How is edge retention on ZT550 s35vn?

R

rg02

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Jan 4, 2012
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Just picked up my first non spyderco folder--- a ZT gen 1 550 s35vn. Got it NIB for $155 shipped so not a bad deal. I am, a spyderco whore And have been spoiled with m4, xhp, 204p, s30v, and m390. How does s35vn from ZT compare? Is there a specific back bevel and micro bevel that fit the s35vn for best performance? I previously had the sharp maker so for my spydies are set with 30 back bevel 40 micro bevel. I have since Picked up a kme sharpener and have sharpened my Becker's to 17 (34) inclusive back bevel and 23 deg micro bevel......

Thanks so much for feedback and info
 
it's definitely not up there in edge-holding with 204p, CPM-M4, or M390, but I do like it better than S30V. I can take those first 3 steels to very low edge angles and they will hold their sharpness for a good while, where I wouldn't be as comfortable doing that with S35VN. However, I have those first 3 blade steels in Spydercos too, and they're much thinner behind the edge compared to the ZT550, so slicing wouldn't be a fair comparison. Where the ZT550 and S35VN combo excels is in the amount of confidence it gives you when you're using the knife. When you need to cut thick material, straps, packaging, plastic clamshells, zip ties, etc. It's extremely solid in that regard, and pretty easy to sharpen. Imagine a Manix built like a Gayle Bradley.
 
The S35VN on the 0550 can take some punishment. Probably the hardest thing I put it through was making a spiral cut of a soup can (steel & tin). It made a mess on the DLC, and the sound of metal-on-metal scraping was most unpleasant. Anyway, the edge was still pretty sharp afterwards. There was some minor rolling in a couple of spots, but those were straightened out with a little bit of steeling.

Here's what it looked like after wiping most of the tin/steel residue off the DLC and steeling the edge. For the most part, it was still able to push cut copy paper (would snag in a couple of spots where the rolling may have been a bit worse, or where there might have been some micro-chipping).
 
Thanks for the info guys. Thinking I will give maybe a 42 deg micro bevel a try and see how it does.
 
Good steel but I do like the Elmax on their 0560 better. I've observed no chipping on my 0550 under hard use; only a bit of rolling. It is easy to sharpen so no harm no foul.
 
Mine holds and edge pretty well. get's pretty sharp too, I just got one for my boss at his request and got the text the first night he had it that he was playing with it and nearly took his finger off. Of course my response was to superglue it lol
 
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