Stretch 2 ZDP Combo Edge DIY?

[LarryInLex]

Hey All: I've got a small Spyderco collection and I've decided to edc my Stretch 2 FRN ZDP-189 knife this summer. I love the ergos on the knife. When I got it, the blade had a mirror-edge finish on it that felt really sharp. Reading the low-grit sharpening thread made me curious, so I refinished it with my Sharpmaker diamond rods. I like the toothiness of the edge now for slicing tomatoes and rope, but when I went to whittle a slingshot for my boy I found that it wouldn't bite into the wood the same way it used to. I finished the job with my trusty Mora stainless.

So - what if I create my own combo edge by micro-beveling the forward-most (curved) inch with the brown and white Sharpmaker rods, but leaving the low-grit edge on the straight part of the blade nearest the handle? Anybody do this? Is there a general consensus on what type of edge works best on ZDP?

[LarryInLex]

Update: I put my "mullet" edge on last night. Slicey on the front, aggressive on the back. I think I'm going to like it.

[JRinFL]

Hi, welcome aboard!

This thread could be of some use to you: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=89353

I like your idea of using two different grit levels on the same blade. It's clever, practical, and affordable!

[kennethsime]

Cool idea - never would have thought of that!

The ZDP Stretch was my primary EDC for years. What I enjoyed most about ZDP is how long it holds a highly refined edge. Worth it to go all the way to ultra fine I think!

[S-3 ranch]

Super edge video on this very topic a double edge knife in crazy hard steel
https://youtu.be/jPIJkXfUg5E
https://youtu.be/ChiFWYb7_VM

[LarryInLex]

Yeah I saw that video. I’m talking about having different grit edges on different parts of the blade, not different sides. I’m going to EDC mine for a while and see if I like it.

[z1r]

Yeah I saw that video. I’m talking about having different grit edges on different parts of the blade, not different sides. I’m going to EDC mine for a while and see if I like it.

I'm looking forward to your feedback on how the course/fine blade works. Sounds a lot easier than adding serrations to a blade. Plus, i think it's a novel way to discover which edge type a particular blade prefers. Great idea.

[MFlovejp]

This is a great idea. I’ve never done a combo finish of this sort, but I have used my ZDP Delica finished everywhere from 300 grit up to 1500 grit with 4 micron stropping and it performed very well at each finish. I currently have mine at a 1200 grit diamond finish and it cuts like the dickens but still has some tooth to it. Love the steel.

Edit: my edge angle is about 12-13 dps and I’ve had no issues with chipping.

[Evil D]

You can also intentionally sharpen the bevel at an angle so that the teeth of the edge are pointing forwards for more aggressive push cuts or backwards for pull cuts.