ZDP for hiking/backpacking

H

hanger

Joined
Mar 6, 2010
Messages
17
Hi all,

What do you guys think about a a ZDP-189 folder for hiking (probably a Spyderco Delica or Endura)? I'm thinking the edge retention would be a plus for longer hikes (a week to four weeks). It would be well used (but not abused) and on occasion probably not wiped down thoroughly etc. I realize this steel stains fairly easily with moisture and less than perfect food clean-up but wonder if the edge would be affected. Aesthetically, staining wouldn't bother me so long as it functions well.

To keep things light it would be the only knife I carry (I know - only one knife!) and I'd prefer not to carry a sharpener for the same reason. That's why I'm thinking about a steel with high edge retention.

Any other steels you think would be better? S90V? Specific knives? Recommendations welcome!

Thanks!

-hanger
 
I would go with a carbon steel - just because they don't rust instantly like people seem to think.. and their attributes make them a better all-around outdoor knife unless you are going to be crawling around in swamps for months on end without ever being able to care for the blade...
 
Hmmm, interesting idea. Hadn't even considered carbon. Any suggestions for lightweight carbon folders in the 3-4inch range.

BTW, I'm in a quite humid climate but no swamp crawling ... I hope.

-hanger
 
Id suggest a small fixed blade. When hiking, grime can be a real problems with all the food prep and such. Also a fixed blade can take a real beating in a bad situation.

If you insist on a folder, id go with something in s30v. It keeps a good edge but is quite rust resistant as well and should be good if you forget about it :thumbup:
 
My usual backpacking knife is a Spyderco Pacific Salt. Big but lightweight, and built tough. I usually also have a SAK with a saw -- usually a Pioneer Harvester.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. They are all very different!

The Salt seems like a good bet if cleaning fish etc but I didn't think they held an edge that well - which is the reason for thinking ZDP (and not carrying a sharpener and keeping everything light). I really don't want my spork to be the sharpest thing I have in my last week of a long hike.

Any comments on my ZPD edge corrosion concern?

Thanks again,

-hanger
 
hanger said:
Thanks for all the suggestions. They are all very different!

The Salt seems like a good bet if cleaning fish etc but I didn't think they held an edge that well - which is the reason for thinking ZDP (and not carrying a sharpener and keeping everything light). I really don't want my spork to be the sharpest thing I have in my last week of a long hike.

Any comments on my ZPD edge corrosion concern?

Thanks again,

-hanger
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....I think it would be fine. Certainly you won't be using it in situations that call for a fixed blade.....like batoning. ZDP is prone to staining when exposed to acids like lemon juice, but I've not found it affects performance in any way.

I'd think for the amount of time you will be "out", some fixed blade to cover an "emergency" would be the better "one knife scenario".
I know that weight is a consideration when you're carrying all the gear you need for that length of time....but if you will be in the company of others perhaps you could each carry a "share" of those essentials.....then throw the ZDP Delica into your pocket for personal/kitchen duty.

- regards
 
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candlelight001 said:
Is ZDP not stainless? More rust prone than S30V? Thx!
Click to expand...

As far as I can find, it is regarded as stainless but 'significantly' more rust prone than S30V. I think the question I'm trying to ask is whether a bit of typical rough use will leave a corroded or blunt edge so that over a few weeks you have no advantage over S30V etc.

-hanger
 
Gramps said:
....I think it would be fine. Certainly you won't be using it in situations that call for a fixed blade.....like batoning. ZDP is prone to staining when exposed to acids like lemon juice, but I've not found it affects performance in any way.

- regards
Click to expand...

Thanks Gramps. Do you think it would last a few weeks of camp duties without sharpening? My traditional SAK for example gets blunt after about 4 days (though it is thin so still cuts with effort).
 
I do. Actually, cardboard can "challenge" the edge more than making a "fuzz stick" or slicing carrots for the pot. I'd even expect a well-sharpened VG-10 Delica to do fine without a touch-up for several weeks.....as long as there was something to chop with for the "tough" tasks.

- regards
 
Gramps said:
I do. Actually, cardboard can "challenge" the edge more than making a "fuzz stick" or slicing carrots for the pot. I'd even expect a well-sharpened VG-10 Delica to do fine without a touch-up for several weeks.....as long as there was something to chop with for the "tough" tasks.

- regards
Click to expand...

Thank you, that's very helpful. I'm graduating from cheap gear which was fine for shorter hikes of a few days.

I've found that in practice I rarely face any 'tough tasks' and tend to be over-prepared which is getting me to re-think what I carry.

If I did carry a fixed blade for 'insurance' any specific models or are the neck knives Boondock Saint suggested the clear choices?
 
hanger said:
Thank you, that's very helpful. I'm graduating from cheap gear which was fine for shorter hikes of a few days.

I've found that in practice I rarely face any 'tough tasks' and tend to be over-prepared which is getting me to re-think what I carry.

If I did carry a fixed blade for 'insurance' any specific models or are the neck knives Boondock Saint suggested the clear choices?
Click to expand...
....yes, I know what you mean. Several years back I took a week-long canoe trip down the lower canyons of Big Bend. My "personal" knife was a Spyderco 440V Military....and mostly it got used to cut tent cord and snag the last pickle remaining in the bottom of the jar. :) So much for playing Survivor Man. I also had an Entrek Companion ( 4" fixed blade ), but don't believe I unsheathed it once.

A group carbon kitchen knife and a Hudson Bay cruiser saw most of the "real" action during the trip.

I think the neck knives Boondock Saint suggested would be an either/or to the ZDP folder.

There probably should be at least one blade among the group capable of taking on more challenging bushcraft duties. And then there's redundancy to consider; if the one bushcraft blade got separated from you or the group you'd regret not having carried those extra ounces. It's a delicate balancing act for sure, when you have to carry all your gear on your back for several weeks. That's why many folks who venture out for any length of time usually settle on a 4-5" fixed blade as the primary cutting tool, which will cover just about any circumstance.....and at the very least have several among the group.

- regards
 
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If I'm going outdoor and will only have 1 knife, I would certainly pick a fixed blade. If weight is a big concern, get a necker (the names has been mentioned). To keep it sharp without weighing you down, get one credit card sized DMT sharpener or two.
 
My camping trips usually involve rivers, rocks, and dropping the knife on hard surfaces. I would be concerned with chipping if I were to carry a zdp-189 blade, and I prefer something tougher. I think most of the advise already given is very good. Most of my trips involve silty rivers and other environments with very fine sand. Gritty silt is bad for folders, therefore I prefer fixed blades in easy-to-wash kydex sheaths.
 
hanger said:
Any comments on my ZPD edge corrosion concern?
Click to expand...

For about a week (maybe 5 days in a row or so), I cut oranges every day with my ZDP Delica and let it sit for about a half hour each time. I got no staining to speak of. I am more confident in this steel's ability to resist corrosion than most people.
 
I carry a ZDP 189 Delica on my keychain (as a consequence it goes with me hiking and camping) and though it is not my primary blade for camping (I usually have a 4-5 inch fixed blade) it is an excellent backup tool and will do 90% of the normal cutting that needs to be done on most trips.

ZDP 189 has excellent edge holding and decent corrosion protection qualities. I havn't had any chipping problems.
 
Spyderco Salt 1 or Pacific Salt PE would be a better choice if you are not going to clean your knife. It is also possible to sharpen on a rock if you had to restore the edge. If you were worried about the tip not being pointy enough, you could modify it or have it modified for a reasonable fee.
 
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