S30v versus ZDP-189

N

Nikkogi

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
2,358
Hey guys, I am starting to collect folders again after collecting SAK's and MTs for the last few years...

I have several knives in S30v but none in ZDP-189. I might be getting a Green ZDP Delica!

Anyways, how do you think ZDP-189 stacks up against the industry standard (S30v) knife steel?

Thanks!
 
Hi,

I'm currently carrying the FRN ZDP Spyderco Stretch 2. Normally I carry S30v blade Spydercos. So far, I can say that the ZDP is holding an edge longer. The blade tends to stain easily so I pay closer attention to cleaning after use than I did with S30v. I haven't tried any heavy duty cutting or prying. It cut through plastic zip ties without chipping and that's about the toughest thing I've cut with it.

I think the ZDP Delica will be a fine addition.
 
Incahiker said:
Here you go.....
Click to expand...


Sal Glesser owner of Spyderco has tested many steels with the CATRA machine which should reduce many variables and be the most scientific. He has listed ZDP even with S90V in wear resistance which is much higher than S30V so something doesn't seem right with this test.
 
Nikkogi said:
Hey guys, I am starting to collect folders again after collecting SAK's and MTs for the last few years...

I have several knives in S30v but none in ZDP-189. I might be getting a Green ZDP Delica!

Anyways, how do you think ZDP-189 stacks up against the industry standard (S30v) knife steel?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

In general ZDP will hold an edge longer than S30V, but S30V is both tougher and more stain resistant than ZDP.

S30V is also noticeably easier to sharpen.
 
Love zdp. Haven't had it chip yet.

My s30v EDC has several chips - doesn't bother me though because it adds "character" to the blade. I just resharpen the blade and deal with it.
 
Nikkogi, you must have the right equipment to sharpen ZDp189 or you'll be unhappy and possibly point the steel as the culprit

It's easy to sharpen provided you don't use a Cinder block
 
Ankerson said:
In general ZDP will hold an edge longer than S30V, but S30V is both tougher and more stain resistant than ZDP.

S30V is also noticeably easier to sharpen.
Click to expand...

What Jim said.

Never underestimate properly heat treated S30V. As a knife steel, it is a force to be reckoned with.
 
Here's one of Sal's posts on CATRA results

Sal Glesser said:
1. Spyderco does have a CATRA and we do extensive testing on all steels. We also test steels for foundries, Like Crucible and Carpenter. We tell others that since we are not an "accredited testing agency", it would not be proper for us to be used as an information source.

2. Any results that are published can be challenged by anyone for any reason. eg: their particular steel did not represent as they wanted.

3. We generally test at the optimal using hardness. We believe that CPM-S60V is not effective at RC61. I dropped an RC62 CPM-S60V blade on concrete and it literally cracked in half.

4. We had different results than those posted. Now what? I think you can see why Spyderco, Buck, Case, Leatherrman, etc. do not publish their results. (I believe there are fewer than 30 CATRA machines in use. They are quite expensive)

5. We learned after 10 years of testing that CATRA results are not the end all and be all of testing. "Real world" testing will sometimes yield different results than the CATRA for unforseen reasons.

6. We've always shared our findings with our customers as to our results. We just don't quote numbers.

sal
Click to expand...
 
A.P.F. said:
What Jim said.

Never underestimate properly heat treated S30V. As a knife steel, it is a force to be reckoned with.
Click to expand...

Yes, properly HT and tempered at 60 Rc or over it's really an amazing steel. :thumbup:
 
Ankerson said:
Yes, properly HT and tempered at 60 Rc or over it's really an amazing steel. :thumbup:
Click to expand...
Jim, do you happen to know which companies actually run their S30V at this hardness? (I say "actually" because I don't entirely trust the HRC numbers some companies claim and remember that you've sometimes had the hardness independently tested.)
 
A.P.F. said:
What Jim said.

Never underestimate properly heat treated S30V. As a knife steel, it is a force to be reckoned with.
Click to expand...


I always thought S30V was ok, but nothing special.. then I got a Strider SNG and I am loving that steel. It is VERY sharp and doesn't ding easily..... I know that Paul Bos set up the heat treatment for them.. but I like Striders S30V more then I did a Buck Mayo TNT...
 
neuron said:
Jim, do you happen to know which companies actually run their S30V at this hardness? (I say "actually" because I don't entirely trust the HRC numbers some companies claim and remember that you've sometimes had the hardness independently tested.)
Click to expand...

I know Spyderco runs theirs at ~ 60 RC or so and Strider is usually around 59.5 RC.
 
xtestifyx said:
Nikkogi, you must have the right equipment to sharpen ZDp189 or you'll be unhappy and possibly point the steel as the culprit

It's easy to sharpen provided you don't use a Cinder block
Click to expand...

I generally use my diamond Lansky or my Sharpmaker. I don't think I would have any problems... Ey?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top