What happened to ZDP-189??

[StuttgartMadness]

So... Where did ZDP-189 go?? It seemed a couple years ago almost all the latest and greatest Spyders had ZDP steel on it. Now, it's just kinda... Stagnant. Nothing new has come out with it (I'd LOVE to see a Native5 in ZDP) Now it seems to have been almost completely replaced by S110V... Is there some giant functional difference between these two steels that caused the switch? Or is S110V just "in" right now?

[JRinFL]

It is still around in the Japanese models. Sal tends to stick with Japanese steels on Japanese made knives, US steels on US made knives. Taiwan will use any steel from anywhere it seems. So many steel choices these days so nothing stays on top forever.

[StuttgartMadness]

True dat... Despite it being a US model, I'd kill to see a Native in ZDP LOL

[bearfacedkiller]

ZDP is a Japanese steel and is offered in many regular production models. It is the regular production "upgrade" over vg10.

S110V is an American steel and in a similar way is offered as the regular production "upgrade" over S30V.

While the hype machine has moved on to newer steels with vanadium carbides instead of chromium carbides I feel as though ZDP is still well represented in the lineup.

Why is ZDP still well represented? My theory, whatever that's worth, is that Japanese culture values tradition and that Japanese culture desires different attributes in a steel. While they have their high alloy monsters like HAP40, Hap72 and CowryX they don't seem to be as hyped up over them. I theorize that they may enjoy high attainable sharpness and ease of sharpening over marathon wear resistance.

[Blerv]

ZDP was hot about 15 years ago. It's still a great steel but with exception to a few things (The Beatles, etc) obsession eventually settles into normality.

You will know it's on the way out when half a dozen Spyderco knives aren't available with it.

[ZrowsN1s]

As others have said it's still available on many current production models. Stretch 2 g-10, Stretch 2 FRN, Dragonfly, Delica, Endura, there are still a bunch of caly 3.5's out there. I'd go for a ZDP native though. A zdp lum tanto would be fine with me as well. One of my favorite steels, I love how sharp it can get.

[bearfacedkiller]

ZDP Centofante3 and 4 are long overdue... :D

Of course, HAP40 would be great too...

[Eli Chaps]

ZDP Centofante3 and 4 are long overdue... :D

Of course, HAP40 would be great too...

A ZDP Delica Wharncliffe would be sweet as well. :)

[awa54]

ZDP Centofante3 and 4 are long overdue... :D

Of course, HAP40 would be great too...

I like the way you think!

[bearfacedkiller]

ZDP Centofante3 and 4 are long overdue... :D

Of course, HAP40 would be great too...

A ZDP Delica Wharncliffe would be sweet as well. :)

Even if just a sprint run in the BRG it would be cool...

[SpyderNut]

ZDP Centofante3 and 4 are long overdue... :D

Of course, HAP40 would be great too...

A ZDP Delica Wharncliffe would be sweet as well. :)

Even if just a sprint run in the BRG it would be cool...

A big + 1 on that! :D

Edit: I just purchased a Ladybug in ZDP-189 for my daily carry. I have a ZDP Manbug and love it for its slicey sharpness, so I'm eager to put the Ladybug to task to see how it will do.

[tripscheck'em]

So... Where did ZDP-189 go?? It seemed a couple years ago almost all the latest and greatest Spyders had ZDP steel on it. Now, it's just kinda... Stagnant. Nothing new has come out with it (I'd LOVE to see a Native5 in ZDP) Now it seems to have been almost completely replaced by S110V... Is there some giant functional difference between these two steels that caused the switch? Or is S110V just "in" right now?

It's just the marketing rollercoaster.

[Evil D]

I would still absolutely love to have a Centofante 4 sprint in ZDP. Same with the Kiwi 4.

[munchs]

I would still absolutely love to have a Centofante 4 sprint in ZDP. Same with the Kiwi 4.

I second that!

[cangokaw]

tripple that!