Thoughts on spydercos ZDP-189 knives.

Am sure there are those here who think ZDP-189 is great. I'm not one of them.

I own a few ZDP-189 Spydercos but, when it comes to models made in Japan, I strongly prefer VG-10 over ZDP-189. VG-10 may only hold an edge half as long as ZDP-189, but it also takes me less than half as many strokes to re-sharpen. So I don't see ZDP-189 as offering any real advantage that way, only deferred maintenance. I've also found VG-10 to be considerably more rust resistant than ZDP-189, and rust resistance is a quality I consider extremely desirable. So I can't see any reason to pay a premium price for ZDP-189.
 
Love the VG10 in my Endura. I like my ZDP189 in my Dragonfly 2. Between the two I'd go with VG10 if pushed come to shove.


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I have never had an issue sharpening zdp-189, though I will say that I have never had to take it from extremely dull to extremely sharp. In other words, I find frequent, easy, and quick touch-ups wherein the blade is basically kept very sharp to be the way to go with this steel. It takes an outstanding edge that cuts like a laser for a very long time. I also have had no issue with corrosion.
 
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Love it, a 64.5 on the rc scale confirmed, one my Wicked Edge it is super easy to sharpen but Diamond Stones are a must for this particular steel. I have not noticed any rust issues with this knife and neither have my friends (ZDP-189 delicas for Christmas). I have had a couple VG10 knives but got rid of them because of how poor the edge retention was, the ZDP really holds its own in that regard very similarly to M390 so far.
 
IMO if I wanted 2x the edge retention in a Delica/Endura I would just buy 2 VG-10 knives for the same price as one ZDP-189.
 
I used to consider sharpening an enjoyable sub-hobby in of itself, but I have been too busy to commit much time and sharpening has become more of a minor annoyance to me the last few years. I'm a big fan of Spyderco's Japanese line-up and have settled on the VG10,and SB models more due to ease of touch up and sharpening. That said, I still like and own ZDP versions of my favorite models. It's unique with 3% carbon and high performance if you have the time to maintain. By no means was I ever a sharpening expert so others may find ZDP a breeze (yes, I do have diamonds, guided sharpeners, and fancy wet stones), but VG-10 is mindlessly easy for me... Makes all the difference when I have little time to invest in maintenance. Example: You nick a VG10 blade from aggressive cutting, get it fixed fast...with ZDP, good luck.

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I have a Delica and Endura in ZDP-189 and love them both. Great steel; I never let it get too dull before touching it up, though.
 
I don't mind sharpening, but there's nothing worse than having to interrupt a job to sharpen.
So I gave away the vg10 delica and kept the zdp.
 
There could NOT be a harder knife steel to sharpen in my 10 years experience with sharpening knives. I have sharpened 1095 , 5160 , 440c , D2 , AUS-8 , S30V , S35VN , VG-10, ATS -55 , 154CM , H1 and ATS-34. None have ever given me the trouble that this steel has. Spyderco makes awesome knives but this is one STEEL that l will avoid like the plague. But it does have Amazing edge retention though.
Of course , rust resistance is rather underwhelming and the blade chips quite a lot.
 
I've found ZDP easy to sharpen with any of my normal methods, which include Edge Pro, Work Sharp or paper wheels. If the cutting bevel is too thin, there can be some chipping. I scraped old paint off the house, using my ZDP Stretch, and had only a few minor chips in the edge, probably from hitting nails in the siding. If you leave any organic material on the blade, it can can become pitted rather quickly. I buffed the blade to a higher polish, which really helps to stop any rust from pocket carry. Overall edge retention seems better than VG10, but I would be satisfied with either steel, for general use.
 
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Both steels have their merits, which have been pretty well discussed already within this post. I own 3 of each in both steels, but I personally gravitate towards the ZDP-189 flavor in my Japanese Spydies more than the VG-10. On a smaller, aesthetic note, I like the British Racing Green scale coloration on the ZDP knives. I don't think you would go wrong with either.
 
i find sharpening --sharpening, zdp 189 a lot easier than s30v using the materials i have. i don't have diamond or ceramic stones. all i have are carborundum, soft fine natural stones, sand paper and metal polish. high-vanadium steels can't be sharpened with these. carborundum can eat zdp 189 aggressively once the grit has a "bite" on the steel. what takes a long time is polishing the sharpening bevel to molecular level. it can be done, and zdp gives you one of the best mirror edge you can find. from there, a few passes on a leather belt treated with dry metal polish is all you need to bring it back to hair splitting sharpness after several months of (light) use. so i'll say zdp 189 is a far better choice for a frequent user.

also zdp steel, as employed by spyderco, is tempered below 65. i'd like to see how this baby performs at 67.
 
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