Talk me into or out of ZDP189

T

TFin04

Joined
Aug 21, 2005
Messages
1,494
Hey guys, long time Spyderco nut. Also a steel snob. I've carried nothing but S30V for some time now and love Spyderco's use of this steel.

That said, I absolutely love the design of the FRN Stretch, which I am looking at in ZDP189. I've never owned ZDP before. Coming from a history of VG10, H1, and S30V, what differences will I see?
 
Holds an edge really well and will last for a long time, because of this it will take more effort/time to sharpen. Only down side really, to me, is that it stains easily, but not a big problem. I keep mine wiped with a Tuff Cloth. Plus, the Blue on the Stretch II is IMO the best color to come for the FRN models.

Canis
 
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I've never owned zdp-189 but I own H1, VG-10, S30V, 154cm, Aus 8, CPM-M4, and 8crmov (think that's it, the one on the Tenacious). I've been very interested in zdp myself. From what I've read I think I'd rather stick with S30V or VG-10 over the zdp. The increased edge holding over those doesn't seem to outweigh the brittleness and lack of stainless qualities. There are those who swear by zdp, but I'm not quite sold on it yet.
 
I have the ZDP Stretch and I love it. I didn't think it would be prone to staining though. Thanks for the heads up Canis. I have neglected to clean the blade off after use once in a while. No staining, yet.

When I first got mine, it was scary sharp to say the least. I've yet to get a knife out of the box and have it be "tree-topping sharp". If you touch up the blade and keep it from getting dull, you should nto have any problems.
 
If you consider yourself a steel snob then you need to do yourself a favor and get some ZDP189. I have quite a few knives with the steel and some are thinned out to around a 20 deg inclusive edge. I have had no chipping issues at all and I haven't had the edge roll either. The steel might turn a little darker in some places but it is only a shade or two darker and isn't very noticeable and not a big deal at all to me. It's not like a carbon steel which will actually rust. I doubt you would ever see red rust on it unless you take it in salt water and leave it sitting around.
 
Considering the Stretch 2 in ZDP or a Para in S30V. Two models I've never owned (never had a compression lock either). I can't decide between the two...
 
TFin04 said:
Considering the Stretch 2 in ZDP or a Para in S30V. Two models I've never owned (never had a compression lock either). I can't decide between the two...
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I've been eyeballing a Stretch 2 in zdp and cf myself. I love my para and it's my favorite spydie.
 
When sharpening ZDP it's better to try to keep up on it than to let it get dull and then have a big job ahead of you. Hopefully your technique is good, and you know what you are doing. A light touch helps with this steel. Choice of sharpener is less important than having good technique, and understanding of what you are trying to accomplish.

A lot of people find back bevels are their friends once set up like they want. I can agree with the logic of that.

Enjoy your ZDP, and the amazing things it can do. Treat it right and remember it's neither the toughest, or most corrosive resistant of the stainless steels. It's not all that bad though considering how hard it is run, and the low angles you can use to turn it into a slicing wonder.

Not a beginners steel, but not as bad as some would have you think. It is capable of amazing things.
 
FlaMtnBkr and Mastiff have given good advice. My experience with ZDP189 is the same as theirs. I have a Caly 3 and a couple of D4s in ZDP189. These are all hard user knives in a warehouse and around my house-woods-garden. I've had no issues with staining, chipping, or rolling and I use a Sharpmaker with F and U/F rods and a strop to keep them sharp.

I also wipe them down with Tuff-Glide when they get heavily used. That may contribute to the lack of staining. If you like the Stretch, get one and try it out.
 
Thanks for the input guys. I have decided this go-around to stick with S30V and pick up the Paramilitary. Why mess with what works, right?

I will grab a ZDP one of these days, but not this time. I was a big fan of the Millie but it was a bit large for my needs, I hope the Para fits just right!
 
I picked up the FRN Stretch with ZDP, both to try the steel and because I'm not a huge fan of black handles.

