Newbie with Q: Spyderco Delica 4 or Dragonfly2? ZDP-189 worth $ over VG10?

mrphotoman · #1

I am currently a non-Spyderco owner but I am interested in the Delica 4 or Dragonfly 2. From what I have read, photos and video reviews I think the Delica 4 is a better size for me. My main question is the ZDP-189 worth the $ over VG10? I do not plan to pry nails or abuse the knife. I have never owned an expensive knife before and I suck at sharpening (and can not afford both the knife and the Spyderco sharpening system) so I am leaning towards the ZDP-189 for edge retention but is it really that big of a difference? That is a lot of money (to me) and I want to make sure it is spent wisely. I take care of my things and even the cheap knives I have are well taken care of. I think this will be a knife to be proud of and to show off when I am out :D .

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

araneae · #2

Well, if you have never had a quality knife, VG-10 is going to be more than sufficient for you. If you don' t have sharpening equipment, you should plan on investing in some. Otherwise you can send the knife back to Spyderco to do it for $5. In my opinion, every knife owner should know how to sharpen. ZDP is harder to sharpen and I would not recommend it to anyone without the skill or equipment to maintain it.

Blerv · #3

There is a case for everything depending on your priorities. The Dragonfly2 has the most exotic steel available in a clipped-knife for the money. It's going to hold an edge longer than vg10, probably 20-50%. It's also harder to sharpen. I would try one for sake of reference but maybe as your second blade (its hard to compare steels with only one).

There are other factors with those two knives you will notice before the steel. Overal dimension, lightness, choil vs non-choil, color of handle, etc. Which one is more appealing?

bh49 · #4

mrphotoman,

Welcome to the Forum,
ZDP blade will have better edge retention than VG10, but sharpening will take longer time, unless you are using diamond system. If I remember correctly ZDP delica is about $30 more, so I would save $20 and buy VG10 variant and a sharpmaker. Good sharpening tool is a great investments for any knife enthusiast. My sharpmaker was my first Spyderco, which I bought in 2005 and still love it. I couldn't sharpen before that. It is a great tool.

mrphotoman · #5

That is a good idea, I never thought of the vg-10 steel and a sharpener. I do think the Delica 4 is what I am going to go for. I want a clip so it does not fall out of my pocket and get lost and I want a "do everything" knife that is big enough but small enough to fit in my pocket without being in the way.

I was thinking the zdp-189 would be the way to go and to just send it off once a year to get sharpened by Spyderco. I will give it some more thought. Thanks for all the replies so far it is appreciated.

mrphotoman · #6

Also, is the combination edge, spyder edge or flat ground the best for everyday general use? I was looking at the combination edge (vg-10) but I understand it is harder to sharpen the serrated edge.

I understand the zdp-189 is not available in all the adges above.

araneae · #7

I prefer to keep my plain edge and serrated edge on 2 separate knives. I'm not a fan of combo edges. Serrated edges have their uses, but most of my cutting is done with a plain edge.

vaisforlovers · #8

Serrated edges make great slicers. A Plain Edge can slice AND push cut, which a serrated edge cannot do well at all. A combo edge can do both push cuts and slice, but not as well as a plain edge and serrated edge respectively.

I prefer a plain edge over a combo edge. The problem is the portion of the blade best suited to push cut is the portion allocated to the serrations of a combo edge so you lose significant push cut ability with a combo edge (CE) blade. With the amount of ability given up, you'd probably be better of with a Serrated edge. In my opinion a Plain edge (PE) blade has the a best ability to do both well.

Long story short: go with a VG 10 plain edge and a sharpmaker

bh49 · #9

serrated edge vs plain vs combo depends on your needs and preferences. I am not sure how good Delica for CE: the blade is fairly small and I think that this is not enough room for both plain and serrations.
When I found Spydercos, I had EDC with SE and CE. But they all gone years ago. I strongly prefer plain edge for my needs. Even if you need to cut fibrous materials, just sharpen to about 600 grit (medium rods), which will give you fairly toothy edge and you will be fine

mrphotoman · #10

Thanks for all the great info, it is really appreciated and very helpful.

jackknifeh · #11

I have to agree with the replies. Delica4 with FFG, VG-10, plain edge. The only "iffy" opinion I have is I believe anyone without good sharpening tools and some significant experience should stay away from ZDP-189. When I first used this steel I had a very hard time getting it sharp. I could sharpen VG-10 and several other good steels fine but I just couldn't get the ZDP sharp. This was completely a lack of experience with the harder steels. Plus, VG-10 is VERY good IMO and better than anything you'll find on the normal "cheaper" knives (under $20). The only problem with getting a Delica is which color to select. :) OH NO! Another decision. :D

Jack

SQSAR · #12

Great advice so far. I have to say that I believe combo edges are not a good option for anything smaller than an Endura or Military. Personally , I don't care for combo edges at all, but if' you're intent on a CE blade make sure it's long enough to take advantage of both PE and SE. As far as a serrated edge goes, , I'd stay away from them unless you get a Sharpmaker, because trying to sharpen serrations on a conventional stone is not a good idea, , , but easy on a Sharpmaker. As far as steels go, VG-10 is good to go, and you can get it in any of the aforementioned grinds. ZDP, while serrations have been done, it isn't, for all intents and purposes, a real option because it's so hard to come by and Sal has mentioned that there are other more practical options for a serrated blade than ZDP. H1 and VG-10 for instance.

kennethsime · #13

I would say the ZDP is worth it. However if you can swing a FFG Delica 4 in VG-10 AND a Sharpmaker, that is the better buy, and you will have more fun this way.

Brock O Lee · #14

Another vote for the VG10 and sharpmaker

Boberama · #15

Yup, definitely get the Delica and the Sharpmaker. You'll be able to keep it perpetually sharp, if it's not completely dull, only takes a minute to touch up.

The Deacon · #16

Personally, I'll take VG-10 over ZDP-189 any day but, as others have said, what's best for you depends on what you consider important. To me, ZDP-189's only advantage is that it holds an edge longer. OTOH, it takes more time and, in my experience, more finesse to sharpen. I've also found it to be less rust resistant, which can be important to some. It's no longer available in anything but plain edge because the tips of serrations proved to be too delicate. And, as you noted, it has a considerably higher initial cost. To be honest, if I was in the market for a serrated blade, I'd go for one of the Salt models. Sal has said that in CATRA testing, serrated H-1 held its edge better than any other steel tested. It's also 100% rust proof. That's not a big deal where I live now, but it's never a bad thing.