Hard use ZDP-189

jpm2 said:
You don't need to go soft to avoid chipped edges. I've found that I almost detest rolled edges as much as chipped ones, but fortunately haven't had to put up much with either in the last 25 years, after discovering high speed tool steels.

Other than blade steel...
blade length, handle length, ergonomics, lock, blade profile, blade grind, etc all come into play as to what satisfies my needs in a work knife. Some of these attributes are in some knives, but no knife with all of them, hence my dilemma.
Click to expand...

I carry a Milwaukee fastback too, little razor knife with a push button one hand opening blade , I try to use it if I know something could damage my knife blade like cutting tape on concrete (don't ask me why they use tape vs paint but they do ) .

I've also had good luck with d2 and m4 , it'd probably be better to list the ones I've damaged vs the ones I like . I've chipped zdp-189 ,broken aus8 ,broken and chipped 154cm .

Oh Elmax is another great steel .excellent corrision resistance and enough toughness for me . Few years back intern jump the line instead of locking it out and a robot grabbed him . By the time we got in the line he was pinned to a table . Even with no power the airlines kept him caught up ,even turning the air lines off we still couldn't get him out from pressure in the lines so we had to cut the airlines . I used a zt 801 to cut my side and even pried the jaws of the robot open with it to get him out .
 
Spartan00 said:
Maintenance work is hard on a knife , I've been doing it for years. Your elbows deep in something with a mad boss man wanting you to hurry up with and maybe the right tool is away from you so you reach for your knife a lot . You may haft pop off a cable tie or pry open a valve ,cut thick wiring , have a stubborn seal and when your trying to hurry up and do it sometimes you don't do things the right way like pop off a cable tie by putting the blade under and twisting vs cutting .


You hit the nail on the head Spaartan00! This is what I'm talking about. As a matter of fact, last night I opened a gallon of paint with the delica to do some touch up.
I worked for Kawasaki a few years back. I have worked on the fanucs also at another company.

It sounds like I need a Stretch! I also will change the angle on my delica and see how well it hold up.

Thank you for all the info, you guys have been very helpful. Its nice to know I'm not the only one who views a knife as a tool no matter how much you have spent on it.
Click to expand...
 
onionfan said:
Have you looked at an original gayle bradley? They can still be found new and I carry one in a coal power plant environment with little issues with corrosion. M4 is good stuff.
Click to expand...
I've got 2. Unfortunately the size, blade shape, and ergos don't work for me, 1/2" too long and needs a slight negative angle. I can modify all but the angle.
Otherwise an excellent knife and highly recommended if it fits.
Not my favorite but yes, M4 is currently the best available folding blade steel for my work purposes. Wish I could reblade some knives I have with it.
 
k9stang said:
It sounds like I need a Stretch! I also will change the angle on my delica and see how well it hold up.
Click to expand...

If you're going to get a stretch, I recommend the HAP40 sprint version. Word is, there's still some available.
 
My ZDP Endura chipped cutting into hidden staples in a stack of document:( .
Real life use although it's in office environment.

The latest to be produced Wharnie Delica might be to your liking, more robust blade profile but not as obtuse as sabre grind ones. Check the thread started by jazz over Spyderco site forum.

I saw HAP40 stretch available on Amazon at a bit steep price, and recently appeared on the exchange.
 
Chris "Anagarika";16313909 said:
My ZDP Endura chipped cutting into hidden staples in a stack of document:( .
Real life use although it's in office environment.
Click to expand...
Hidden hazards everywhere!
Chip and roll resistant edges even come in handy at the office.
 
Last edited:
Here's some ZDP189 strech sharpening freehand on king stones
[YouTube]7EnSscBSBKc[/youtube]

Not as bad as everyone says

With diamonds it should take half the time
 
k9stang said:
I watched a couple videos last night. I think it will work out fine for me.
Click to expand...

I honestly do too. Like I said whenever mine got damaged it was because it had a very very thin edge bevel I said 10 degrees per side but it was lower than that because I used dmt stones on and edge pro so it was probably more like 7 degrees per side .

Look at the rockstead videos of the guys trying to damage the edge on bamboo and it still cuts and doesn't damage . Kind of funny when I bought my first zdp-189 knife thereally were threads maybe not here but threads put of people dropping zdp-189 blades and them cracking or shattering by dropping. I don't believe that for a second now and I've been using this steel almost exclusively for about 5 years now.

OP if it gives you problems sharpening it I've got an edge pro /or I'm pretty good at freehand you want it sharpened pay postage and I'll hook you up. You seem like a good dude after our conversation yesterday, I'll help you out anytime or anyway I can . Also friends of mine that read this and know me k9stang is good people .
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the grrat conversation and the offer to help. If I can't get it to work for me I will take you up on the offer.

Thanks again to everybody for the advice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top