VG-10 or ZDP-189 for first Delica?

C

chipped

Joined
Oct 9, 2007
Messages
269
I've got a couple of knives in my little collection but they are all on the lower end and I'm wanting a knife beyond the 440C folders and SAKs I have. While those are fine (pretty darn good actually), I'd kinda like to move up a notch. I'm about 99% sure I want a Delica for my first "nicer" knife, but I'm undecided between the regular VG-10 variety or the ZDP-189 models.

Looking at savsonswordsandknives.com I can get the former for about $45 and the latter for about $70. I've read a lot of really neat things about the ZDP and while I'm not crazy obsessed with getting an amazing mythical steel if I can get what seems to be pretty wild performance for only twenty five bucks more it looks like a bargain. $70 is a bit much for me now but S90V kinves are very far outside what I'm looking to spend and this seems close for a lot less. Is ZDP really one of those steels like H-1 that you can't help but find interesting, or is it just another nice steel but nothing too special?

I've read that ZDP seems to be pretty hard to sharpen compared to the VG-10, and I have no experience or equipment to do so. Should I just stick to VG-10 for now? I know I'd be more than happy with VG-10 but Is the ZDP worth $25 more to you?
 
If you want a steel that's going to hold an edge longer, go with ZDP. That's about it.

Don't get it from Savson. I've heard many horror stories.
 
jlfletcher83 said:
I would say VG-10 is the way to go unless you sharpening prowess is top notch.
Click to expand...

I agree with this as well. ZDP has steep learning curve for sharpening, while VG-10 is relatively easy to learn to sharpen. VG-10 will not hold an edge as long as ZDP but it still holds an edge WAY longer than some of the other stainless steels. Since you can currently sharpen 440C VG-10 is similar to sharpen.

I say save the difference in price and put it towards another knife with a different blade profile or length so that you get to use an assortment of knives.

Enjoy your new knife.
 
chipped said:
I've read that ZDP seems to be pretty hard to sharpen compared to the VG-10, and I have no experience or equipment to do so. Should I just stick to VG-10 for now? I know I'd be more than happy with VG-10 but Is the ZDP worth $25 more to you?
Click to expand...

In your case I would go for Delica with VG10 blade with PE. Save some money and get sharpmaker.
ZDP doesn't worth an extra $25 for me, but some people probably would pay $50 extra. All depends on your needs.
Also check "Good, Bad, and Ugly" section of this forum for feedback on savson.
I heard quite a few people had problems and complains.
 
I like the G10 delica, it has the VG-10 with a full flat grind instead of the flat saber grind on the D4 :thumbup: both are excellent steels, so in this case I believe the grind is the more important issue. Nothing beats a full flat grind and the G10 handles are a nice upgrade from FRN as well. If you are interested you can check it out here on spyderco's site. the G10 model only comes in foliage green but personally I consider that a bonus :D oh and the only downside, they run about $100 online which is kinda steep compared to the other delica models. :grumpy:
 
Last edited:
bh49 said:
ZDP doesn't worth an extra $25 for me
Click to expand...

I Agree. VG10 Is a fantastic edge holder, and is easy to re sharpen. Yes ZDP holds an edge longer, but is harder to sharpen and I've heard some people who have had some mild rusting problems.

I've got a PE VG10 Delica on My xmas list. It's my first delica too.
 
I have PE Delicas in both ZDP and VG-10.

I did have some minor rust show up on the ZDP (as Jake mentioned); so I don't carry it so much.

OTOH, I carry the VG-10 all the time. Touch up the edge from time to time, and it keeps on cutting. It's a great little EDC user.
 
For me I will GLADLY pay an extra 25$ on any model, even a ladybug or spin, for ZDP189 over VG10. I get sharper edges and much better edge retention with the ZDP189.

However, for you I'd recommend the VG10 model. IF you have little experience sharpening and lack equipment, I think you'll find it much easier to learn to sharpen yourself.

Calling ZDP189 hard to sharpen is misinformation IMO. It's not, it just has very low grindability. Combined with the thick factory edge on the Delica this will make it take longer to sharpen. However, ZDP189 has no problem actually getting sharp, it simply requires more strokes. Is it easier to mess up when you're doing more strokes? Yes, but once you have your skills down and are used to the angle you're using to sharpen the knife, the point is moot IMO. With ZDP189 reprofiled to a thin edge I get hair whittling sharpness without even trying using a DMT fine stone. VG10 I find much more prone to burring when I sharpen it, which makes achieving the upper reaches of sharpness slightly more difficult, thus I'd consider it the harder to sharpen steel. Easier to grind, but more difficult to get to a very, very sharp edge. Either steel will take a hair whittling edge with little fuss compared to most steels on the market though.

For a first "nice" knife I think you'll be 100% satisfied with VG10. Take the saved 25$ and buy a DMT fine dia-sharp stone, which is all you need to get razor sharp edges on any VG10 Spyderco....well, the stone and some practice. :)

Some people find it easier to get acquainted with sharpening techniques by buying the Spyderco Sharpmaker and watching the DVD. Personally, I taught myself to sharpen on the mentioned DMT and reading around on here. A few years later and I can do this. Anyone can do that, it just takes a little dedication and research.
 
VG-10 is excellent steel. It's an improvement over 154CM, and that's saying a lot. I found its performance in cutting to be comparable to S30V, and that's saying even more.
 
Well, it looks like a PE VG-10 Delica is in my future. I can pick one up locally too.

Thanks a lot guys.
 
I would choose the ZDP version, not because of the steel but because of the grind.
The VG-10 saber grind version might be almost as painful to sharpen as the ZDP flat grind.

The flat grind will get you a better slicing ability, and you might prefer G10 to FRN.
 
choubbi said:
I would choose the ZDP version, not because of the steel but because of the grind.
The VG-10 saber grind version might be almost as painful to sharpen as the ZDP flat grind.

The flat grind will get you a better slicing ability, and you might prefer G10 to FRN.
Click to expand...

But the ZDP version is NOT flat-ground. It's also not G10.
 
oh, you're right, I didn't remember well.
I'd go with the flat ground (VG-10) version, then.
The bad part is the price...
for a saber ground blade, I'd choose VG-10 over ZDP-189.
 
Now the only question is black and PE, or white or foliage in CE. Decisions, decisions...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top