My first spyderco

nick_30 said:
How would you all rate zdp is to sharpen?

I have sharpened m4, m390, elmax, 20cv, s30v, 204p and Damascus all of which where really not that bad to me. M4 seems to be the toughest out of the bunch.
I have a full diamond kme kit with the lapping films and strops.
Got my eye on a caly 3 in zdp and carbon fiber
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For me, ZDP 189 is harder to sharpen than M4. I also use the same set up that you have. Hear’s why, I tend to use light pressure on most of the steels I have to avoid taking off too much steel using diamonds. With steel like ZDP, S110V and S 125V applying the same pressure takes longer to achieve the same results, thus in my mind making it harder to sharpen.
Not every steel will perform well with a polished edge even though they look good.
 
It seems from what I've been reading on the forums is that maybe vg10 would be a better steel because of the combined attributes of ease of sharpening plus Edge keeness ability. I would not be opposed to checking out the Boker exskelibur with VG10 as a choice

What about Damascus? Don't really know much about the steel and its abilities I do know though, how Damascus is made but just a not sure of the characteristics of that type of metal
 
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nick_30 said:
It seems from what I've been reading on the forums is that maybe vg10 would be a better steel because of the combined attributes of ease of sharpening plus Edge keeness ability. I would not be opposed to checking out the Boker exskelibur with VG10 as a choice
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Boker Exskelibur is really a great slicer. VG10 is also a good steel to put a keen edge on.
But I have to warn you about their inconsistent fit and finish issues. You may get a great one or end up with a sloppy one.
I have two of them, one good and the other not so.

With that said, I think you should also look at Spydiechef. LC200N is similar to carbon steel regarding its sharpenability and keenness to me.
The blade stock is relatively thin, and the flat grind is deep to make up the thin edge.
 
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M. Johnwell said:
I’ve never gotten my knives THAT sharp. But if you want ultimate sharpness I don’t know if m4 would be my top pick. I’d try to find something in superblue or hap40 or maybe rwl34. I’ve heard good things about the latter two and I have a stretch in superblue which gets scary sharp really easily.
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If you have good technique and a good sharpening system such as the KME or Wicked edge you can get it super sharp.Don't except to re-profile the M4 on the Sharpmaker. I love carrying my GB2 and in many cases it will take the place of my PM2 M4. The GB2 is built for hard work and is also nice enough to be a gentleman's folder. The only other knife that I would recommend is the Domino also a fantastic knife It's not M4 but it is a great steel. CTS-HXP. Lastly the Manix 2 is also a great knife and can be found in a variety of steels

For now the best bang for your buck is the Domino. it is one of the knives on the chopping block. Only the black CF is on sale. The Blue and Red Twills are not on sale. KC has the black CF for around $115 I think. Check around. Don't miss out on it, it's an awesome knife.
 
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I forgot about another great knife, The Spyderco Bob Lum Large Chinese Folder C143GP. Not only are they great slicers they are also very cool looking. The steel is VG-10 which imho is a great steel for the price and it comes in different sizes and scales. Fun to collect if not I go back to my hard use favorite, the GB2-M4
 
nick_30 said:
It seems from what I've been reading on the forums is that maybe vg10 would be a better steel because of the combined attributes of ease of sharpening plus Edge keeness ability. I would not be opposed to checking out the Boker exskelibur with VG10 as a choice

What about Damascus? Don't really know much about the steel and its abilities I do know though, how Damascus is made but just a not sure of the characteristics of that type of metal
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Damascus is a crap shoot. It is not a particular steel it is a method of forging the steel. in order to know what steel it is you would probably have to call the manufacturer. In my experience Damascus steel looks great but is not a great EDC steel. The Spyderco's compound steels are technically Damascus style steel because it has been folded over. Real Damascus is folded over many times in order to get the desired design or amount of layers needed. As far as I know it can be made of many different steels and combination of steels for a particular purpose. I would say it is not recommended for EDC unless you know which steel or steels are used. Look up Damasteel online and you will get an idea about the metals and who uses it.
 
I'm a huge fan of Spyderco and picked up a Caly 3.5 in clad ZDP-189 as well as a Manbug in the ZDP-189. I live in Hawaii, so rust is a primary consideration on purchasing any product. I also have a Rockstead ZDF-189 knife which is the very best that a normal consumer can obtain. Bottom line, snap up every ZDP-189 blade you can. It's the best you can obtain in terms of stainless steel. The key is that you can sharpen a 30-degree angle and expect to hold that edge because of the hardness of the blade. It's hard steel, but workable with the right set-up for sharpening, or the factory sharpening service. I recommend the latter.
 
You meant a 30 inclusive right, like 15dps?
Just out of curiosity, what angle is xhp stable to?
 
1766100D-4896-43E1-B768-1C0C41E8104D.jpeg Let me tell you something Nick!
The Domino is an amazing knife all around! Great materials done right.
I’ve had mine, started out blue weave, for 2 years and it is my favorite Spydie!
Many diffeeent opening methods, great action with amazing lock up!
It melts into your hand and is just a cool knife that performs flawlessly! XHP is a breeze to sharpen and holds an edge very well.
If there is any way you can.....grab one!! You’ll love it!!
Joe

nick_30 said:
That domino red weave is nice but pretty pricey
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Don't count out the original black Domino, the scale actually grows on you. I thought I'd hate it, but it adds some traction and looks great. I'm carrying mine today.

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* I won't lie though, I do love my Manix more. But the Domino is like a slightly smaller flipper Manix, haha.
 
Tough call...How about both!:D
I am leaning g toward the xhp for ease of sharpening and for my intended use it should stay that way with very little touch up

Love that scale too palonej!
 
Hmmm....what would you all chose between a caly 3.5 CF ZDP-189 or domino in xhp for pure slicing abilities and getting a keen edge.
I like both but the zdp will be harder, longer to sharpen but stay that way longer I guess, Idk
 
DC0E425A-4530-4511-9A22-5D804388FE7B.jpeg I have both Nick.
Both are insane slicers, but I’d give the edge to the Caly. Think it’s a bit thinner behind the edge.
ZDP is an awesome steel!! XHP is no slouch either.
I carry the Domino much more than the Caly, but mostly for the fun fidget factor.
Caly is a back lock, flickable, but not a good fidgeter.
I got the Caly on sale for $104 on sale a few months ago. At that price, no brainer!
Joe


nick_30 said:
Hmmm....what would you all chose between a caly 3.5 CF ZDP-189 or domino in xhp for pure slicing abilities and getting a keen edge.
I like both but the zdp will be harder, longer to sharpen but stay that way longer I guess, Idk
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:eek:wow, that is a "steel" of a deal....lol
Bahaha...sorry had to

Those cf caly's are nice, plus I have like 5 or 6 flippers so it would be nice to have something a little different plus I really dig the laminated look of the 420j2 and zdp

I I have no idea but I'm guessing zdp would probably be pretty stable with Super Lite cutting down to a 10 to 13 DPS
 
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