Hey guys. So I am really anxious to try out a zdp and a super blue spyderco. They seem to be opposite: zdp holds an edge forever and is hard to sharpen, while super blue takes a scalpel edge easily but wears quicker. I am thinking a stretch in one, and maybe a dragonfly in the other. Which would you rather have for a large working knife? Which would you rather have for a small edc knife? Should I get a stretch in one and an endure in the other? Thanks in advance for your replies!
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Which steel for which size knife?
- Thread starter J1427
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There is a similar "Super Blue vs ZDP" thread in the Spyderco sub-forum.
Super Blue rusts easily and, IMO, not good for a working knife.
ZDP isn't that hard to sharpen.
But, for a work knife, just stick with VG10 for Stretch or Endura.
In daily work, I doubt you could tell the difference (I can't with my Delicas in ZDP and VG10). And ZDP versions cost 50% more than VG10's.
Super Blue rusts easily and, IMO, not good for a working knife.
ZDP isn't that hard to sharpen.
But, for a work knife, just stick with VG10 for Stretch or Endura.
In daily work, I doubt you could tell the difference (I can't with my Delicas in ZDP and VG10). And ZDP versions cost 50% more than VG10's.
I could definitely get by with VG10. I could even get by with a no name steal from a corner store. But where's the fun in that!? I'm more asking which would be better. I live in Southern Ontario, so it's not humid and there is no salt water so corrosion should not be an issue. More just asking on a general level whether you would rather have a work/woods folder that is easy to sharpen but doesn't hold an edge as long, or one that holds and edge for a long time. Conversely, would you rather have a light use edc that is easy to sharpen but doesn't hold an edge as long, or one that holds and edge for a long time. All about preference, but I am just looking for some input from those more experienced than myself. But point taken. I might not notice a difference over my VG10 delica!
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All knives made of steel will need some care. Non stainless knives should not be counted out because they are a little or a lot more prone to corroding. Simple care is all it takes. I grew up with carbon steel knives and don't find a little maintenance too much to ask. ZDP can be touchy, or a bear to reprofile. It's very wear resistant. One of the first true "super steel" releases as we now label them. It is not very corrosion resistant either especially for a stainless steel with 20% chrome.
Super Blue makes a better daily user for me because I like cleaning a knife and sharpening. It's relaxing. It sure takes edges too. Much faster, easier and better edge stability at thin, low angles that either stainless. It has more wear resistance than 1095 usually due to the tungsten and higher carbon.
VG10 is the middle ground, lower maintenance steel somewhere between the other two steels. It's close to 154cm, ats34, as well as some other common premium steels in performance.
All are good choices and will work well depending on your needs and preferences. I carry Super Blue, and VG10 much more often than ZDP and I have all 3 in the same platform, the Endura.
Good luck.
Joe
Super Blue makes a better daily user for me because I like cleaning a knife and sharpening. It's relaxing. It sure takes edges too. Much faster, easier and better edge stability at thin, low angles that either stainless. It has more wear resistance than 1095 usually due to the tungsten and higher carbon.
VG10 is the middle ground, lower maintenance steel somewhere between the other two steels. It's close to 154cm, ats34, as well as some other common premium steels in performance.
All are good choices and will work well depending on your needs and preferences. I carry Super Blue, and VG10 much more often than ZDP and I have all 3 in the same platform, the Endura.
Good luck.
Joe
