Protecting ZDP-189

Handwrecker

Handwrecker

Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
1,265
Just received my first blade in ZDP-189. Knife was bought used, but is still sharp enough to pop hairs, and is in nearly perfect shape. I really don't know anything about this steel, other than it's Japanese, laminated, and has a very high RC rating. I've read that it's not stainless, and needs to be treated properly to prevent rust. My questions are;

How easily does ZDP-189 rust?
What's the best oil/lube to keep it from rusting?
Does it develop a patina?

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Unless you live right next to the ocean I wouldn't worry. Just keep it clean.

My dads ZDP endura has seen very abusive treatment and very little care. no rust but some slight tarnish that you only really notice when next to a clean blade, it got a slight patina once from something left on the blade but besides that it seems nearly stainless.

For sharpening I highly suggest water stones.
 
My Spyderco endura 4 ZDP-189 blade rusted out after 6 months. This turned me off the steel and the company. I believe I just tossed the thing out. If only it was stainless...that thing cut like a beast but it just rusts so easily.
 
I've been using a Calypso Jnr in ZDP as my weekday EDC for more than two years. When I sharpen it, not very often because it holds it's edge extremely well, I lube the joint with Tuff Glide and wipe the knife with a Tuff Cloth. That's the entire extent of the care it gets. Never had the slightest problem with it. Never seen even the slightest sign of rust.
 
Bill, if you can find it send it to me, I'd be happy to relieve you of the pain and disappointment.
 
I use Spyderco ZDP189 blades regularly and have no issues with them. I live in Atlanta, so I'm in the hot and humid south. I spend a lot of time in the woods and the ZDP blades get their share of outdoor carry.

I'd say that if you wipe it down with something like a Tuff-Cloth occasionally, you'll be fine. That's all I've ever done in the two years or so that I've been using ZDP189.
 
I use olive oil on my ZDP Endura because I use it often to cut food. If you put it away make sure it has a light coat of any oil. sometimes rust spots do appear when you take it out after a couple of weeks if you put it away without lubricant, but they can be wiped off without any stains or pitting. When I carry it daily it gets wiped after use so no rusting.
 
My laminated ZDP/420 Caly 3 has been around the block, and the ZDP has only taken on a slight patina. No rust or pitting, even in the thumb grooves.
 
nu3gawhat said:
? ZDP-189 is stainless. 20%Cr
Click to expand...

20% Cr and 3% C. A significative part of the chromium forms carbides; it takes 13% of free chromium to make a steel stainless.

ZDP 189 is close to the limit, in some cases you will notice a light yellow patina, it's not rust, just a bit of stain.

dantzk
 
I've never had any problems with ZDP rusting.It does stain a little,pretty easily too,but no rust or pitting.

Also,touch up the edge after every use.You don't want to let it get dull,cause it's a bear to sharpen.
 
JTR357 said:
Also,touch up the edge after every use.You don't want to let it get dull,cause it's a bear to sharpen.
Click to expand...

Not really in my experience. With the DMT diamond stones i can get, in a short time, a tiny and consistent wire easy to remove. The edge holding is great and i generally only need the xfine or the xxfine stone to restore a shaving sharp edge.

dantzk.
 
Last edited:
dantzk8 said:
Not really in my experience. With the DMT diamond stones i can get, in a short time, a tiny and consistent wire easy to remove. The edge holding is great and i generally only need the xfine or the xxfine stone to restore a shaving sharp edge.

dantzk.
Click to expand...

I would agree with this. I sharpened mine using the DMT Aligner and got it shaving sharp in no time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top