ZDP-189 vs. K390: Rust and Patina

M

Mister Coffee

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Does K390 tarnish-patina-rust more quickly-easily than ZDP-189? I'm looking at some knives that I have lying around, and, very subjectively, it seems like the K390 is winning the race toward rust, black spots and pitting.

Thanks. :)
 
Yes. By far. K390 rusts in my house just by looking at it. For instance, wash it, dry it off, leave it out on the counter over night, and it has pits. None of my other steels do, including M4, S7, ZDP189, 10V, etc.
 
I have daily pocket carried my ZPD-189 DragonFly as a money clip for a few years now. Blade tarnishing is much less than 10V folder (similar to K390 composition) I have pocket carried for slightly less time. In all fairness though, the primary grind is much finer on the ZDP-189 than the 10V. Many variables factor into these these of comparisons (like surface finish example mentioned here, blade tempering, etc., etc.), that many do not choose to consider when comparing the merits of one blade steel to another.
 
I only have a knife in K390 but I've not had any issues with rust or pitting and I've never oiled it before. But I've also never had rust on 1095, c75, d2 or Maxamet. I always find it interesting how different it is for everyone.
 
K390 easily rusts more than ZDP189. Even with cleaning and care, it'll patina immediately (just from fingerprints on it for s couppa days), and develop rust spots if not cleaned quickly. Heres mine, I last cut steak and cleaned it Saturday...
20211122_204026.jpg
 
As others have commented, yes K390 will patina and rust quite easily. ZDP 189 is almost a stainless steel in comparison. It will rust fairly easily if it is not looked after, but will retain a stainless appearance if careful. K390 will patina over time almost always.
 
ktataragasi said:
I only have a knife in K390 but I've not had any issues with rust or pitting and I've never oiled it before. But I've also never had rust on 1095, c75, d2 or Maxamet. I always find it interesting how different it is for everyone.
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This is my experience with K390 also. I bought my Para 2 on March 2 and I've carried it almost every day since then. It gets used for whatever, I 've carried it rain or shine, and the blade has gotten wet. I've had no issues with patina or corrosion. I do clean it once a week and coat it with either Tuf-Glide or Blue Lube cleaner. But I do that with my SS blades, too. It's just part of my normal care routine for any knife blade. I've also not had to sharpen it yet. I've stropped the edge to straighten it and refine it a bit, but it's never yet touched a stone. I'm impressed enough with this K390 blade that I'm no longer interested in a Cruwear & micarta Para 2. This one does everything I want very nicely.
 
Mister Coffee said:
Does K390 tarnish-patina-rust more quickly-easily than ZDP-189? I'm looking at some knives that I have lying around, and, very subjectively, it seems like the K390 is winning the race toward rust, black spots and pitting.

Thanks. :)
Click to expand...

Never had ZDP rust or patina on me, but I have not pushed it either, keeping it pretty safe and dry.

Last time i checked ZDP was classified as a stainless even though it is in the lower scale of stailessnes.

No experience with K390, but from what I hear and read it is one of the most corroding knife steels out there.

Why anyone would have this in a folder beats me.
 
Mister Coffee said:
Does K390 tarnish-patina-rust more quickly-easily than ZDP-189? I'm looking at some knives that I have lying around, and, very subjectively, it seems like the K390 is winning the race toward rust, black spots and pitting.

Thanks. :)
Click to expand...

Have you checked out the extensive K390 thread over in the Spyderco forum? Lots of pictures and first hand member experience in this thread.

The K390 Thread - Photos and Experiences

Spyderco is one of the few makers capitalizing off of K390 these days. They are producing Bento Box's exclusive PM2 and Para 3 and now are offering it in the production line up. @Cypress first turned me onto K390 (his Mule Team loves to be used) and the more I'm using the steel the more I'm...
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com
 
Retired UPS Driver said:
Have you checked out the extensive K390 thread over in the Spyderco forum? Lots of pictures and first hand member experience in this thread.

The K390 Thread - Photos and Experiences

Spyderco is one of the few makers capitalizing off of K390 these days. They are producing Bento Box's exclusive PM2 and Para 3 and now are offering it in the production line up. @Cypress first turned me onto K390 (his Mule Team loves to be used) and the more I'm using the steel the more I'm...
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com
Click to expand...

Thank you, Driver. At first, I thought you meant the Spyderco Forum site. I believe I have looked at your link, but I will review it again. :)
 
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