spyderco salt (H-1 steel) or delica 4 or delica zdp

T

triz neena

Joined
Aug 4, 2007
Messages
86
Hello, could anyone offer some advice on the difference in steels for EDC or any opinions on which you would get.

Sorry the search doesnt seem to be working for me and thanks for looking.

Cheers
 
Well; if you don't use your knife all the much so you don't sharpen or use it often then the H-1 is perfect since it CAN NOT rust. It sharpens pretty easily but doesn't hold an edge as long. Theoretically it will hold an edge longer as you use and sharpen it more.

A regular VG-10 Delica 4 is a great all around knife. It is pretty rust resistant, and sharpens fairly easily. Some report it doesn't hold an edge as long as S30V when cutting something like cardboard.

ZDP is reported to stay sharp longer but harder to sharpen. That may turn some off, as sharpening is a skill that comes with practice. So IMO, it is not a steel for a beginner.
 
First cost- H1 and VG-10 are going to be around the same price. ZDP is gona cost you but it very unique.
Qualities H1-
+completely stain resistant. I have had my "pacific salt" in salt water and in contact with some rather nasty chemicals used to automotive detailing and degreasing(no rust or patina on blade). Holds and edge fairly well and easy to sharpen.
-blade gets scratches in it pretty easily, im not one for looks but more for function and it really functions. not the best edge holding ability but easy to bring back to hair popping sharpness.
VG-10
+holds an edge better than H1, doesnt scratch as easily and gets scary sharp
-can stain and rust. not nearly the edge holding qualities of zdp-189
ZDP-189
+ holds an edge for what seems like forever. gets amazingly sharp. takes alot of abuse and its just about as resitant to stains as VG-10
-IMO pain to sharpen if you let it get dull, its like trying to sharpen a rock. If you keep up on the edge and dont let it get too dull its not that bad to sharpen. Price is typically higher than the others but not terribly much.

Depends on what kinda things you will be using your knife for. Each one has its plusses and minuses. other members will chime in with other opinions. this is just what i have noticed from my experiences.
 
thanks for the quick and informative posts, i'll be purchasing a zdp tomorrow from bestknives.com as it seems to have the cheapest price.
 
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