ZDP-189 vs. VG-10

uncouth

uncouth

Joined
Nov 26, 2009
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So I think I'm finally gonna break down and buy a Spyderco, I think I've decided on the stretch, but I don't know which blade steel to go with. So my question is: Which blade steel is better ZDP-189 or VG-10, why do you think so, and what are the pros and cons of each?
 
ZDP- pros: higher hardness, can hold an edge longer, exotic; cons: stains easy, hard to sharpen.

VG-10- pro: holds a good edge but not as long as zdp, good stainless qualities, fairly easy to sharpen; cons: not as hard as zdp, can't hold an edge as long.

Both great steels.
 
i was in the same boat as you when i was buying my stretch I decided on the VG-10 version because It is more rust resistant, Easier to sharpen, And stays sharp for a long time. Cant go wrong with either imo
 
ZDP is a better slicer. It really does not stain that easily if given a little TLC. It also sharpens nicely with diamond sharpeners. The secret to the harder steels is to never let them get dull. Touch them up after every use, only takes a few seconds with a fine diamond or glass rod.
 
Stretch is a good choice! I've been running a ZDP FRN Stretch since October and have really taken a shine to the steel. It seems to get sharper than VG10 and holds the edge quite a bit longer. Maintenance seems to be about the same, I sharpen with benchstones and touch up with the regular Sharpmaker rods and strop with cheap polishing compound.

Staining of ZDP is a little odd. Left alone the blade took on a slight patina from the humidity in my pocket but I had to leave acidic food liquid on the blade for hours in order to get only slight staining. I think it stains easier than VG10 but it's not as susceptible as a lot of people say.

The only negative I see would be the cost versus VG10.
 
Reeper22 said:
ZDP- pros: higher hardness (means it can and will chip if used hard), can hold an edge longer, exotic; cons: stains easy, hard to sharpen.

VG-10- pro: holds a good edge but not as long as zdp, good stainless qualities, fairly easy to sharpen; cons: not as hard as zdp, can't hold an edge as long.

Both great steels.
Click to expand...

Exactly, I added a couple notes...:thumbup:
In short, just get 1 then save for the other, followed by the Gayle Bradley (bladeshape is similar to the stretch, but more "heavy duty")
 
I just got two spydercos in the mail today, a brown ffg endura and the blue zdp-189 stretch. I wanted to get a stretch based on the positive reviews I've read on them and I went with the zdp version just because it is more exotic/different. I also opted to have the stretch engraved with my name just to make it a little more special, haha. So far I have no regrets with the purchase of the stretch, it feels really good when handling the knife.
 
i agree with the earlier comments except zdp doe,nt stain easiley. for a 1st knife i suggest the endura in vg10. you may find this alloy gets sharper & cuts long enough for you. i have enduras in zdp & vg10 & love them all. i've got the bradley & stretch in zdp but i intend to keep buying enduras in vg10 since the steel is so sweet. right now spyderco has released a bunch of vg10 enduras in various colored handles that are flat ground & should be super slicers.these knives are acute bevels so do'nt pry with them.
 
SOLEIL said:
ZDP is a better slicer.
Click to expand...

Really? :confused:

Last time I checked geometry was the only factor that concerned the ability to divide molecules...unless we are talking about molecules that are harder than the RC of VG-10 I guess...
 
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Either one's great. I went with the ZDP version because I don't like black handles, not because VG-10 is somehow lacking (Indeed, it has some plusses over ZDP-189, like being more likely to roll instead of chip.)
 
Thank you all for your valuable input, I appreciate both the views on the steel and the opinions of the knife. Now, if only i can convince the wife that i really NEED a Spyderco so i can branch out from my traditional style folders and form a more well informed opinion of knife design and blade steels. :)
 
J_Curd said:
Really? :confused:

Last time I checked geometry was the only factor that concerned the ability to divide molecules...unless we are talking about molecules that are harder than the RC of VG-10 I guess...
Click to expand...

Technically that's right (slicing ability is based solely on geometry), however, ZDP-189 enables the user to put a much thinner edge on the blade due to its higher hardness.

I'd take the extra edge retention at normal angles anyway, being able to thin out the edge more than usual is a bonus.
 
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