Finally figured out how to sharpen ZDP-189

[Amaranth]

My Endura 4 finally needed sharpening after a week of cutting through cardboard. On average I probably cut up 10 boxes a day so they'll fit in a bailing machine.

It's a lot of wear and tear. My Tenacious was dulled after 1 day, so the ZDP-189 has pretty impressive wear resistance. Mind you, I try to keep my knives razor sharp all the time.

The key I've found with ZDP-189 is patience. An extra-fine DMT stone works well for maintenance. Figure on 4-5 times the number of passes across the stone, using very LIGHT pressure. What happens a lot I think is people get impatient and start using too much pressure which is a good way to ruin the edge.

You have to be really cognizant of maintaining the same edge angle. I know this is important with all freehand sharpening, but it seems even more important with hard steels.

 

[Jason B.]

Light pressure IS the key with diamond stones, use a little soapy water with that Xfine and you will be impressed by the results.

 

[Peter Parker]

As good as my SM is I hate the thought of going with out a diamond stone know that I know how wonderful they are!!

 

[JD Spydo]

Light pressure IS the key with diamond stones, use a little soapy water with that Xfine and you will be impressed by the results.

That's interesting "Knifenut"> I just obtained a couple new diamond whetstones made by 3M corporation. I've got other diamond stones as well but 3M is the only company that tells you not to use the stones dry but rather use them with water. I like your idea of soapy water because that does add an element of corrosion resistance and lubricity to the process. I'm also wondering if a guy couldn't use cutting fluids (coolants) like they use in machining and CNC milling or lathe work.

ZDP-189 has so much abrasion resistance that I often use diamond on my ZDP blades especially for reprofiling a really heavily used blade. I also find that one of the finishing touches for an incredibly sharp blade I use Spyderco ultra-fine stones either in the 204 Sharpmaker or their 302 Benchstones are splendid for the final finish. I also use a really high grade, super fine, super smooth, "blue-black" Arkansas stone for a really superior finish for a blade that is comparable to a super sharp straight razor.

 

[Lothar.OTHP]

You guys are aware that you can buy diamond paste for short money, right? It's sold as a commercial abrasive, with grits down to 1/2 micron. Used on plexiglass or cast iron... hell, even a flat piece of MDF... it's much easier to use than diamond stones. Cheaper, too.

Look up woodworking supply places for sources. (Highland hardware for one, tools for working wood is another source...)

 

[Jason B.]

That's interesting "Knifenut"> I just obtained a couple new diamond whetstones made by 3M corporation. I've got other diamond stones as well but 3M is the only company that tells you not to use the stones dry but rather use them with water. I like your idea of soapy water because that does add an element of corrosion resistance and lubricity to the process. I'm also wondering if a guy couldn't use cutting fluids (coolants) like they use in machining and CNC milling or lathe work.

ZDP-189 has so much abrasion resistance that I often use diamond on my ZDP blades especially for reprofiling a really heavily used blade. I also find that one of the finishing touches for an incredibly sharp blade I use Spyderco ultra-fine stones either in the 204 Sharpmaker or their 302 Benchstones are splendid for the final finish. I also use a really high grade, super fine, super smooth, "blue-black" Arkansas stone for a really superior finish for a blade that is comparable to a super sharp straight razor.

I guess those fluids would work, soapy water was actually suggested to me by a DMT rep. Got a link to those 3M stones?

 

[jimnolimit]

soapy water was actually suggested to me by a DMT rep. Got a link to those 3M stones?

i always use plain water with my diamond stones , i will give soapy water a try next time , good tip :thumbup:

 

[nozh2002]

I always use diamond stone without any water and always have good results. It is not needed and only makes it messy. But of course it will work with or without water most likely same.

Light pressure is always good for sharpening. DMT stone most likely will last forewer - at least mine does not wear out for several years of intensive use.

Thanks, Vassili.