Supersteel over the horizon?

golok

golok

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Oct 20, 2000
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I have browsed through the Blade magazine, issues of January and February 2005. In both issues, there were articles on that new steel called ZDP-189. Sal Glessar apparently called it the "Lamboghini of steels."

As with the introduction of any new steels, the initial respone is often greeted with scepticism. Since, it is also quite expensive, ZDP-189 may just enjoy a short-lived existence.

I was wondering if any knifemakers out there have an indepth knowledge of this particular steel and if this ZDP-189 could be rendered affordable in due course, thus enjoying a large degree of commercial success in the long run.
 
It is being used on William Henry's new line of kitchen knives and I believe their Quest folding knife.
 
their Quest folding knife.
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I have been informed, officially, by William Henry that this steel, ZDP-189, will now be the only steel on all their plain bladed folding knives. ATS-34 is now phased out.

Take care, Neil
 
What is interesting is all it is is Carbon and Chromium, it has one of the highest levels of both I have seen on a steel. Very cool stuff. With all that Carbon it should cut extremely well, though will all the Chromium i'm thinking it may be pretty brittle. The closest thing to it seems to be S90V, though that has a little molybdenum to make it easier to machine. Very interesting stuff this ZDP-189.
 
The powdered metal steels can be confusing if you just look at the composition.If anyone comes across some technical info on the steel please post it. Whether or not it survives depends on a good cost/performance balance.
 
I think you guys are right in that ZDP will attract those looking for the next Super steel. I think its amazing that ZDP and Cowery have approx 3% Carbon. :eek:

I wonder about a knife blade with an Rc of 67 though.... I have trouble sharpening one of my custom S60V blades which is in the 62 range, I had a small problem with chipping from a D2 blade once (approx Rc61) so I agree that I would be concerned about the brittle aspect when going 5 or 6 points higher. But of course some Makers/companies may not feel compelled to go that high..??
 
ZDP-189 isn't really a new steel is it? I recall hearing about it a couple of years ago. Of course its use has been largely confined to Japan, maybe it's now making waves around the world.

They only list carbon and chromium in the steel make-up, but there are other elements (which are kept confidential).
 
steel companies hire engineers to work on this full time

It will only keep getting better! :D
 
Another one? I cann't keep up. :) So what is the life time for a super steel these days anyways? 1 year,3 months?
 
Since the beginning of tools there have always have been and hopefullly always will be super materials on the horizon. (Just my response to the name of the post).
 
If supersteel is like the steel equilvalent of Superman, then it should at least be able to cut a battleship in half and still shave hair, spend a year in concentrated acid and come up shiny and be used by SEALS, Delta Force and SAS. I suppose calling a steel "a steel with a small increment in performance over existing steels" dosen't sell the steel or knives made from it.
 
I am checking with my contact at Hitachi Metals. Hopefully he will be able to supply me with full elemental breakdown on this steel. I will keep you posted.
 
They're going to take all the fun out of knife care. What good is a knife if you can't resharpen, strop or wipe it down with oil on occasion? :confused: ;)
 
Can't say I blame them. It's not every day I see a knife with Rc 67 :eek:

Anyone ever handle the stuff? What's it like? What's the price for bar stock?
 
S2nd said:
Anyone ever handle the stuff? What's it like? What's the price for bar stock?
Click to expand...

Never handled it, don't know what it is like. The info that I got from Hitachi Metals is that they are at this point not planning on distributing this steel to re-sellers.
 
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