Delica 4 Question

kpfeifle

kpfeifle

Joined
Jan 21, 2010
Messages
52
Hi All:

Thinking about picking up the plain blade version of the Delica 4. Should I stick with the VG-10 steel or spend the extra money for the ZDP-189? Thanks,

Kevin
 
There are different types of people. I know those who much prefer the feel and grip of the FRN handles as well as those who like the G-10. Out of the two, i am a G-10 man myself. This, of course, precluded me from getting the ZDP-189, but my VG-10 blade has withstood good solid use and keeps a nice, usable edge for a long while. Not as sexy as the ZDP, but it's got it where it counts. I did have a Stretch with ZDP and it was scary ass sharp. That thing could cut an idea in two. Okay...that's over the top...it wasn't magically sharp, but definitely the sharpest production knife out of the box i have ever owned. Finally, all that being said...If they released a G-10 Delica with ZDP-189, I doubt i would shell out again just to get the different steel. My VG-10 is just fine.
 
ZDP-189 is a very popular steel right now. A lot of people on this forum have sung its praises. It's harder than VG-10 and should hold an edge longer, however some people dispute that and say that while it holds a good working edge a very long time that it doesn't really hold that scary sharp razor edge that much longer than VG-10.

Since it's harder, ZDP-189 is somewhat harder to sharpen than VG-10. Some people claim that it is a lot harder to sharpen while others say that it isn't that bad. Also there have been some reports of increased risk of corrosion and chipping compared to VG-10.

Personally, I haven't bought a knife w/ ZDP-189 for the above reasons. I've always had good experiences with VG-10 and after watching a youtube video of a Spyderco knife designer explain why he likes VG-10 so much I am even more convinced that VG-10 is a better choice for me. What the designer (Ed Shemmp SP?) said was that unlike some steels VG-10 doesn't chip. Instead it may roll, but a rolled edge can be sharpened out a lot easier than a chipped blade can be fixed.

I'm sure you'll get a lot of comments from others here telling you all kinds of good things about ZDP-189. In the end it'll just be up to you to determine what characteristics are important to you.
 
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I have had one ZDP-189 knife and there's no question it is a HARD steel at 65-67 Rockwell, thus you must be patient when honing it.

That being said, it gives you one incredibly sharp edge that lasts and lasts. My ZDP-189 full flat grind Endura is the sharpest pocket knife I own.

Even though the factory edge comes hair-poppin' sharp, it can be improved upon. A few minutes with an XF DMT and then a Arkansas stone honed it to another level.

There aren't enough adjectives to describe its level of sharpness. But it'll shave the hairs on the back of your neck, which will stand up from how sharp this steel can get.
 
kpfeifle said:
Hi All:

Thinking about picking up the plain blade version of the Delica 4. Should I stick with the VG-10 steel or spend the extra money for the ZDP-189? Thanks,

Kevin
Click to expand...

How are you setup for sharpening? Natural stones will take a long time to sharpen ZDP-189. Ceramics will work but will also take a long time. Diamond stones will be faster and easier on your hands.

Or you can do the routine maintenance of giving the knife a few swipes on the Sharpmaker or something similar after each use to not allow the knife to go dull in the first place.

VG-10 is much easier to maintain. It's tough, very stain resistant and keeps a fine edge even if it's not up to the ZDP-189 standard. It's a very good blade steel and and not a lesser choice; just different.
 
Ive owned and cut with both the VG10 and ZDP. The ZDP holds an edge for a long time but takes time to sharpen, and you need to have the right sharpening gear for it.

The VG10 is a breeze to sharpen and holds an edge reasonably well, but nothing like the ZDP.

You cant go wrong with neither, it all comes down to your sharpening skills.
 
cgmblade said:
What the designer (Ed Shemmp SP?) said was that unlike some steels VG-10 doesn't chip. Instead it may roll, but a rolled edge can be sharpened out a lot easier than a chipped blade can be fixed.
Click to expand...

That is true for most edges, but if it is a very thin edge (kitchen knife) VG-10 will chip. In my experience at least.
 
I have both and I don't think the ZDP is worth the difference in price. VG-10 is a better steel than I really need in a pocket knife anyway, so why pay more for performance I won't ever appreciate?

Besides, VG-10 is no slouch in its own right.
 
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