Spyderco Sage 3 vs Domino + Endura steels

[fp627]

1. Anyone here that owns both the Spyderco Sage 3 (or 1) and the Domino? How do the two compare and how have they held up over time for you? (given that they are very similar on paper).

2. What are most people's thoughts on getting a zdp 189 endura vs the standard vg10 endura vs a sprint run of another steel? I am not very familiar with the steels (and the heat treats, etc) from spyderco. If it matters, I have no qualms with vg10 based on past experience with several other companies.

On a random aside, huge props to the very helpful and patient factory outlet employee (Forget their name) who helped me during my visit as I tried almost all of their knives to find one that would work for me ergonomically (I made a thread about how i really like spyderco design but none of their ergos have worked for me in the past).

 

[Comeuppance]

VG10 is a very versatile and well-rounded steel, with very good edge retention combined with very good corrosion resistance. ZDP189 has exceptional edge retention, but can be more prone to chipping (as that edge retention comes partially from a very high hardness and thus has less tolerance for flex and impact) and corrosion (being a high-carbon tool steel)

ZDP has amazing properties when heat treated well, but VG10 is a much better choice for most users as it is much easier to maintain an edge (High wear resistance applies to sharpening equipment as well...) and is less likely to become damaged or oxidized when used and carried.

If you need high wear resistance, go with ZDP and get some Marine Tuff Glide to keep it protected from oxidation. If you need a general EDC knife, the VG10 will serve you well. Most of the sprint run steels are tool steels with similar caveats to ZDP (Super Blue, etc)

There's a HAP140 sprint out right now that might have some draw to you. I recommend investigating the steel and seeing what the relative properties do for you.

As far as the other knives - given the similar shape and size, I would generally spring for the one that is most visually appealing to you. I like the Domino as I'm keen on flippers as a general rule, but the Sage 3 has a super neat lock and was the knife that Sal himself pointed out as one of his favorites when I visited the Golden facility for a quick meet and greet.

 

[fp627]

Agreed on the right steel for the purpose. I have other knives with various tool steels and I don't think I'd relegate the endura to anything that'd require the tool steel... Just looking see if there was something like "X and Y steels from spyderco are the best (or possibly even worst) examples in the industry, etc"

As for the sage 3, it was the best knife for me ergonomically in the entire lineup but the domino was a very close second and I too like having the flipper option with the spyder hole. That and the domino felt/seemed slightly more refined with slightly better fit/finish... But I'd expect that for an extra $60 or so.