Which ZDP

Z

Zerileous

Joined
Dec 30, 2004
Messages
267
I am definately interested in getting a ZDP spyder. Now, the question is whether to go for a CalyJr or Delica. I currently have a CalyJr and really love it. I have never used a delica or even seen one in person (i dont think). Now, part of me wants to try the delica, for its super sharp point, and the fact that the 2.5mm blade probably does quite a bit to make up for the saber grind. Also, I dont have a saber grind folder. Then there is the part of me saying "why risk your ZDP knife on a design that is less suited to you". Basically, i really like the calypso, its ergos are awesome. Also, i think it would be bad ass to cary a caly jr in each pocket. Color is probably at the bottom of my priority list, and I like both colors, even though i prefer blue a little better.

I guess this boils down to this, will the Delica provide any advantages or disadvantages to the calypso jr?
 
Zerileous said:
I guess this boils down to this, will the Delica provide any advantages or disadvantages to the calypso jr?
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In my not-so-humble-and-highly-biased opinion, the Delica has three advantages over the Calypso Jr:

1: Its dramatic grind lines look appealing to people who don't know how to judge a knife's performance.

2: It's harder for inexperienced knife users to misuse. (Due to the fact that the choil-less Delica keeps your fingers further from the edge)

3: It's easier to to cope with damage to or loss of am easily-replaceable Delica. :D

Other than that, though, I'd say go with the Caly. It's just about perfect for EDC in every way.

Edited to add: But with the ZDP-189's, there's one more factor: the Caly's laminated with 420, while the Delica's laminated with ATS-34. I dunno what difference that'll make, though.
 
lol, thanks for the insight grover. Now, as far as lamination goes, correct me if I am wrong but what happens is its like a blade coating except also made of steel. So the edge of the blade is the ZDP and then the rest of the exposed blade is a high stainless steel, but it is still a decent blade steel so not as likely to wear?
 
Solution: get both. You're gonna end up pining for the other one anyways, so might as well bite the bullet and spend the extra cash.
 
As long as you don't overstress the blade the Caly will give you better performance. The hollow ground Delica blade may be easier to sharpen with a seriously hard ZDP core. They are both thin at the edge and may be a little vulnerable to edge chipping. The ZDP core won't really have much softer alloy around it in the vicinity of the edge with either blade contour. The Delica may be a bit less vulnerable to breaking since it is on the average thicker. Commonly laminated blades are used in knives with variants of saber grinds or with convex edge types. Those provide more of the protective outer layers closer to the edge to support the core.

I'm not sure which one I'll get. Probably another Caly to compare with my other two.
 
Simple, get the Delica: that makes one more Caly to go around :D.

Seriously, for me it is the Caly no question. I don't know what the reasoning is behind the ATS-34 clading, probably probably heat treating issues, but I'd rather have something that is as corrosion resistant as possible as clading which would give 420J the edge, I believe.
 
Zerileous said:
lol, thanks for the insight grover. Now, as far as lamination goes, correct me if I am wrong but what happens is its like a blade coating except also made of steel. So the edge of the blade is the ZDP and then the rest of the exposed blade is a high stainless steel, but it is still a decent blade steel so not as likely to wear?
Click to expand...

The lamination is like an exceptionally thick coating for the sides only. Basically, you take three sheets of steel, layer them 420-ZDP-420, and grind out the edge. The result is a hard, brittle "core", bordered by softer sides. I've heard it's done in kitchen knives for rustproofing, but in utility knives it's more for bolstering the brittle steel with a tougher one. You get hardness in the cutting edge, and toughness in the body of the blade. I have a Mora puuko with a laminated blade, and you can clearly see the dividing line on the primary bevel (it's even more dramatic on patinaed carbon steel).

The only complication I'm expecting from the 420 is that it'll scratch easy. Not too big a deal in a utility knife. ATS-35 for the outer layers _sounds_ like overkill, but I'm sure Sal's experimented enough to have a handle on its performance.
 
I am also interested in this new ZDP189 steel. But truthfully I expect such a mass buying frenzy when these first come out that I'll take which ever one comes available first and go from there. I predict I'll have one of each before they've been out a year though. Personally I prefer the overall lines of the Calypso Jr. for both the body, and blade but like the size of the Spyderhole on the Delica better and the larger one on the Salt better still.

I wish Sal would offer a limited run of some 14mm Spyderhole Delicas for those of us that love that knife but have exceptionally large hands and fingers.

Steve
 
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