Poll for ZDP-189

jackknifeh · #1

I was thinking about a poll to see how many people who have purchased knives with ZDP-189 blades are as likely to buy more in the future. There is an issue with sharpening difficulty which some have said is not worth the improved edge retention compared to VG-10 and others. I thought this may be helpful for the Spyderco folks in determining customer desires for future models. Personally, I'm on the fence on dealing with the sharpening difficulty. I'm sure I will lean toward getting more proficient at sharpening the harder steels. Since better edge retention is the reason I started looking at better quality (and more expensive) knives several years ago I want to master this issue. I suggest this instead of doing it myself because I don't know how to set up a poll. It's probably not that difficult but someone else may get it done quickly and sooner than I could learn the process. I've seen a lot of discussion about the sharpening issue and am curious myself on a question that has a yes/no answer on if people will buy more knives with this steel.

Just curious,
Jack

chuck_roxas45 · #2

I don't have any problem with the ZDP on my Endura. It's my only ZDP knife though, so I'd probably try another one in ZDP.

The Deacon · #3

For my users, I buy knives, not steels. Given the choice, on a model made in Japan I will take VG-10 over ZDP-189. However, if the only way a specific knife is available is in ZDP-189, or the only choice is between VG-10 with G-10 and ZDP-189 with anything but G-10, then I'll go with ZDP-189 if I want the knife. I have no major problem sharpening it, and while I'm sure there are those for whom the advantage in terms of edge retention is worth the trade offs, I just don't see it as superior for my uses.

kbuzbee · #4

For me, the advantage is not specifically edge retention. For that, I would take VG10. it retains an edge just fine for my use.

The issue I'm coming to appreciate is the insanely thin edge you can put on ZDP making it the most amazing slicer. For that reason alone, I have several ZDP purchases planned in the next few months.

Any of the steels I currently use (even H1), sharpened to say 30 degrees, holds an edge long enough for my typical use. But if I want to go to something like 20 degrees, it's ZDP all the way.

Ken

JNewell · #5

Ditto. I just bought an AG Russell Acies, mostly because of the ZDP blade. Man alive, thin? Yowza. It's not going to be the best for every use, but this is a very interesting blade.

kbuzbee wrote:For me, the advantage is not specifically edge retention. For that, I would take VG10. it retains an edge just fine for my use.

The issue I'm coming to appreciate is the insanely thin edge you can put on ZDP making it the most amazing slicer. For that reason alone, I have several ZDP purchases planned in the next few months.

Any of the steels I currently use (even H1), sharpened to say 30 degrees, holds an edge long enough for my typical use. But if I want to go to something like 20 degrees, it's ZDP all the way.

Ken

THG · #6

Sharpening ZDP-189 isn't a problem. It's not hard; it just takes longer. And in fact, it's easier because it doesn't burr as easily, and the burr comes off easier with diamonds.

My beef with this steel is the fact that it can't hold an edge worth crap, at least for my purposes. For my box cutting, this steel can't do more than 2 boxes without the edge completely going flat to the point where it won't even scrape off fingernail enamel.

Blerv · #7

I'm with the rest on the edge geometry.

I'm planning on thinning out the Stretch that's in the mail. In that regard ZDP blows VG10 out of the water.

If you keep it's edge similar to any VG10 knife the only advantage you will see is edge retention.

jackknifeh · #8

Blerv,

I have a Stretch that I just lowered the edge angle to about 14 degrees per side. It was about 20 degrees. Wow, I just can't wait to cut something else. It's like when my Dad bought me a hatchet when I was a kid. I wanted to use it so bad I chopped on the fence that went around our house.

The more I use the two ZDP knives I have the more I love the steel. Don't worry VG-10, I still love you too. VG-10 is my lovely wife of 20 years and ZDP-189 is the 22 year old girlfriend.

Jack

The Mastiff · #9

I've got knives in steels that run the gamut of available steels. All kinds and categories. Probably at around 70 to 80 different steels in knives. Some I've had to get custom, or import.

I've learned that no one is going to like every knife, steel, design, or variation of above. Same with edges, sharpening devices or methods, lock designs or materials.

My feelings? Out of that list it's very near the top. I've used ZDP since introduction by Spyderco, and have knives from several manuf's in this steel.

I've tried it in a bunch of different grinds, angles, grits and finishes and after doing this for several years now I'm still amazed by it. Still learning too.

It's not my favorite steel. I really can't say I have one.

It excels at certain things, and isn't great in others.

I've never found it difficult to sharpen. I find it easy in fact.

It's near the very top in the things it excels at. It's mediocre or not great at it's weaknesses. It's not for every job, or person ,TBS.

As long as I'm able I'll have a few ZDP knives. I won't ask them to do things they aren't designed for, but I'll push it to the limit at things it does well, namely edge stability, thin grinds and excellent wear resistance at a high sharpness level.

Do you want to make bushcrafter type knives from it? No, there are other steels for that, but it excels at spyderco type slicers.

THG, my guess is you have some kind of burring problem or something going on. I don't use super high polishes as I like a bit of a bite but I do try for precise angles and finish with diamond strops, all using a steady, light touch.

Get it just right and it will eat cardboard without much troubles. What it doesn't do well is hit the thick staples, or twist out of cuts while whittling like O-1, W2, Vascowear and 3V will. Not really a chopper either.

BlackNinja · #10

The Deacon wrote:For my users, I buy knives, not steels. Given the choice, on a model made in Japan I will take VG-10 over ZDP-189. However, if the only way a specific knife is available is in ZDP-189, or the only choice is between VG-10 with G-10 and ZDP-189 with anything but G-10, then I'll go with ZDP-189 if I want the knife. I have no major problem sharpening it, and while I'm sure there are those for whom the advantage in terms of edge retention is worth the trade offs, I just don't see it as superior for my uses.

Same boat here... I like ZDP, but it's not the ‘end-all be-all’ when I’m looking at a knife to buy. I’m also with you, Deacon, on VG-10 and ZDP; give me VG-10 (or, for me, s30v) anytime (well, on some models I particularly like the ZDP option – e.g. the first one, the Burgundy Caly Jr. ZDP makes great blades for slicing).

-Joe