Dragonfly ZDP-189 or H1 for EDC

M

mrdeus

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Mar 6, 2012
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I used to have an plain edge H1 Ladybug. What I liked about it was how worry free it was (apart from having it fall out of your pocket, that is).

I'm getting a Dragonfly to replace it, but I'm undecided on the steel. I could pick VG-10, but that's so boring :), so I'm looking at:

  1. ZDP-189 (plain edge)
  2. H1 (plain edge)

The H1 is worry free, but doesn't hold an edge as well (although, I was pretty satisfied with how the Ladybug held up -- it's a small knife after all, so light cutting). I don't have any other H1 knives now, but I'm thinking the dragonfly is too small for a "safety knife" when paddling and stuff, so I might have to get the atlantic salt (or use my VG-10 delica) for that anyway. Serrated edge is not an option.

I'm looking at ZDP-189 for cutting performance. I have good water stones to sharpen it on, so that shouldn't be an issue. I've been a little worried about corrosion (from sweat), but I'm using carbon steel knives in the kitchen now, so I'm kinda used to it. It also has a more discreet colour for wearing clipped in my jeans' watch pocket.

Which one would you pick? (for EDC)
 
ZDP-189. I like H-1 in the serrated Salt and Atlantic salt. Those ultralight knives are great for outdoors activities. As you said, worry free.
For EDC, a more wear resistant steel is a priority. I love the ZDP-189 in my Delica.
 
i would choose h1 because i live in a very humid area. but then, i would prefer h1 with full serration on the edge .
 
Thanks for the feedback so far. It's not that humid here (other than the humidity I produce myself). I know serrated H1 has its advantages (hardness), but I just don't fancy serrated blades. I'd rather sharpen a plain edge more often.
 
AF said:
ZDP-189. I like H-1 in the serrated Salt and Atlantic salt.
Click to expand...

That is what I think about it. H-1's wear resistance is not that great in plain edge, but is much better in serrated edge. ZDP-189 in a small knife that does light cutting is ideal, it will be a long time before you need to sharpen it.
 
I have the serrated H1 but I don't use it that much. Main thing is I don't have to worry about maintenance on this one knife.
 
Out of those two, I would pick the ZDP. I'm not a fan of the FRN though, so my next Dragonfly will be the G10 handle with that boring VG-10:). I actually really like VG-10.
 
I would recommend the Dragonfly ZDP over the H1 only because I think the DF blade geometry is better suited for PE than SE and, as others have stated, H1 performs better in SE than PE. I really like the H1 SE on a Tasman or Ladybug Hawkbill.
 
Zdp 189 is far above h1 in edge holding. In my experience, h1 in plain edge is almost useless unless you are in a salt water environment . H1 in serated is another story, it doesn't seem to smooth out as much as plain edge. H1 is tough but we are talking a small folding knife here, so.
 
I recommend ZDP-189. It's my favorite blade steel. I carry my ZDP Manbug everywhere on my keyring. It slices like crazy and stays sharp forever. I hit it with a silicon cloth every once in a while and have no problem with corrosion.
 
my personal opinion is forgetting that vg 10 is boring and buy it ;) i have no experience with h1 but my zdp manbug took a good beating and hold an edge well
 
ZDP-189 and a can of Eezox. Best of both words. Before that I used tuf glide and have not had a problem with any knife turning color out side of the caly3 with super blue. Seems there is no stopping that from getting a patina.

Oh, and I live in hot humid rainy Miami.
 
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