ZT 0550 S35VN Edge Retention Test

CrimsonTideShooter

CrimsonTideShooter

Joined
Oct 23, 2010
Messages
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Thomas kindly sent me a blem 0550 to test using my usual method. The blade was HRC tested and averaged 59.5.

I must say, this steel performs VERY well in this knife. S35VN does seem to hold a razor edge a little longer than S30V, but I will need to test a few more blades to be sure. S35VN does like a toothy edge MUCH more than polished. The cutting performance actually improved as the test went on, due to the edge losing some of that fine polish. The toothiness makes S35VN cut MUCH better. All in all this is a winner. S35VN is proving to be an excellent steel regardless of the problems I had with it in other platforms.

[video=youtube;2cg-m8VTeBk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cg-m8VTeBk[/video]
 
Thanks for taking the time to make and share your videos, I really enjoy watching them. I have also learned alot while viewing them. I hope the 0550 makes it into your rotation and serves you well. If not, send it this way!

Cheers!
 
So, I'm wondering what your opinion may be as to why you had trouble with s35v in other knives, and not the ZT knife. Were the other ones not heat treated as well? I mean, what was the difference that the ZT performed well and the others didn't?

Also, I noticed that you used what appears to be a pine 1 by 1 board as a buffer between the knife and the cutting board on this test, and you didn't on the other tested knives. Could this be the difference? Will you test the other knives the same way to see if their problems go away? I'm very curious cause I'm thinking about the 550 as a purchase. I really appreciate you doing these tests and look forward to your opinions.
 
mley1 said:
Also, I noticed that you used what appears to be a pine 1 by 1 board as a buffer between the knife and the cutting board on this test, and you didn't on the other tested knives. Could this be the difference? Will you test the other knives the same way to see if their problems go away?
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing. Your cutting board is made of some sort of hardwood (maybe maple or birch?) and white pine you're using in this test (the 2x2) is pretty soft. Since the blade is basically going through the rope in each slice and going across the board every time, do you think that could have affected the results any?

I too am thinking of buying the 0550.
 
I'm really curious to know the actual HRC of the Sebenza that failed.

I wouldn't hesitate on 0550's guys
 
mley1 said:
So, I'm wondering what your opinion may be as to why you had trouble with s35v in other knives, and not the ZT knife. Were the other ones not heat treated as well? I mean, what was the difference that the ZT performed well and the others didn't?
Click to expand...

He did say that he thought the thicker blade might be the reason it did better.
 
2 shot said:
He did say that he thought the thicker blade might be the reason it did better.
Click to expand...

That's my theory at the moment. Especially since the 0550 was at 59.5 just like the natives Sal has tested.

Also, keep in mind the possibility that there was never a problem, and that the fault could be on my end somehow. I am fairly confident that is not the case, but ruling out the possibility is folly.

I have a couple more S35VN knives to test. Each one should provide another good data point. :)
 
I did a retest of a knife using the new method (pine 1x1) and found that it didn't make much of a difference, if any at all.

I'm not really using it as a buffer, I am first and foremost using at as an elevated platform to allow me to utilize more of the cutting edge. Also it allows me to use a clean patch of wood for each test. :)


mley1 said:
So, I'm wondering what your opinion may be as to why you had trouble with s35v in other knives, and not the ZT knife. Were the other ones not heat treated as well? I mean, what was the difference that the ZT performed well and the others didn't?

Also, I noticed that you used what appears to be a pine 1 by 1 board as a buffer between the knife and the cutting board on this test, and you didn't on the other tested knives. Could this be the difference? Will you test the other knives the same way to see if their problems go away? I'm very curious cause I'm thinking about the 550 as a purchase. I really appreciate you doing these tests and look forward to your opinions.
Click to expand...
 
I have always thought that CRK runs their blades too soft for my taste, S30V or not. Of course, they probably don't get many back for chipped edges which is why I think they do it that way.

Hey, it's their company, they do what they think is best. Unlike ZT, many of CRK owners never use their knives for anything more than envelope duty anyway. CRK's S35V heat treat should do fine for that.:D
 
bearcut said:
Unlike ZT, many of CRK owners never use their knives for anything more than envelope duty anyway.
Click to expand...

Wrong...

100_0831.jpg


Of course, this Umnumzaan is made with CRK "horribly soft" S30V...and it holds up just fine.
Striders, CRKs, ZTs, I use em all.
 
CrimsonTideShooter said:
I did a retest of a knife using the new method (pine 1x1) and found that it didn't make much of a difference, if any at all.

I'm not really using it as a buffer, I am first and foremost using at as an elevated platform to allow me to utilize more of the cutting edge. Also it allows me to use a clean patch of wood for each test. :)
Click to expand...

That makes sense. It eliminates additional variables that could affect the test. A good thing. I find your tests to be very informative, and interesting. Again, THANK YOU for doing them. It's much appreciated.
 
Thanks for the video and review....it helped to finally push me over the edge(no pun intended) and I ordered one today. :D
 
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