Endura4 with zdp189.....

phils · #1

I heard that the ps (1/2 serrated) version has been dropped and zdp has a rc of 64-65, making it brittle and prone to rust.
The plain and serrated are still in the lineup.
Any thoughts?

spoonrobot · #2

I don't think it's excessively prone to rust. A few months ago I took mine to the beach, spent about two hours in and out of the water before I was able to rinse the knife with fresh water. The only corrosion was a small amount of surface rust where the liners contact the tang when the knife is closed.

After some initial chipping that may have been part of the learning curve I had with sharpening I haven't seen much of anything that leads me to believe it's brittle. Here's a thread over at BF that has some input and pics of a hard use ZDP E4. Link.

I think it's a good knife, I'd try to find one of the newer FG ZDP models that are working into the pipeline. The saber ground models are a little thick for my taste after getting used to the thin grind of the FRN Stretch.

chuck_roxas45 · #3

Well, that makes me feel so much better about pulling the trigger on the ZDP endura that's in the mail at the moment.

THG · #4

Hmm... I've cut oranges with ZDP-189 and left it for about 15-20 minutes without any problem. Then I cut a weed down and left the juice on for about 45 minutes. The blade got spots and one section of permanent discoloration.

It's a good steel, still. It's hard, so burring isn't a problem at all. It does take a bit longer to sharpen, though.

phils · #5

Thanks for the info and link guys.

ChapmanPreferred · #6

For sharpening, I have found that light pressure is better for ZDP189, because I have formed burrs with ZDP that were challenging to remove later. Nice product that holds a nice fine edge for a very long time.

THG · #7

Also worthy of note... ZDP-189, because it is so hard, doesn't scratch easily. Get this: I've cut hundreds of boxes down with my ZDP Delica for 3 months. I've had my VG-10 FFG Delica for almost 2 weeks, now, and I've cut down maybe a little over a dozen boxes. It already has more scratches on the blade than my ZDP Delica lol

Scottie3000 · #8

As far as corrosion goes, even with its 20% CR, ZDP seems to behave much like a semi-stainless like D2. It isnt really a problem, it just needs a little attention. Make sure to keep it clean, (after cutting messy things) and you are golden.

chuck_roxas45 · #9

Scottie3000 wrote:As far as corrosion goes, even with its 20% CR, ZDP seems to behave much like a semi-stainless like D2. It isnt really a problem, it just needs a little attention. Make sure to keep it clean, (after cutting messy things) and you are golden.

I think I'm Seki... :D