ZDP-189 Spyderco Enudra/Delica

[californiapyroboy]

I don't know if it is just me but I have been seeing a bunch of these on the exchange forums. Did their popularity just skyrocket? Are they sprint runs? How much do they run for? Is ZDP-189 a good steel? Are they good knives?
Just some questions I would like answered.

 

[Flashpoint]

I've got one of each. I've been wanting a Endura for a while and I really like ZDP-198. When I finally found one and got to use it, I liked it so much I bought the matching Delica to go with it. Watch out though, I've found they come with an infection Spyder bug addiction.

 

[THG]

I didn't notice an increase of these on the sale forum, but maybe they're trying to get rid of them to make room for the new FFG blades coming out.

ZDP-189, in my experience, has proven to be the worst steel ever. For my purposes (cutting cardboard, mostly), I make a few cuts, and the edge is completely DEAD. The edge is so completely flattened that it won't even scrape any enamel off of my finger nail. It's possible that either I got 2 duds in a row or ZDP-189 is just no good against cardboard, but either way, I had 2 out of 2 horrible experiences with ZDP-189.

 

[DennisStrickland]

my experience with zdp has been very good. but i did notice that after recutting the bevels the edge holding seemed to be longer. ankerson & some others commented that getting past the factory original edge seemed to improve performance. it's not necessary to remove a lot of metal --maybe one hundreath or a little more to see if this improves your cutting. my krein regrind seems to cut forever. i believe i got the last one he did. he did'nt put the logo on & the following week mentioned he was quitting the regrinds. dennis

 

[RevDevil]

I didn't notice an increase of these on the sale forum, but maybe they're trying to get rid of them to make room for the new FFG blades coming out.

ZDP-189, in my experience, has proven to be the worst steel ever. For my purposes (cutting cardboard, mostly), I make a few cuts, and the edge is completely DEAD. The edge is so completely flattened that it won't even scrape any enamel off of my finger nail. It's possible that either I got 2 duds in a row or ZDP-189 is just no good against cardboard, but either way, I had 2 out of 2 horrible experiences with ZDP-189.

Are you sharpening the knife correctly? I can get ZDP-189 to cut, and cut, and cut forever. Sounds like you are missing something. It also seems that you have a history of profound disappointment with all things Spyderco.

 

[Ankerson]

my experience with zdp has been very good. but i did notice that after recutting the bevels the edge holding seemed to be longer. ankerson & some others commented that getting past the factory original edge seemed to improve performance. it's not necessary to remove a lot of metal --maybe one hundreath or a little more to see if this improves your cutting. my krein regrind seems to cut forever. i believe i got the last one he did. he did'nt put the logo on & the following week mentioned he was quitting the regrinds. dennis

Exactly, you have to get rid of that factory edge and freshen it up before it will really start to shine. I say the same for all factory edges though.

 

[presz]

The Delicas in ZDP-189 are very cheap right now on ebay. I picked one up 4 or 5 weeks ago for $31. Re-profiled the edge down to about 25 degrees, and am now very happy.

 

[knarfeng]

I don't know if it is just me but I have been seeing a bunch of these on the exchange forums. Did their popularity just skyrocket? Are they sprint runs? How much do they run for? Is ZDP-189 a good steel? Are they good knives?
Just some questions I would like answered.

I never describe an alloy as "good" or "bad". All alloys are good for something. ZDP is an appropriate choice for blades that require the ability to take a fine edge and to hold that edge very very well.

ZDP-189 is a Japanese steel made using powder metallurgy processing. When sharpened properly, it holds an edge quite a bit better than D2 or S30V, both of which hold an edge better than Spyderco's standard alloy, VG10.

I've never bought nor handled any Spyderco knife I would characterize as "bad". I think the Delica is a particularly excellent design.

 

[THG]

Are you sharpening the knife correctly?

Absolutely. I can get it very sharp and remove the burr much easier than I can on say VG-10 (since the steel is so hard.)

It also seems that you have a history of profound disappointment with all things Spyderco.

Oh, don't try to pull that card on me. My users are all Spydercos. I have 3 Delicas and 2 Enduras (in VG-10), and I put none above them when it comes to using knives. I have owned more Spyderco knives than any other brand and find their engineering and design to be the best, but I am not afraid to criticize them when it is due.

 

[SOLEIL]

I have both the SE and PE ZDP189 Enduras. Took the PE down to about 12 per side. It cuts tough mediums such as plastic banding, nylon strapping, saran wrap, shrink wrap and cardboard without a touch up for two or three days. The SE one cuts everything even easier for longer periods. This is only when I get lazy as I usually touch up my EDCs daily.