ZDP-189 knife recommendations

Ciliatus · #1

I've been thinking about getting the CF Caly 3, mostly because of the ZDP-189. But I hear a handful of issues with QC on these. While this doesn't rule out the Caly 3 for me, per se, I would like to know what some of your favorite ZDP-189 Spyderco blades are.

chuck_roxas45 · #2

Stretch and Endura.

TBomb · #3

I have the Stretch II in ZDP-189 with CF scales and I really like it. It is a thinner knife, but the blade is fairly long, so I have to be fairly conscientious when opening it in public. It's a nice knife if you can find one anywhere these days.

Onionman · #4

I have the blue stretch FRN, Caly CF and Delica FRN ZDP knives. I find that I carry the Delica the most. I like the black clip, the edge retention is great, and its sturdy and light. I have no complaints with the other ZDP knives I have, I have just taken a liking to the Delica.

Timbo114 · #5

Ladybug ZDP is much awesomeness in a wee package.

Nighthawk · #6

Timbo114 wrote:Ladybug ZDP is much awesomeness in a wee package.

On the opposite end of the scale, Endura 4. I just got mine a couple of days ago and I love it. A great fit in my biggish hands and insanely sharp. I waved it in the general direction of an apple last night and was suddenly surrounded by tiny little pieces of fruit weeping softly.

Blerv · #7

You're going to hear QC issues with every production knife. Especially those with a public forum. People buy, obsess and macro photograph. You're 10 times more likely to hear from the disappointed people than the pleased ones.

The Caly3 is made by one of the best production knife makers in the world and comes terrifyingly sharp. It might have a little grit in the action but a little oil and air never hurt.

If you are concerned I would find a dealer with some ZDP-189 blades and personally hold/inspect them. That way there are no surprises. Personally I'm a gambling man but it seems to have paid off thus far.

Wdr65 · #8

My favorite knife in ZDP-189 so far is the Endura 4. I've owned or own the Delica 4, Dragonfly 2, and Ladybug. All of them are razor sharp and can hold that edge for an amazing amount of time. I just use the Endura the most and with its slim profile I don't mind carrying it just about everywhere.

Evil D · #9

It might sound funny but i think the Ladybug is the perfect tester knife for this steel. It's small meaning there isn't as much edge to sharpen, it's thin so you won't have to deal with big wide bevels, it's cheaper than any other ZDP knife unless you buy used and get a killer deal, and once you master sharpening it you'll find this little knife is a serious slicing machine in a tiny package.

Ciliatus · #10

Thanks everyone. That gives me some stuff to look into. I've been eyeballing that ZDP ladybug too. We'll see where this leads. :)

Enkidude · #11

Check out the Ladybug. Its the cheapest way to experiment with the steel. They should have called it the Lady"thug".

MIL-DOT · #12

FWIW, if I get anything in ZDP, I've pretty much decided it'd most likely be the Caly 3

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.357 mag · #13

I'm the only one in the world I think that doesn't really like ZDP. I prefer VG-10.

BuffaloBill · #14

i love my zdp caly3. wire clip, carbon fiber, it is indeed scary sharp out of the box.

i love the performance of my krein'd zdp delica. but thats not necessarily a far comparison to a spyderco factory flat ground delica.

Bearcat1 · #15

I vote for the Stretch. :)

dman62 · #16

My CF Caly is one of the best finished Spydies I've ever received. Took about a week to smooth out a little rough opening issue but now it's smooth as buttah!

INFRNL · #17

If you get easily disappointed; I do not recommend the Caly 3.
I currently have (listed in order of favorites):
CF Stretch
Michael Walker
Caly 3
BRG Delica

My vote would be the CF Stretch. This knife looks and feels great. I would say of all my knives; this is the most comfortable. If you do not want to spend the dough, get the frn version

dalefuller · #18

.357 mag wrote:I'm the only one in the world I think that doesn't really like ZDP. I prefer VG-10.

No you're not. Of those two steels, I'd take VG-10 every time as well. 'Course, I still like 1095 and A2 and D2 better than most newer steels, too.

Picking from the available Spydercos in ZDP, I'd take the D4. I like that platform for just about anything and that blade is solid ZDP instead of laminated.

phillipsted · #19

I'm a huge fan on the ZDP Dragonfly2. Lots of cutting power in a small, lightweight package. It is my EDC today...

Oh, and the CF Stretch ain't bad either. :cool:

TedP