I've found that, for my uses, ZDP-189 doesn't really offer anything over VG-10. YMMV. All other things being equal, I'll be sticking with the latter when there's a choice. That sweet blue FRN, though, makes the Stretch case decidedly non-equal.

I have a Para in CPM-D2. Now that's a steel I like a lot, and wish Spyderco used it in more than that one pair of Milly and Para sprint runs.
 
I've found that ZDP-189 holds an edge at least twice as long as VG-10.
Cutting leather it takes two VG-10 blades to do the same job a ZDP-189 knife will do with room to spare.
ZDP-189 or S90V, if you have the chance definitely pick one up.
 
randomlooker said:
I picked up the FRN Stretch with ZDP, both to try the steel and because I'm not a huge fan of black handles.

I've found that, for my uses, ZDP-189 doesn't really offer anything over VG-10. YMMV. All other things being equal, I'll be sticking with the latter when there's a choice. That sweet blue FRN, though, makes the Stretch case decidedly non-equal.

I have a Para in CPM-D2. Now that's a steel I like a lot, and wish Spyderco used it in more than that one pair of Milly and Para sprint runs.
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Why do you say that "ZDP-189 doesn't really offer anything over VG-10?"

Like Joshua J. said it holds an edge much longer than VG10. In a pocket knife that is not used to chop down trees that is a great advantage. I will most likely not buy a knife if it only comes with VG10 anymore. I have seen how great M4, ZDP189, and S90V is that I'm spoiled and don't want anything less. Not only do they hold an edge much longer, but they get so much sharper than other steel which that alone makes it worth it.

Just curious why someone would want a lesser steel? I guess if you don't have the right equipment or skill to sharpen them that could be the only reason I can think of not to buy it. Not trying to be a jerk just wondering.
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
Just curious why someone would want a lesser steel? I guess if you don't have the right equipment or skill to sharpen them that could be the only reason I can think of not to buy it. Not trying to be a jerk just wondering.
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The only reason I can think of is someone buying a knife, one shot deal not really in the market to collect or have that much interest. Or maybe a budget slicer, someone that would not want to actually blow $100 on a knife, a $30 knife would be just as good for them.

IMO, I do not think VG-10 is a lesser steel. It's a great steel that has more than proven itself. It sharpens easily and holds an edge fairly well.:D
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
Why do you say that "ZDP-189 doesn't really offer anything over VG-10?"
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Because it doesn't. For me. Honestly, the stuff that Victorinox uses is good enough for 95% of my EDC cutting, which is mostly packaging (Tape, clamshells, envelopes), and slicing the occasional apple or pear. Given the exact same knife where the only difference is ZDP-189 or VG-10, I'll go with VG-10 to save some money. If the ZDP-189 version offers something else I like, or a knife I like is only offered in ZDP, then, sure, I'll get it. But when I try to avoid letting knives get dull in the first place via regular stropping and touchups on a white profile, the better edge holding of ZDP just isn't worth it, because it's not needed.
 
I totally agree. VG-10 leaves something to be desired, in my experience when compaired to ZDP-189 or S30V. I want both an S90V and an M4 Para 2. :D

FlaMtnBkr said:
Why do you say that "ZDP-189 doesn't really offer anything over VG-10?"

Like Joshua J. said it holds an edge much longer than VG10. In a pocket knife that is not used to chop down trees that is a great advantage. I will most likely not buy a knife if it only comes with VG10 anymore. I have seen how great M4, ZDP189, and S90V is that I'm spoiled and don't want anything less. Not only do they hold an edge much longer, but they get so much sharper than other steel which that alone makes it worth it.

Just curious why someone would want a lesser steel? I guess if you don't have the right equipment or skill to sharpen them that could be the only reason I can think of not to buy it. Not trying to be a jerk just wondering.
Click to expand...
 
I guess what it boils down to is preference. Every steel has a trade off. Pick what best suits your needs.
 
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