How about ZDP-189 steel?

bluka94

bluka94

Joined
May 14, 2008
Messages
150
Hi!

I was looking for a folder to have within military service and run into ZDP-189 steeltype used by Spyderco (among others).

I found that Spyderco folders, made of ZDP-189, were heattreated to 64 HRC.
And William Henry goes to 67 HRC:eek:.
The steel is stainless as far as I know.

But, nevertheless, isn't blade, made of ZDP-189 at 64 HRC, brittle?

Anyone who can bring little light on this? Expiriences?

Regards,
//bluka94
 
In a small folder I would not be concerned about ZDP-189 being too brittle in the sense that the knife might break. I would be concerned about edge damage. In my experience ZDP-189 (in a Spyderco folder) is wonderful as long as you stick to relatively soft materials (wood, carton, rope).

But my old Spyderco Endura in AUS-8 is far more forgiving when I accidentally hit a screw or nail or cut copper wire.

I would suggest a Spyderco with a VG-10 blade for military service.

Rafael
 
Everything I've read about zdp has said that it is not brittle at hrc 64-67. As far as chipping, I've had an ATS-34 blade chip, and ATS-is fairly close in toughness to VG-10. I've had several zdp blades with no chipping issues. I used my WH at work for a while, till I switched. It never chipped despite somewhat abusive conditions.

I wish I could find the post from Noz about how he used his yuna zdp knife to cut drywall. Maybe he will respond here.
 
I have custom Yuna Mini Hard 1, with ZDP-189 blade. It is one of my, if not THE sharpest knife I have, I have NOT had any chipping problems with it. Now, I DID have chipping problem with my Spyderco burgundy Caly, Jr. That chipped after LIGHT cutting! My Yuna has been used more, and had not chipped.
 
I already have a Jackhammer (INFI) and would like to have a folder to back it up with.
I found Endura of both VG10 and ZDP-189. I don't know which one to choose for allround purposes within service...
 
bluka94 said:
I already have a Jackhammer (INFI) and would like to have a folder to back it up with.
I found Endura of both VG10 and ZDP-189. I don't know which one to choose for allround purposes within service...
Click to expand...

Personally I would choose the VG10 for your uses... ZDP-189 is a great edge holder and makes for one hell of a slicer (given the right blade geometry), but I feel VG10 will stand up a little better to "hard use".
 
Bkultra said:
Personally I would choose the VG10 for your uses... ZDP-189 is a great edge holder and makes for one hell of a slicer (given the right blade geometry), but I feel VG10 will stand up a little better to "hard use".
Click to expand...

Not to mention ease of sharpening in the field.
 
I have no troubles sharpening D-2, M-2, S30V and S90V. I can't imagine that there would be sharpening issues with ZDP 189, if you're willing to put a little efort into it.
 
All this talks about ZDP-189 being brittle and hard to shapen is just common arguments pops up every time new extraordinary steel came on the market. Usually it is based not on personal experience but rather - "If overharden old steel it became brittle so new supermodern steel which is much harder should be brittle too!"

ZDP189 is not brittle - it is more brittle then 52100, but it is not brittle to the extent it may affect use - until you are fencing with your pocket knives on regular basis. Same for sharpening - it is hard to sharpen using clay brick, but with DMT (inexpensive) it is not a problem at all. I think CPM S30V bit harder to get to whittling hair sharpness then ZDP189 - but just a liitle bit.

I use my Yuna with ZDP189 for everything from cutting out splinters from my skin to cutting drywall, and even digging out weeds. I should admit - after it hit rocks when I dig out weeds it develop some microchips, supertough INFI in same situation have similar problem - there are no rock cutting knife out there yet. But it is very easy to fix, to resharpen (as any other steel)!

Today ZDP189 is best steel manufacturers can offer, another one - rare CPM S90V and CPM S110V coming - looking forward to see what it is.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
Rafael said:
In a small folder I would not be concerned about ZDP-189 being too brittle in the sense that the knife might break. I would be concerned about edge damage. In my experience ZDP-189 (in a Spyderco folder) is wonderful as long as you stick to relatively soft materials (wood, carton, rope).
Click to expand...

What is your nagative experience with ZDP189 then with something else then wood, carton, rope?
Did you break ZDP knife or even heart about ZDP knife being broken because of brittleness?
What is the basis for you to start talking thet ZDP189 knife might break?

Thanks, Vassili.
 
Yep, ZDP-189 is so fragile that I had Tom Krein regrind my Endura to .010" thick behind the edge, which is approximately one fourth of factory thickness. I then proceded to put a twenty degree included edge on it, since I use it for drywall repairs among other things. I haven't had any chipping issues yet.

I seem to recall some people having their ZDP Spyderco blades RC tested and getting 65-67 results, but I could be wrong. I've never had mine tested.
 
According to Rockstead - company which introduced ZDP189 to knife world, best hardness for ZDP189 is 65HRC. It is not highest hardness - 67HRC, but no one else cane came close anyway and it much tougher at two poind down of recommended.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
Cant say about anyother knife ZDP189 but about the zdp in william henry i can. its ok if you just paper wood and stuff. DONT try cut wire or DONT CUT ANYTHING THAT GOT STEEL IN IT. Is it brittle? YES.. cause i tryed soon i will needs 2 call up william henry knifes 2 replace the blade. hope they wont cost a leg or arm.:grumpy:
 
70939488 said:
Cant say about anyother knife ZDP189 but about the zdp in william henry i can. its ok if you just paper wood and stuff. DONT try cut wire or DONT CUT ANYTHING THAT GOT STEEL IN IT. Is it brittle? YES.. cause i tryed soon i will needs 2 call up william henry knifes 2 replace the blade. hope they wont cost a leg or arm.:grumpy:
Click to expand...

What knife steel do you suggest will cut steel better then ZDP189 without showing brittelness?

I did cut iron stabs with INFI and had chips on it, I even try to cut glass with M2 and it also chips, but is it signs of brittleness?

Thanks, Vassili.
 
I saw someone cut big ass cable with a sebenza and that knife looks fine after the did that. is was on a topic about sebenza if i recall it right. So i thught... nvm i just abused my knife.:confused: man live and learn :grumpy: will never cut wire with a knife again...
 
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