Well its that time again and I have decided on a endura for my new work EDC, but I can't decide on the model.
I've been carrying Enduras since they came out and my current favorite is the one with ZDP steel. VG-10 is excellent steel, and probably better steel than most people need. Hell, I was happy with AUS-6 until I really started using it. It couldn't finish the day without having to resharpen it, cutting cardboard and fiberglass strapping. I've found VG-10 and S30V to be about equal, being able to go a week without sharpening either one. S30V seems to be a more aggressive cutter, when it comes to fibrous materials, but VG-10 seems to hold an edge just as long.
ZDP is hard stuff, but not too difficult to sharpen. I've had much more trouble sharpening 440V (S60V), and it holds an amazing edge for a long time. I can go a month before I have to resharpen ZDP. Never seen anything like it. I've cut through mic cable with it and found it would still slice paper. Very aggressive cutter, and very rust resistant, whatever anyone else says. Anything that can stand my sweat has to be resistant to corrosion.
You didn't say whether an "Emerson opener" (formerly known as "Wave") equipped Endura was an option for you. It's an ugly knife but it opens very fast and is an excellent performer.
If you're just looking for the best performing cutter you can buy, get the ZDP-189 model. I suspect VG-10 would serve you very well, but if you must have the best in terms of steel, that's the one to get. If you don't mind a thin blade and need something that will slice like a laser, get the flat-ground Endura.
