Stretch: ZDP-189 or Aogami Steel?

[K Williams]

Which steel would you choose in the Stretch for general hunting and fishing chores? ZDP-189 or Aogami?

 

[Gator97]

It really depends on your use.
ZDP-189 is more stain resistant, though still susceptible to rust, especially in humid envs.
If you go for really thin edges Aogami will win, ZDP-189 does have chipping issues with edges thinner than ~12 per side, but very few people do that.
Aogami Super will give you a finer edge if you are willing to sharpen at high level, beyond 10K stones, with 0.5mic and finer abrasives.

Here, dug up for you, ZDP-189 blade rust image, developed in 2 weeks in Hawaii. Top knife was used, and corroded less.
As you can guess, Aogami will fare worse in the same conditions.

 

[K Williams]

It really depends on your use.
ZDP-189 is more stain resistant, though still susceptible to rust, especially in humid envs.
If you go for really thin edges Aogami will win, ZDP-189 does have chipping issues with edges thinner than ~12 per side, but very few people do that.
Aogami Super will give you a finer edge if you are willing to sharpen at high level, beyond 10K stones, with 0.5mic and finer abrasives.

Here, dug up for you, ZDP-189 blade rust image, developed in 2 weeks in Hawaii. Top knife was used, and corroded less.
As you can guess, Aogami will fare worse in the same conditions.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Jibbles]

I say ZDP simply because I have experience with it. Mine has never rusted or stained (I'm in AZ, so that's no surprise).
It takes an insane edge, and keeps it forever.

 

[Screwdriver]

I'd go Super Blue.....just maintain it. ZDP-189 can be a chore to sharpen, but does hold an edge.

 

[Wharn]

I would stick with VG-10 if you are worried about rust.

 

[K Williams]

I would stick with VG-10 if you are worried about rust.

I already have the VG-10 Stretch.

 

[inkynate]

Aogami. Easier to sharpen, wicked edges. Sprint run.

I don't mind staining/patinas from use. Have had no issues with rust on many carbon blades, just keep them clean and dry when they're put away.

If I were traveling to the amazon, I'd go VG-10, but even then my machete would probably be carbon steel.

 

[Gator97]

I already have the VG-10 Stretch.

If I was really worried about rust, then I'd go with H1 or 440A.
VG-10 isn't that much corrosion resistance compared to ZDP-189. At least to me, the difference in corrosion resistance doesn't outweigh performance benefits offered by ZDP-189.

 

[netidolweb]

It really depends on your use.
ZDP-189 is more stain resistant, though still susceptible to rust, especially in humid envs.
If you go for really thin edges Aogami will win, ZDP-189 does have chipping issues with edges thinner than ~12 per side, but very few people do that.
Aogami Super will give you a finer edge if you are willing to sharpen at high level, beyond 10K stones, with 0.5mic and finer abrasives.

Here, dug up for you, ZDP-189 blade rust image, developed in 2 weeks in Hawaii. Top knife was used, and corroded less.
As you can guess, Aogami will fare worse in the same conditions.

Looks like the shallot was bead blasted, easily rust ?

 

[Wharn]

If I was really worried about rust, then I'd go with H1 or 440A.
VG-10 isn't that much corrosion resistance compared to ZDP-189. At least to me, the difference in corrosion resistance doesn't outweigh performance benefits offered by ZDP-189.

While we are on this topic, can we please have a H1 stretch Sal?

 

[Gator97]

Looks like the shallot was bead blasted, easily rust ?

AFAIK bead blast finish does promote corrosion to some degree.