Spyderco VG-10 vs. ZDP189 Steel?

S

SwatMC

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Mar 26, 2006
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I want to buy a Delica, but I am seeing that they have a new steel called ZDP189. Is it worth the price to get the more expensive steel?

Thanks!
 
It depends on how you plan to use it. If it's a general EDC (I assume it is since it's a Delica) I would save the money and get the basic model. It's a great EDC!

ZDP-189 is one of the best steels for edge retention going today amongst a few others. You will sharpen ZDP FAR less often but if you lose the edge too much it will take a lot more work and effort to get the edge back. Touching up a ZDP edge is not too bad if the edge was not lost however.

For a general everyday carry though, VG-10 is a fantastic steel. It can be made razor sharp easily and hold a working edge for a good amount of time (regular use) and offers great corrosion resistance.
 
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unless you are skilled at sharpening I would start with VG-10, if you have good sharpening skills and tools get the ZDP.
 
I looooove ZDP-189. Sharpens up like a razor and holds it forever. It's no more difficult to sharpen, it just takes longer. I have the zdp delica and it's one of my favorite knives.

Coincidentally, I wonder what a straight razor in zdp would be like? Mmmmmm.... :p
 
ZDP-189!

Also the ZDP Delica is what, $10-$15 more, very justifiable. :)
 
It really depends on your sharpening skills.

VG10 is a great steel in most regards, not hard to sharpen, takes a good edge and holds it well enough, and it has good corrosion resistance.

ZDP 189 however, is a beast ;) I personally prefer ZDP 189 to VG-10, but own and use both.
 
The ZDP-189 is one helluva steel to have in a blade. Looking at spyderco's steel chart, the ZDP-189 blade has 3.00 carbon and 20.00 chromium. The carbon gives you all the awsomeness you'll ever need, and chromium is what gives most knives their "stainless" properties. A 13.00 or higher chromium gives a knife the "stainless" title.

The VG-10 has about 1.00 carbon and a whole lot of other elements. There's nothing wrong with VG-10, it's actually an excellent steel for EDC, but at the given price points, I'd say it's worth the small amount extra for the ZDP-189 delica.

Here's the link to the spyderco steel chart: http://www.spyderco.com/edge-u-cation/index.php?item=3
 
ZDP-189 is simply amazing, the edge will actually out cut a VG-10 with the same blade (caly3) 3 to 4 times longer, with a more acute angle too. Though VG-10 has MUCH better rust resistance, you cacn leave lime juice on VG-10 for 3-4 days with zero effect, but the ZDP with rust if you do the same with 3-4 hours
 
Only, difference I see ZDP is bit more expensive and far better then VG10 as well as most other steel. I do not see any difference in sharpening time - I use modern DMT stones and it sharpen everything. So it is only bit more expensive, but far far better in edge holding as well as take very sharp edge.

No special skills in sharpening required, if you able to sharpen VG10 you will be able to sharpen ZDP with same effort, if you use normal sharpening tools.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
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