The Spyderco C90CFPE Stretch ZDP-189 Carbon Fiber Plain Edge
I've read a lot about ZDP-189 and its "mysterious" properties, that it is a steel that supposedly isn't supposed to do what it does. It is classified as an exotic steel and it is not exactly a stainless steel but "something else". Made by Hitachi in Japan, the actual composition of the steel isn't publicly known. All we know is that it has an extremely high amount of chromium (approximately 20%) and a very high amount of carbon for a stainless steel (approximately 3%). The result is a steel that can be hardened to around 67HRC without being too brittle.
The Stretch ZDP is my first blade in ZDP-189. I was a bit apprehensive about buying it at first due to reports of corrosion and difficulty of sharpening. VG-10 is my all-around favorite steel - I just seem to always be able to sharpen it very quickly, it keeps an edge well and I've never seen any of my VG-10 blades stain. My very close second favorite is S30V, although it is a bit tougher to sharpen it holds an edge well and has a "grain" to the edge that is akin to a micro-serration. The first thing I thought when handling the new ZDP blade was "this looks like what would happen if VG-10 and S30V got together and had a baby".
The blade has a satin finish and the metal has a very light copper hue to it. It is difficult to explain the color and finish of the steel, but it is very beautiful. It has a light-moderate grain to it and feels a bit heavy. This steel almost seems to have "soul" and I've been trying to decide if I should EDC this blade or put it on a shelf to admire. One thing is for sure, I scrapped my plans to patina the blade and I will let it happen normally. Upon receiving the knife I immediately took out the stones and put a 30 degree inclusive edge on it. Sharpening took forever, almost twice as long as sharpening S30V and much longer than sharpening VG-10. Once I managed to get a decent edge on it this knife is scary sharp.
The Stretch is a comfortable knife to use and handle. The handle of the knife is thinner than most larger Spyerco folders that I own, with a width of about 3/8". The blade itself is 1/8" wide, has a sort of drop-point and is a full flat grind. The Stretch has the larger 14mm hole which I love, since I have thick fingers and it makes opening the knife much easier. Some people don't like the hole, but I just don't think that a Spyderco is a Spyderco unless it has the hole... and the bigger the better. A matter of personal preference I suppose. The shape and size of the blade allows for a very versatile knife and the tip profile gives it a bit of added
prying strength (although I wouldn't ever recommend prying with a knife).
The majority of the handle's mass is actually stainless steel. I like steel-reinforced handles and I like where Spyderco is going with reinforcing their handles even on previously unreinforced models like the Endura. The added weight just lets me know that my knife is there in my pants - when I can't feel my knife I'm compulsively "looking for it" with my right hand throughout the day. The added reinforcement just gives me more peace of mind and lets me know that this knife is going to be around for a long time and will take many years of beatings. This Stretch weighs in at about 4.5 ounces, giving it a perfect amount of heft for its size. Carbon fiber with a nice grip weave is laid over top of the stainless steel on both sides and each carbon fiber "plate" is approximately 1/8" thick. I like the carbon fiber a lot and it may replace G-10 as my favorite handle material. I would like to see what one of these looks like with the carbon fiber polished.
Here are some pictures of the Stretch. You can see the grip pattern of the handle material and something of the color of the blade.
The familiar hourglass Spyderco clip, easy to get in and out with lanyard hole.
The classic Spyderco hole, with the ZDP-189 blade stamp. Also there's the laser etched Spyderco logo which I love and I wish I had on all of my Spyderco knives.
Here is another picture of the clip side of the Stretch. Notice that it can be carried tip up, tip down and either left or right handed.
The Stretch has a back lock, which is a favorite of mine (tied with the compression lock, which is phenomenal on the Paramilitary).
Here you can see the underside of the handle, the steel reinforcement and the choil grip.
The ZDP-189 stamp.
Here's the Stretch compared with some of my other Spydercos - top to bottom: Military, Manix, Endura, Stretch, Native and Delica.
Again compared with other Spydercos, same order from right to left.
I would highly recommend this knife while you can get it, I am not sure what the
availability of it would be in the future. I obtained it for a very discounted price and am overall very pleased with the Stretch in ZDP and CF. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite knives ever.
:D