MiniGrip, ZDP Delica or Salt I?

S

soccergod04

Joined
Apr 24, 2006
Messages
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Ok, I want a new EDC. I also want to try a new steel. This knife will be used to open boxes, cut string and SD if needed. I know, get a bigger, FB for SD and have it dedicated only to that. The likelyhood of me using it for that purpose is slim, so I'm choosing between these three.

I have no experience with ZDP, H1 or 154CM. I've read about all of them and the strong points and weak points. Now, I just want you guys to tell me which one of these you would prefer for general cutting chores. I'm not in a particularly humid place, so corrosion resistance isn't that important, I just want to be a steel-whore and try something new.

Thanks for your input in advance!
 
Between those three I like the Salt the best.
I can get my H-1 blades incredibly sharp!
 
minigrip for sure.

but thats because I hate spyderco. their designs are good from a utilitarian standpoint, but they are hideous and more than that im getting a bit tired of all the spydercos around here ;)
 
I just decided on a Delica with the ZDP-189 after considering the same thing. I've been EDCing a Bladetech RIJBAK in S30V for about 6 or 7 months and I am growing tired of it. Great knife but I just wanted something new. Before the RIJBAK I carried a Griptilian in 154CM for about a year. I have to say I prefer the 154CM to the S30V. I've now carried 2 S30V blades and I'm not that big of a fan. Its performance is overstated in my experience. So I'm currious about the ZDP with its 64 hardness.
 
I use a Salt 1 SE everyday to cut up cardboard boxes also a lot of plastic. About 8-10 boxes a day. The H1 steel seems to work really well. The blade gets warm when using it, more so than other steels. This is a property called "work hardening". I can't explain it, I am not an engineer. The Salt 1 has a thick tip which comes in hand for removing large staples. Two years into the Salt 1 and it has held up well. Very little blade play. The H1 steel is not a pretty steel. It has a dull finish and seems to have a scratched look about it. I sharpen it about once every 2 months. Serrated blades need to be sharpened less often IMHO. Today I cut a tomato with it and it was smooth as could be. H1 is a great preformer at a great price.
 
If your are going to open boxes may I suggest the Spyderco Tasman with H1 Blade. Thats the one knife I dont leave home with out. I rotate My Salt 1, Delica 4, Native III, but Tas never leaves my side. Tas tears those boxes apart. On the SD part, You can slice and dice likes it's no one business. Just the look of a hawk bill is enough to make an attacker say "oh Cr4P! IMHO.
-frank
 
Spydiefan04 said:
How does H1 compare to VG-10 in the Delica/Endura? Can't go wrong with any of the knives mentioned.
Click to expand...

Less edge holding ability, but the benefit, of course, is that it's completely rust-proof.

VG-10 is already VERY rust resistant, so I would consider H1 only if I were constantly around salt water or in humid climates.
 
I don't know what you do with a knife but just get a stock Minigrip. It will take anything you can throw at it and you can also sharpen it. 154CM is good steel. Or a box cutter might work.

Are you more interested in style or substance? There are a lot of good looking knives with disposable blades. A flip-folder using standard Stanley blades works for a lot of warehouse people.

You can constantly be touching up a blade or have a new one within seconds. Look for good lock-up on anything. You can get nice folding Stanley blade for less than $10.00.

BudK usually has a good one for about $5.00 or less. Get a few. BudK has a bunch of goofy stuff, but they also can come up with good prices on quality gear.
 
Since you want to try something new, I suggest going withe ZDP Delica. Sharpen it or have it sharpened for you then just strop it to maintain the edge.
 
I own a mini-grip and a delica. IMHO the min-grip is much more comfortable, easier to open and closes, carries more comfortably and just plain looks better.

Take care.
 
I'm gonna suggest the mini-Grip or Grip also.. or something in 154CM over ZDP189. I've had several models in both steels. 154CM is one of my 3 favorite steels for a medium or small folder. I don't do anything with ZDP189 anymore. With the Grips you'll get a great all-round blade steel, a strong and dependable lock (AXIS), and a good solid (although a bit short in the handle for the mini-G) knife design.

I've found 154CM to hold a very good edge and still be a tough steel that can work in a warehouse or go camping in the woods. Afterwards, it touches up pretty quickly with the F & U/F rods on my Sharpmaker.

Lotsa folks here love ZDP189 but it's far too difficult for me to work with. That's entirely a reflection on my level of sharpening expertise and has nothing to do with the steel being a problem... but... if I can get great results from S30V or VG10 or 154CM with what I already have and know how to use, I'm going to stick with those since they do anything I want to do already.
 
Oooook. So I've heard all the stories and opinions. I think I'm going to get the MiniGrip. I love Spydies, but this will be my first Benchmade folder, so I think it's a good choice.

Of course as a member of this forum, I'll have to get the other 2 down the road...
 
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