ZDP or VG-10

[gldfshkpr]

Thinking about getting myself an Endura 4. I'm leaning towards the VG-10 PE with G10 scales. I notice it also comees in ZDP with FRN scales. Which steel do you prefer, and why?

[Axlis]

I really liked ZDP when it first came out, but my all around fave is VG-10. VG-10 is fairly easy to sharpen, and I like how it rolls instead of chipping if you knick the blade on something.

[Murdoc]

Besides, the flat-ground blade slices like ****, and the overall build quality ist better than the FRN because of the materials (i.e. METAL backspacer instead of plastic, which makes re-assembling easier.)

The ZDP steel stains more easily than VG-10, which is easier to sharpen to boot.


I'll take the G10 VG10 variant.

Dennis

[bh49]

For me it would be easy choice, I have strong preferences:
G10 over FRN, (IMHO G10 feels better and looks better)
FFG over saber ground, (IMHO FFG cuts better)
VG10 over ZDP189, (VG10 easier to maintain with my sharpening tools and skills and absolutely sufficient for my needs)

on the other hand, if I would rather buy Milly, than G10 Endura.

[gldfshkpr]

...the overall build quality ist better than the FRN because of the materials (i.e. METAL backspacer instead of plastic, which makes re-assembling easier.)...


Dennis

Thanks. Did not know that. I too have the same preferences all stated above. I was just wondering if the ZDP-189 would serve me any better with a blade that length. I imagine doing some hacking with the knife at some point. Thanks everyone.

[JD Spydo]

ZDP-189 to me is one of the most marvelous blade steels to come along in quite some time. I also like VG-10 and it is a great blade steel but I do think that ZDP has better edge holding ability and other desirable properties.

The 2 ZDP-189 blades I own have outperformed any of the VG-10 blades I own. The only complaint I've got with ZDP-189 is the fact that is is prone to some very weird types of corrosion. If you all remember I had a thread going here about 2 months ago explaining that after I cut up a bunch of tomatoes I experienced the most strange type of corrosion I've ever encountered on any blade I've ever owned.

But that can be remedied by immediately washing your ZDP blades right after usage. VG-10 does seem to have pretty decent anti corrosive properties. They all have trade-offs thats' for sure. But my vote is for ZDP-189

[gldfshkpr]

...
on the other hand, if I would rather buy Milly, than G10 Endura.

...

The only thing about the Military for me is the grip. I like a hilt. I don't care for my index finger resting under the tang of the blade. It makes for awkward closing one handed as well.

[gldfshkpr]

ZDP-189 to me is one of the most marvelous blade steels to come along in quite some time. I also like VG-10 and it is a great blade steel but I do think that ZDP has better edge holding ability and other desirable properties.

The 2 ZDP-189 blades I own have outperformed any of the VG-10 blades I own. The only complaint I've got with ZDP-189 is the fact that is is prone to some very weird types of corrosion. If you all remember I had a thread going here about 2 months ago explaining that after I cut up a bunch of tomatoes I experienced the most strange type of corrosion I've ever encountered on any blade I've ever owned.

But that can be remedied by immediately washing your ZDP blades right after usage. VG-10 does seem to have pretty decent anti corrosive properties. They all have trade-offs thats' for sure. But my vote is for ZDP-189

I spilled some tomato sauce on my G10 Caly3 and it stained the scale. G10 is supposed to be impervious to staining. I agree. Every property has trade-offs and real world experience is a critical ingredient to making a choice.

[Sherpa]

I think you would enjoy the vg-10 g-10 combo the most. But when in doubt, get both!

Once you decide which one you like the most you can sell or gift away the other!

:D

[Joshua J.]

ZDP-189 will hold it's edge a lot longer, but if you enjoy G-10 handles and don't mind a sharpening a little more often then the G-10 Endura should be a fantastic knife.

You may also like it since it's fully flat ground, and will cut a little more nicely (but then you could also send in a ZDP blade to Tom Krein for one of his re-grinds).

[sixheads]

VG-10 is better all the way round.

[Slick]

Another VG-10 fan here. I've come to like and respect S30V but ZDP-189 has not met my needs as well as other steels. VG-10 is an excellent steel and well balanced.

[JD Spydo]

VG-10 is better all the way round.

What do you base that statement on :confused: ?? I've done so much cutting with my ZDP-189 Caly Jr model and I've seen ZDP outperform just about every steel I've ever used.

Other than some weaknesses in corrosion resistance I've yet to find any fault with ZDP-189 blade steel. How is VG-10 better all the way around?

And keep in mind that I am also a fan of VG-10 blade steel. But ZDP holds an edge better than just about any steel I've used including many tool steels.

[Simple Man]

Yep, G-10, VG-10. VG-10 gives the best combination of desirable traits of any steel on the market. It is not 100% at everything of course, but it is definitely has most everything covered 75%-80%.

[cornelis]

Yep, G-10, VG-10. VG-10 gives the best combination of desirable traits of any steel on the market. It is not 100% at everything of course, but it is definitely has most everything covered 75%-80%.

That's just what I think of VG-10.

[SimpleIsGood229]

Buy the ZDP Endura ONLY if you intend on sending it Tom Krein (or someone similar) for a re-grind. Why? Because the FRN Endura's edge is really thick. Since ZDP already takes some effort to sharpen, the thick edge just compounds matters.

So, I suggest buying the ZDP Endura, then sending it to Tom Krein for a full-flat grind. Otherwise, get the G-10 Endura (that comes full-flat ground from the factory) and don't look back.

For pics, I'll refer you to a post by the very knowledgeable yablanowitz:
http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showpost ... ostcount=9

The ZDP Endura is the green one.