spyderco stretch zdp189 vs. centofante 4

ideal25

ideal25

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Oct 10, 2009
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:thumbdn::thumbup:Im thinking of buying a spyderco stretch blue with the zdp 189 blade, its the 2010 model,,can anyone give their opinion on this knive...Im not familiar with this blade steel. is it any good. I was going to buy the centofante 4 until I saw the stretch. it looks like it would be a little bit more suitable for my needs as an edc....Thanks Tom
 
I just got the Stretch w/ VG-10 and Black FRN handle. I had contemplated getting the ZDP-189 model until I read some posts here on BF about how hard it is to sharpen and that it isn't very corrosion resistant, especially when exposed to foods like tomatoes etc.

I think the Stretch is a great design. Size-wise it is between the Delica and Endura. The FFG blade should be a great slicer, and it appears to be more robust/strong than some other FFG knives I have from Spyderco.

Good luck with your choices. A lot of people like ZDP-189 and it is a great steel you just have to know it's limitations.
 
The Centofante is a great gent's knife that really slices. The ZDP Stretch is a great, but not quite as good as the Centofante slicer that is a workhorse in a steel that really holds an edge well. I have 6 Spydies in ZDP including the Stretch FRN and CF, and the steel performs great and the Stretch (both FRN and CF) are great EDC knives that I really like. If you are a sharpening rookie you may have a little trouble keeping ZDP really sharp, but with a bit of study and practice (and the right tools) you'll be getting ZDP extremely sharp . I have found ZDP to get sharper than most steels and it holds that edge far longer than steels like VG-10 for me.

Mike
 
The Stretch is an awesome user. It's my main EDC and definitely my favorite. Mine is VG-10, but I have used ZDP-189 in an Endura before.

ZDP is a much harder steel. It seems to like to micro-chip better than roll. It also holds a working edge much, much longer than VG-10. Of course, it takes about 3x longer to touch-up and/or reprofile as well. Personally, I don't mind sharpening my knives more often, but if you like to go longer between touch-ups, then ZDP might be for you.
 
I have 2 of the ZDP189 Blue FRN Stretches and love them. Actually, I only have one. I just won the second over on the 'bay.

-Tye
 
Haven't handled a Stretch, seems like it might be a bit more rounded for certain people's EDC uses. It's also about twice as expensive as the Centofante, isn't it? If I recall, I picked up my Centofante 4 for under $40. Love the Centofante, the stretch is on my list of knnives to get, though
 
Santa dropped me a Stretch ZDP w/midnight sky blue handles. It instantly bumped my E3 VG10 to became my new favorite. If you haven't handled this knife, find one someplace and get it in your hand, you will buy it. Only got better after I sharpened it...Dia-Sharps starting with XC to EF down to .25 mic and then bare leather. By the time I was done I'm pretty sure its the sharpest knife I own (only POSSIBLE exception is my BM LFTi M4). Honestly wasn't as bad as I thought, and I did a fair bit of reprofiling. And just as an aside, the other knife I have on me right at this moment (no bs lol) is a Centofante 4 in my LBP. VG10 is wonderful stuff, easy to sharpen, super stain resistant and holds an edge, but its no where near the knife this Stretch is for a all around EDC knife. To me, the Centofante is a dedicated slicer/peeler "gentlemens knife" if you will and that ultra-thin piece of VG-10 gets nasty sharp for just such purpose. Just my .02.

Edit: Didn't read all the post before posting, coulda just done a +1 on gunmike's post lol.
 
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Unless you frequently do the type of "tip-centric" work at which a Wharncliffe excels, I'd go with the Stretch. It packs 1/2" more blade length into the same size handle, the curved tip works better for most slicing, and it has enough straight edge to peel like a demon. It's a bit "taller" when closed, but you get a much larger Spyderhole for easier opening, and the top of the hump is nicely rounded, so it won't chew up your pocket.

Paul
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Cento 4 has been discontinued. I'd pick one up closeout and then get the Stretch later on.

Gordon
 
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