What additional do we know about Zapp Z-12Ultra?

[Bolster]

As you know, MT45 has been announced in Z-12Ultra BQ @ $95. What do we know about this steel, beyond what we've discussed in an older thread? I've read it's comparable to CPM 10V. If so, that might (?) mean CATRA around 750 and toughness maybe around 8 lbs? Though Zapp claims both higher wear resistance and toughness, cf CPM 10V. Looks to have a lot of carbon, vanadium & tungsten. I still don't know what "Blade Quality" (BQ) means. Have custom knife makers already started to use this steel?

[Steeltoez83]

They have. I have an offer on the table for testing a piece from a custom makers altho through a proxy. Ive heard nothing but good things about z12 ultra.

[sal]

Hey Steeltoez,

I just received my sample. Contact Juliann. She can probably get a Mule Team for you.

Hey Bolster,

Great thread, thanx much. We made it for you and we to learn about it. What does it tastes like?

It has a very interesting chemistry.

sal

[Steeltoez83]

I sent her another email Sal. Last 1 might have slipped in between the cracks.

[barnaclesonaboat]

Great to get this conversation started! Pretty intrigued by the characteristics of this stuff - looking forward to seeing what it's capable of.

[sal]

Hi Steeltoez,

It's a very busy time of the year for Spyderco. SHOT show, strategic planning, A'Dam meet, etc.

sal

[Goldmund]

Any release date mentioned?

[Steeltoez83]

I received a message from her a few hours ago. What a nice and delightful person.

[sal]

Hi Goldmund,

Welcome to our forum.

I'm sure Kristi will be up on the "when" and she'll let you know.

sal

[sal]

I received a message from her a few hours ago. What a nice and delightful person.

Juliann is special.

sal

[Fastidiotus]

Haven't bought a mule yet and I'm not a tool steel carrier predominantly, but this one has me genuinely curious and excited. Hopefully it's on sale for longer then 30 minutes, but if I can't aquire one I'll look forward to everyone's impressions.

[Cid]

Can't wait to test this. Hopefully get my hands on a PE for testing. Seem right up my ally. Curious to get to compare it to A11 like Vanadis 8, K294 & 10V, as it seems to be a bit of an inspiration for this. But with a few reductions and a generous Tungsten addition. Also excited to see how it does against other steel that seems to thrive in that 63-66HRC range. I have a suspicion I'm gonna like this steel a lot. But times will show. I'll try and keep my eyes on the forum, so I don't miss the drop. Definitely not a Mule I wanna miss out on

[Steeltoez83]

I got to play around with a mule for a bit in this steel. I do appreciate Sal for allowing me to check it out. Along with Juliann and the other hidden hands behind the scenes. If there is interest in more testing data for it let me know. The goal is to contribute back to this forum to reciprocate back.

[Cid]

Steeltoez83. Yeah. Absolutely interested in more data here. Always nice to see other people's real experiences. Love seeing testing and user experience from different people. I already pretty sure I will love this steel, and can't wait to get to put a PE version to work (if I manage to pick one up before they gone).

[Steeltoez83]

Ok I will brainstorm on a new test or series of tests in the coming days. Sharpening wise it was probably the easiest spyderco steel to apex to date. There is no criteria on that subject but I think it was easier than spy27, cruwear, and vg10. Cut testing is higher due to microfracturing but in real world use the edge breaks down similar to k294 levels. Very enjoyable to work with and I hope you can score 1 at the drop.

[sal]

Hey Steeltoez,

It's not a stainless. I've had to watch for corrosion, but I'm in a humid area. Have you had any issues?

sal

[Steeltoez83]

I have been rotating my leaf jumpers all year as my every day carry. My plan is to use the z12 for yard work when im done with controlled testing. Corrosion wise not an issue so far, but I havent pushed it either. Very enjoyable so far, I think the afis are gonna like it alot. I know I do.

[Steeltoez83]

So far no corrosion issues. I have kept it cleaned and in a drawer tho. However it might be good practice to force a patina on the handles and do a series of corrosion tests with increasing concentrations. I would prefer to test several steels in the same manner just to build a database from the ground up. Time is a commodity I don't have too much of right now, but any test updates will be put up on my thread in general discussion. In other news, I did order a sample of 3V from Bradford today which will have results on my thread in due time. Followers of mine requested it months ago and I am doing what I can to honor my word to them. Plus I have major respect for how Bradford handled the constructive criticisms I provided them at blade show when I went in 2024. For me Z12 has the fun factor in testing, sharpening, and feels like a custom heat treat. I am curious to see what others users have to say when the mule team drops officially.