ZDP-189 vs VG10

Spyderco ZDP-189(for $18 more) vs. VG10

  • ZDP-189 (costs $18 more)

    Votes: 5 100.0%

  • VG10

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    5
Status
Not open for further replies.
I've had a few ZDP knives and I've never seen any significant staining. But I always wipe down my knife if it gets wet. However, I have noticed ZDP (or at least Spyderco's ZDP) develops a very light peach hue on the blade. You'd only notice if you compared it to a stainless steel version like VG10 side by side. I owned 2 Enduras and the ZDP variant definitely had a slight pinkish-orange hue.
 
I wouldn't spend a dime more to get zdp steel, much less $18! Vg10 is a fine all around steel that is very stain resistant and takes and holds a nice edge. Zdp is a pain to sharpen, and then (in my use) doesn't seem to hold an edge all that longer.
 
In the context of secondary use, VG-10 makes a lot of sense. You can neglect it completely without corrosion concerns, you aren't leaning on edge retention with a second, and it's easy to touch up while you're maintaining your main blade. I wouldn't bother with ZDP for a second folder.
 
Even using diamonds and a Wicked Edge, I found ZDP to be a pain in the ass so I got rid of it. I love how keen an edge VG-10 takes. A few swipes on the ultra fine stones yields a crazy edge. For a Dragonfly I'd also recommend the serrated Salt version.
 
Funny you should ask this. I just bought a ZDP Delica 4 of the exchange to try out. Ive had the FFG VG10 for almost two years now and its seen a ton of use. Im excited to see how the ZDP version fares against it.
 
I was in the same predicament and ended up going for the VG-10 due to edge maintenance and VG 10 just gets wick sharp. It does not stay sharp after a time but it all depends how much your back up blade gets "actual" usage.
 
The "LEGEND" of ZDP189 may be greater than the steel really is, it was normal effort to get fairly sharp but tuff to get scary sharp due to its traits, but a good knife with a good quality steel like VG10 will probably make you happier, even if you have to touch it up every 2-3 weeks to keep a scary sharp edge. Also if you are going to do your own sharpening the VG10 will be more friendly to you if you are a newer sharpener.
 
So would most people say the ZDP steel is best if you are doing lots of cutting that will wear down the edge, but the VG10 is better when you are using only occasionally on a day to day basis?
 
My dragonfly zdp was the sharpest out out of the box of any knife I've owned, which is a lot. I didn't find it all that difficult to sharpen as I said before. I'm used to higher end steels though. I have d2, s30v, xhp, m4, s35vn, and elmax. However, I don't let them get dull though. I let my Gayle Bradley get dull, and that took some time to sharpen up.
 
Armenate said:
So would most people say the ZDP steel is best if you are doing lots of cutting that will wear down the edge, but the VG10 is better when you are using only occasionally on a day to day basis?
Click to expand...

It just depends on how often you want to sharpen the knife. I find myself using ZDP more for extensive cardboard or plastic cutting, and VG-10 for simpler tasks like cutting tape or rope. Like others have said, ZDP isn't much of a problem to sharpen if you don't let it get extremely dull or chipped.
 
Armenate said:
So would most people say the ZDP steel is best if you are doing lots of cutting that will wear down the edge, but the VG10 is better when you are using only occasionally on a day to day basis?
Click to expand...

This is my feeling on it.
 
RBid said:
In the context of secondary use, VG-10 makes a lot of sense. You can neglect it completely without corrosion concerns, you aren't leaning on edge retention with a second, and it's easy to touch up while you're maintaining your main blade. I wouldn't bother with ZDP for a second folder.
Click to expand...

See, I would go the complete opposite direction. As being a back up, you shouldn't have to touch the edge aside from your initial touch up for quite some time. You will know that it will be sharp as hell anytime you need it and make it through whatever you are cutting and come out swinging for more afterwards. As far as staining/patina goes, just wipe it down with a food safe oil if used for food, if not sharpening oil will work fine, and dry it after you are done using it.

I use 1095crovan (Becker BK15) daily as a butcher, if that doesn't patina on me after 6 hours in meat and a wet environment, your daily tasks shouldn't show much wear on zdp.

Spend the coin.
 
I like the green but I wouldn't pay extra for any steel over VG-10. If you like orange then that would settle it for me.

One thig I would warn: people rave about the Dfly but honestly it's too tiny to carry as a primary blade for me. It's not that it can't do the job, it's just tiny and harder to get out of my pocket than a mid size folder.
 
I bought a Delica in VG-10 first, used it for a few months thinking it was gonna be with me forever, then I got a screamin' deal on a ZDP Delica and replaced one with the other. The VG10 was ok, but I found with my kind of use it dulled quicker than most of my other knives (I cut lots of cardboard ALL the time). the ZDP lasted at least 10x longer working edge-wise, and even when I broke down and sharpened it it wasn't dull, I just wanted it sharper than it was. I managed to get it shaving sharp and it now flies through cardboard for so much longer than the VG-10 did.

I'd say ZDP, it's worth it if you have a way to sharpen it.
 
KingMC said:
I bought a Delica in VG-10 first, used it for a few months thinking it was gonna be with me forever, then I got a screamin' deal on a ZDP Delica and replaced one with the other. The VG10 was ok, but I found with my kind of use it dulled quicker than most of my other knives (I cut lots of cardboard ALL the time). the ZDP lasted at least 10x longer working edge-wise, and even when I broke down and sharpened it it wasn't dull, I just wanted it sharper than it was. I managed to get it shaving sharp and it now flies through cardboard for so much longer than the VG-10 did.

I'd say ZDP, it's worth it if you have a way to sharpen it.
Click to expand...

What did you sharpen it with?
 
Considering if you were to get endura 4 in zdp it would cost $40+ over the vg10. Zdp is great and can get scalpel sharp but is a little annoying to put an edge on. Id suggest getting a lansky deluxe 5 stone sharpener for your higher end steels. ( it will also achieve an overall sharper edge over the sharpmaker)
 
I would go with VG10. It will be much more stain resistant then ZDP. I would also want a 64-65 HC (ZDP-189) to be laminated. As an added benefit the VG10 will be easier to sharpen by hand.

- T
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top