amount of time. That little edge-holding doesn't justify the higher price to me.
Click to expand...

It was for these reasons I got my Endura 4 in VG-10 and it seems really good to me. It came nice and sharp and slices tomatoes like they were made of soft butter. I think that anyone buying ZDP should have diamond rods/hones and know how to sharpen - it isn't the best steel for easy maintenance.

I think that with the occasional quick touch-up with a sharpener of some sort the VG-10 can easily match the ZDP-189.
 
I have Diamond rods for the SharpMaker. I really like them now that I figured out how to use them. When they say light pressure, They mean light pressure. Whoed have thunk?;)

I believe the VG-10 is probably best for me though.
 
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