Questions about caly 3.5 zdp-189

NorthernPanda · #1

Hi,

I've been lusting over the Caly 3.5 in zdp-189. I thought zdp was some of the best steel out there and then I started researching it more on the internet. Now I'm wondering if it a good choice in steel or not. Most of my use is light duty such as cutting cardboard, rope and opening parcels. I have used my pocket knifes for scrapping glue off things and I'm wondering if zdp would be a good choice of steel for my use. I've over analyzed things and would appreciate some opinions on zdp chipping and/or breaking.

TIA

DJFrostbyte · #2

I dont know much about the specifics about any steel really, but ZDP 189 is an AMAZING steel. One of the best I think. I like it better than s30v and S35vn in edge retention and is still relatively easy to sharpen. You will not be upset with the performance of the knife or the steel you chose. Welcome to the forums!

TomAiello · #3

I have a Caly 3.5 in ZDP (and also a delica and a dragonfly in ZDP). I haven't had an issues with breaking or chipping, but I don't tend to use any of those knives for heavy tasks. For cardboard, rope and parcels, I think you'll be very pleased with the ZDP. I can't speak to using it as a scraper, though.

chuck_roxas45 · #4

If you use your knife for scraping things, you'll have a bit of a problem. ZDP is a bit difficult to sharpen and although it holds an edge well in cutting chores, you'll just dull it up needlessly by using it for scraping things(would now depend on what you scrape and how much you scrape). Unless you are very proficient at sharpening, dull ZDP is is kind of a bear to sharpen up. Maybe VG-10 would be ideal for your needs since you don't cut a lot and it's easy sharpen up if you get it dull.

NorthernPanda · #5

ok, thanks guys. How much do you have to abuse a zdp blade for it to chip?

chuck_roxas45 · #6

NorthernPanda wrote:ok, thanks guys. How much do you have to abuse a zdp blade for it to chip?

Depends on how thin your edge is. I bet you can't chip the spine of a ZDP knife if you tried.

RadioactiveSpyder · #7

Hi, welcome to the forums :) . You are discussing one of the best knives I think Spyderco offers, the ZDP is impressive and will not fail you for the majority of your cutting tasks and assuming you're scraping glue off something like cardboard or wood-like materials, I bet you wouldn't see it chip. My only thing with the ZDP version is I prefer the better grip of the G10 in their VG-10 version. You really wouldn't be let down by either, I beat my G10 version mercilessly and it's always ready for more, plus if you spend any time on these forums, you'll be reporting in soon enough on the fact you now have both to compare for yourself! Cheers!

NorthernPanda · #8

ya, I can see that buying the different models could become an addiction.

Looks like I'll be ordering a caly 3.5 in zdp (I like the cf handle) ... woohoo.

RadioactiveSpyder · #9

NorthernPanda wrote:ya, I can see that buying the different models could become an addiction. Looks like I'll be ordering a caly 3.5 in zdp (I like the cf handle) ... woohoo.

Great choice! Post pics when u get it!

Blerv · #10

If you let the sharpness do the cutting instead of excessive force it should hold up nicely. Touch it up frequently to keep that crazy sharpness :) . Avoid staples when cutting.

ABX2011 · #11

NorthernPanda wrote:ok, thanks guys. How much do you have to abuse a zdp blade for it to chip?

That depends. If your edge is too thin you could chip it without hard use. ZDP is somewhat unique in my experience. When sharpening on ceramic rods, a light touch is needed or chipping can occur. Personally I prefer M4 or Super Blue. But I prefer ZDP to VG-10.

jackknifeh · #12

I believe if you keep the edge angle AT LEAST 30° inclusive you should be happy. The harder any steel is the easier it will chip. If you cut soft stuff only you can lower the angle and it will almost never get dull. But for an EDC knife where you may be cutting anything an edge angle of 40° should be fine. You may get tiny micro chips but these won't really hinder cutting performance. A quick touch up often and ZDP is a great performer.

Jack

Clip · #13

ZDP's a good bet if you use your knife like a knife.

DJFrostbyte · #14

Clip wrote:ZDP's a good bet if you use your knife like a knife.

Well said!!

jackknifeh · #15

Clip wrote:ZDP's a good bet if you use your knife like a knife.

Use a knife like a knife??? :confused: Never heard of sucha thing! :D

xceptnl · #16

Clip wrote:ZDP's a good bet if you use your knife like a knife.

I think this works for any knife.....

_________________ is a good bet if you use your knife like a knife!

Donut · #17

Check out this thread I started to gather some opinions on ZDP:

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthre ... 9-Opinions

Check out this thread where someone did some hard use with a ZDP Endura:

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthre ... pping-test

FCM415 · #18

I hold my 3.5 ZDP in very high esteem in my collection. It's as good as it gets. :)

NorthernPanda · #19

Thanks for all the help. Donut those threads were great! I will reach for a proper scraper if it is warranted and try not to cut up any olive cans

I have a decent chef knife in SLD (D2 steel) so I know how to sharpen and I've got my strop with veritas green 1/2 micron compound all ready! Stropping really does make my chef knife sing after I sharpen it, I imagine the zdp will be the same.

Donut · #20

NorthernPanda wrote:Stropping really does make my chef knife sing after I sharpen it, I imagine the zdp will be the same.

And then there are the people who think a stropped edge won't cut into things like a tomato as easily as one with a rough edge.