Endura ZDP 189

C

Cravin01

Joined
Feb 23, 2015
Messages
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I've carried my old Endura for the past two days and still find it to be outstanding and truly one of my most favorite knives, so much so I decided I NEED a new one. We all know how needs are much stronger than wants. I thought Id just get a new color in VG10 but ran into ZDP at a great price, before I knew it my hand slipped on the keyboard and hit the "buy it button", not wanting to be hexed or anything I HAD to continue with the purchase.

I know nothing of this steel, any of you with this blade experience in any of the Spyderco lines please feel free to toss in your opinion.

Thanks.
 
The steel will hold an edge for a long time, but it is a real bear to resharpen.
 
I had an Endura in ZDP-189 steel. I sold it a month later. Look , it is an universal truth that the ZDP-189 blades are unrivalled in edge holding.
But l would rather hunt an elephant with a 12 gauge double barrel shotgun ; instead of sharpening ZDP-189. It is a pain. If you thought ; Sharpening D2 was a pain , you have no idea what's in store for you. The corrosion resistance is also unsatisfactory. And the blade chips .
I currently EDC a plain edge Spyderco Delica as model with a VG-10 blade. Perfect combination of edge retention , rust resistance , toughness and ease of sharpening. But that is just me. If you prioritize edge holding over all those other things , then get it. But l feel that a good blade should be an all rounder.
 
I have an affinity for s90v. However VG10 is stellar. Its still used world wide in professional chef knives. Spyderco s30v is stellar. Even though it's been the standard for over ten years it is still a super steel, and nothing to take for granted.
As for sharpening zdp189, it's labor intensive to reprofile. When you get it where you like it it'll stay there for a very long time.
 
Sounds like there is a shortage on love for this steel due to hardness. I bought the knife for $75 new so I feel I'll get my experience with it at a bargain.
 
I have been EDCing a William Henry B-15 in ZDP 189 for 15 years. I have had no problems with rust, chipping, or sharpening.
 
I have one ZDP Stretch, and it is easy to sharpen, if you have some power tools. I swipe it through a Worksharp a couple of times to see where 20 degrees is, then polish it up on a paper wheel. It does chip a bit , especially if you hit something hard.
 
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I'm not sure if I agree thats its horrendusly chippy, I washed the blade of my zdp 189 delica off in the sink and gave it a good shake to get the water off, right into the porcelain sink. Not a light tap either it was hard, but while yes the portion that hit was dull and shiny, it was missing chunks and was much less damaged than you would expect.
 
I also had a ZDP Stretch. The edge chipped on Christmas morning cutting a zip tie for my daughter. With some regret now, it traded it. I never had major problems sharpening it or the ZDP Delicas I once had. For whatever it's worth, I do not own a knife in it now.
 
I had Krein Regrind a ZDP Endura to a very thin FFG edge and gave it to my dad. He kept it on the coffee table by his La-Z-Boy for years and used it as his letter and package opener :D I have it now, and the edge is still very keen after zero touch ups. I'd say that's a pretty good testimony to ZDP's edge retention.
 
I put a micro convex on mine and it has become a "strop it every 6 months" edc. Beats every steel I own.
 
Delica ZDP-189 was my primary EDC for quite awhile. Until a Manix2 LW S110V kicked it out.

But I went back to the Delica this weekend. I'm not a hard-user of my EDCs but all I've ever had to do with it is strop.
 
If I may. :D I went from Endura to Para to Delica and now I'm back with the Endura.
I hate Spyderco.
rolf
 
I have s diamond stone sharpening system and have learned to have patience with s30v, this sounds like something I'll have to keep a calm open mind. Although that never really work for me.:confused:
 
I own a ZDP-189 Dragonfly as well as a VG-10 Delica and I would choose VG-10 every day of the week.

As others have already said, it's a bear to sharpen. Diamond hones don't make that much of a difference IMO. Once the bevel is set, you still have to take a lot of time on medium and fine stones to get it shaving sharp. I can easily push cut magazine paper with all my S30V or VG-10 knives using only the medium stones on the Sharpmaker. ZDP-189 is the only steel I have to use the fine stones on to get it the way I like it. And even then I still can't get it quite as sharp as my others knives.

I'm only a novice at sharpening, so I suppose if you're an expert it's not as big of a deal. I just don't feel like it's worth the small increase in edge retention. Sure it may hold its edge 2-3 times longer than other steels, but if I cut through a few tough cardboard boxes it's still going to lose its hair shaving edge, and then I'm back on the Sharpmaker ready to pull my hair out.

I feel like S30V is a great balance between edge retention and ease of sharpening.
 
I have had many Spyderco knives in ZDP-189 and although it is not my favorite steel I like it very much. I have never had an issue with corrosion even in humid environments but I am a bit of a stickler for maintenance. Compared to VG-10 that you have experience with ZDP will offer a significant improvement in edge retention but might also present a greater challenge when it comes to sharpening. My advice is to regularly touch it up even though it may still feel very sharp to avoid having to tackle a major resharpening. I don't know what sharpening equipment you are using now so can't really comment or make suggestions concerning that other than diamonds aren't only a girls best friend. ZDP is more prone to chipping that VG-10 but I think many of the stories of same include the contributing factor of people taking advantage of ZDP's properties that allow it to support a thinner and/or more acute edge.
 
Cravin01 said:
I have s diamond stone sharpening system and have learned to have patience with s30v, this sounds like something I'll have to keep a calm open mind. Although that never really work for me.:confused:
Click to expand...

On diamond and crystolon s30v takes no more time then aus 8a for me.
 
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