Thoughts About ZDP-189?

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Dustbuster03

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What do you guys think about ZDP-189 steel? Ive been thinking about getting a Spyderco Delica or Endura in the ZDP-189. In your opinion is it worth the extra 20-35$$$? I looked on amazon and can get the Delica for around 80 and the Endura for around 90. Hows the edge retention, corrosion resistance, and will it chip easily? Is there better steels for the money? Any recommendations for another knife with ZDP? Sorry for so many questions! Heard a lot of mixed feelings about this steel... Just wondering what the benefits are opposed to other steels... Thanks in advance everyone!!! :)
 
I have 3 knives with ZDP and they all hold edges very well. HRC has been listed from 64 - 67, depending on the heat treatment I suppose. How it compares to other powdered steels I don't know. I also have a knife with M390 that has a good edge.
 
From what I've read and experienced, ZDP is a very hard steel, it will take a very keen edge and is very resistant to wear. It will chip easier, however, than some of the newer powdered steels (M390, etc.) but overall it is a worthwhile upgrade from VG-10.
 
I would really like to try the M4 as well as the M390. Theyre pretty expensive though for my budget.. I think i might go with the ZDP Delica, that better fits the size range im looking for for EDC. I think the Endura is a little too big although i do have one in VG-10. The main uses for the Delica would be cutting rope and cardboard, zipties and other odds and ends. When you say it will chip easier because it is harder, what kind of materials would chip it if you cut it?
 
It's a great steel and the Delica with ZDP189 is one of my favorite knives. I haven't noticed any chipping through use but sharpening can be a little challenging at first. Not so much because it takes longer to remove metal - just use a diamond stone - but rather because the final edge seems to require very little pressure against the stone.
 
Depends on a lot of factors. What material your cutting, your edge angle, the way you cut, etc.. And if you are going to do your own sharpening, I would recommend something in S30V. It doesn't quite hold its edge as long, but is easier to sharpen should you need to. It also is more likely to roll than chip, an easier problem to correct.
 
I had the ZDP Endura and sold it as it was just too big for EDC purposes. Heck of a sharp knife though. I now have the ZDP Dragonfly and it's the same, holds an edge brilliantly and razor sharp. Seriously considering getting the ZDP Delica even though I have two in VG10 just because I love the steel so much.
 
ZDP-189 is currently one of the best stainless steels on the market the other two are Covry X and M390
 
I have a Delica and an Endura both in VG 10, i do like them alot just thought it would be cool to have a ZDP version. I was also looking at the Manbug, Ladybug and Dragonfly but they dont have liners in them i think its just plain FRN handle, which i dont think would be very durable. Thanks everyone
 
I l ove ZDP-189 - stain and corrosion resistant, takes and holds a very keen edge, and it is hard.

The biggest drawback is the expense, but I feel it was worth the expense on the knives that I own that enjoy ZDP-189.

Yes - worth the extra money in my opinion.

best

mqqn
 
Dustbuster03 said:
I have a Delica and an Endura both in VG 10, i do like them alot just thought it would be cool to have a ZDP version. I was also looking at the Manbug, Ladybug and Dragonfly but they dont have liners in them i think its just plain FRN handle, which i dont think would be very durable. Thanks everyone
Click to expand...

You'll notice a huge difference in edge retention. You can get the ZDP Delica for even less on Flea Bay. The stock photo may show the old saber ground version but the ZDP Delica is FFG and has been for awhile.
 
I had a Caly 3 with ZDP189. Used it to break down boxes at work a lot. It held a good edge for a long time. Using the Edge Pro and sharpening to the factory bevel, it didn't take 5 minutes to touch up. On other sharpening systems it was much more time consuming for me.
 
Dustbuster03 said:
Is there any other companies that use ZDP besides Spyderco?
Click to expand...

Kershaw has some models in the past using it, and A.G. Russell has a few models that use ZDP.

best

mqqn
 
I recently bought a ZDP-189 Stretch to use as my beater EDC knife, while knives like my Southard, 0561, etc...remain unused for a tactical knife.

The factory edge has chipped. Initially near the tip when I was sharpening a little bit, then I dropped the knife on my stove about 3 inches onto the steel pot holder (gas stove). I was able to sharpen most of it out and haven't had a chip since. I've heard it has very good edge retention, and so far, it has cut a lot of stuff, while remaining super sharp. I initially sharpened to 30 degrees inclusive, but have decided to go about 34 inclusive to prevent additional chipping.
 
IMHO only Cowry-X compares in edge holding and toughness. I have never found chipping to be a problem.

M4 has great potential, hard to work even today.
 
I think the chipping was related to the factory edge. I just finished sharpening out the last of the chip. Be careful, as this steel is a rust bucket. I used my zdp stretch to cut open a melon last night, I then rinsed the knife off and dried it out. Today there are a few rust speckles on the blade.

I realize ZDP189 has to trade off rust resistance for better edge retention, like m4. I don't mind a few rust speckles, as this knife is my go to cutter.
 
I just got a new Spyderco Endura in the mail today. Plain-edge VG-10. How does VG-10 compare with ZDP-189? From what I've read so far, it's simply a harder steel, so, better edge retention, but more chipping. Is that essentially the gist of it?
 
Based on my experience, I would rank ZDP-189 along side CPM-S 90 V for edge holding. I have some laminate ZDP blades in which the bread in the 410 sandwich corroded more than the ZDP bologna. I have had no chipping problems on any of my 10 ZDP knives.
 
I love my endura 189zdp. I use it every day and just strop it to ensure its razor edge. Never chipped or rusted. 2 years and no sharpening, just strop. :)
 
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