zdp-189 vs. zdp-189 laminate

S

Swedge

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The Spyderco Caly 3 has a zdp-189 laminate blade and the Spyderco Stretch has a "pure" zdp-189 blade (as do the Endura zdp-189 and Delica zdp-189 models). Is there any material difference to the ordinary user between these two blade materials?
 
Your edge will be ZDP-189, so you shouldn't notice any difference, really. The blade "above the line" will be more rust resistant, so that's a plus.
 
Well in both cases the actual cutting edge is ZDP-189. But the laminate might give some protection to the ZDP core.
 
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having, say, a 420 laminate will make the blade more impact resistant.

when william henry first introduced the majority of the cutlery world to zdp189, it was a laminate. there was concern that pure zdp would be too brittle for every day use.

that has since been laid to rest, however i think the larger blades benefit from the laminate, since people tend to used fixed blades harder than folders.
 
I do not think there the average user will see much difference between the two. I think when Sal first mentioned using a pure ZDP blade there was some question of the the lateral strength of ZDP but since its release I've not seen any complaints of the pure ZDP blade. Then again I don't think many people go out and pry with it anyways. ;)

My guess is that when Spyderco was experimenting with ZDP (Caly 3 and Jess Horn models) it was a high priced steel, thus making it more cost efficient to produce the laminate blades.
 
that makes sense since the harder core would resist scratches better then the softer laminating.
 
And that can easily be taken out with some 1000 grit sandpaper. :thumbup: 420 scratches easily, but they come out just as easily.

I prefer the laminate. I like how clean the line looks, it's a good talking point, helps protect the ZDP and increase it's toughness a bit. The edge is still the same, so I guess it's not like any cutting ability would be decreased.
 
The only difference I have noticed is the the 420 outside layer seems to scratch a little easier, but thats no big deal.
 
Thanks for explaining this to me, I had been wondering this myself as I have a Caly3 w/ Laminated ZDP as well as a Delica 4 that is pure ZDP....I never could understand why they laminated some but not others
 
I'm not Sal, but I thought the solid vs. laminate issue was due to the ability of whichever factory each knife was built in being able to grind or laser cut ZDP, at least in Spyderco's case. The Endura and Delica are less expensive than the Caly 3, you would think if it was a cost issue the laminated blades would have been used in the Endura and Delica models. In use I find no difference except the laminated blades scratch easier, but both cut equally well. I have used laminated Caly Jr & Jess Horn ZDP's, and my solid Endura ZDP.

Mike
 
walleyeguy7 said:
laminate is almost always better than homogeneous steel, thats the reason they do it.
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Not really. Laminate is softer/weaker steel as usual, so it can weaken overall strength of the blade.

On the other hand, if you want thinner and lighter knife, laminate is again a disadvantage.
I've ordered Watanabe Honyaki gyuto because it is non laminated, and yes I am aware it can break because of high hardness, but saves weight and thickness.
 
gunmike1 said:
I'm not Sal, but I thought the solid vs. laminate issue was due to the ability of whichever factory each knife was built in being able to grind or laser cut ZDP, at least in Spyderco's case. The Endura and Delica are less expensive than the Caly 3, you would think if it was a cost issue the laminated blades would have been used in the Endura and Delica models. In use I find no difference except the laminated blades scratch easier, but both cut equally well. I have used laminated Caly Jr & Jess Horn ZDP's, and my solid Endura ZDP.

Mike
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Well, that IS what Sal told us when we asked why some were laminated and some were solid. ;)

The biggest difference I have seen is the laminated blades are ground thinner from the factory, but Tom Krein can fix that. :D
 
yablanowitz said:
Well, that IS what Sal told us when we asked why some were laminated and some were solid. ;)

The biggest difference I have seen is the laminated blades are ground thinner from the factory, but Tom Krein can fix that. :D
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Glad to know my post op meds aren't killing my memory of all things to do with Spyderco, Yab, thanks for backing up my story.

Good point about the laminated one's being thinner, but I sent in my Caly Jr as well as the much fatter Endura to Tom Krein for regrinds. I guess I like my knives ultra thin if I'm sending in one of the all time great factory slicers like the Caly Jr ZDP to get a much thinner edge.

Mike
 
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