Spyderco HAP40 Thread

SpeedHoles said:
Just got myself a HAP40 Stretch. Still carrying my Delica regularly, and occasionally the Endura.

So excited to see more HAP40. This really should be a mainstay steel choice in the lineup, like VG10 and ZDP-189 has been.

I still carry, use, and really enjoy Aogami Super Blue... but in comparison, the HAP40 just seems like it may have an even greater overall appeal, and would really make sense to have as regular production. :)
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Its a good steel and a definite improvement over VG10 but I haven't found it to be any better than ZDP189.
 
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ToxicBot11 said:
Its a good steel and a definite improvement over VG10 but I haven't found it to be any better than ZDP189.
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It's a fair bit easier to sharpen isn't it? I'm asking because I know hap40 is a breeze to sharpen, but I have no experience with zdp189.
 
ToxicBot11 said:
Its a good steel and a definite improvement over VG10 but I haven't found it to be any better than ZDP189.
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Both are great steels but the Hamon is what I enjoy. The patina is awesome too. And yes, zdp189 takes a lot longer to sharpen in my experience.
 
I keep trying to downshift my acquisition of Spyderco knives. I have way more than I will ever use - I carry almost all that I own and use them gently for knifelike tasks, so they all still look pretty darn good. I have one or two that get used pretty hard. In downshifting, I missed out on alot of the Para 2 sprints. Almost missed the Super Blues - picked up a Stretch and an Endura. I knew the Hap40's were coming and pretty much ignored them until I got to reading the reviews and really started regretting that decision. I managed to catch a Stretch and lucked into an Endura and am very glad I did. Great steel in a couple of great knife platforms - I feel these are two of the essential Spyderco knives. Along with the Para, Military, Manix, Calys, etc, etc, etc. Yeah, so much for the downshift. Oh, the drop point Lil Temp that showed up the other day is awesome.
 
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hap40 vs zdp189 delicas

Not that I've done any controlled comparison, just regular use. But if I did, this is what I'd expect.

In a nut shell,
-zdp better corrosion resistance, obviously .
-zdp better edge retention
-zdp stronger
-hap tougher
-hap easier to sharpen

Keep in mind this is spyderco delicas only, so spyderco specced heat treats, grinds, etc.

Even with the above (my perception), I slighty prefer hap40 over zdp189. Also, zdp is my favorite stainless for small blade steel.

If hap was treated to the same hardness (mid 60's), I'd expect it to come out on top in all categories, except corrosion resistance. The reason I say this is I have been using similar steels in the high 60's made into knife blades since the 80's.
 
I have one ZDP 189 knife, a Caly 3.5. It's actually kind of similar to HAP40 to my eye. ZDP seems harder, more wear resistant and it also takes more work to sharpen. Yes, it's more corrosion resistant, but not that much, I think, even though ZDP is classified as stainless and HAP40 is not. Not a very scientific observation, but they will both tend to stain if not wiped off after use and both stay pretty clean if they are wiped down. HAP40 is just a pleasure to use and maintain at very high sharpness. As much as I enjoy my ZDP Caly, I don't get quite the same satisfaction out the steel. If I can resist some of the upcoming Spyderco releases, I plan to get a traditional Japanese kitchen knife in HAP40 and making it my main prep tool. My HAP40 Delica and Endura, especially the Delica, keep finding their ways into my hands while I'm cooking.
 
I know this might be a long shot, but does anyone know where I might be able to find a HAP40 Delica?
 
Do you guys think that these knives are going to be heavily sought after later on? I've got an Endura and a stretch so far, I'm debating on whether to track them all down for my collection.
 
razrman8 said:
Do you guys think that these knives are going to be heavily sought after later on? I've got an Endura and a stretch so far, I'm debating on whether to track them all down for my collection.
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I'll trade you two hap40 delicas for a gray g10 lum... :D
 
dp2826 said:
Yes, but they were 150 plus 14 to ship. What were they going for preorder? Or when they were in stock? I really would like to have one but not at that price.
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Ah, BBS, right? I did actually pony up for one there. Send me an email if you want.
 
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