ZDP 189 Unleashed: Edge Retention Testing Spyderco Dragonfly 2

[@Throndl]

Every time I consider purchasing a sharpening system, I see a new knife I want to buy. :-(

[@christianmolick8647]

Using a basic Lansky has been like getting a whole new set of blades, even at 25-20 degrees.

[@bp-hx9ts]

Sam get a good sharpening system or learn to freehand it will make every knife you own instantly get better

[@edcevo3052]

I’ll tell u this. I have a knife in zdp-189 at 67hrc and I’ve used it at work cutting up boxes for 4 straight days and it’s still razor sharp. I can’t believe how hair popping sharp it is after all the cutting I’ve done with it!

[@ciderandthorazine]

much appreciated data point. but i would like to point out re: lansky, that setting the blade further back in the jaws of the clamp increases the angle of the cutting bevel (as opposed to the reduction posited). also, all lansky users will fall into a repeatable clamping method which will result in actual edge angles far different than what is marked on the clamp. i verified this recently, when my favoured clamping method for kitchen knives actually ground 12° bevels when i used the "17°" slot. i had to move to the 20° slot to grind a cutting bevel of 15° (measured, averaged along the edge). the user will get impressive edges nonetheless if their method is consistent. but if like Pete, you max out the thumbscrew adjustment, then clamp down using the screw nearest the edge of the jaws ~ or whichever alternate idiosyncracies you inevitably exhibit with the sharpening system ~ there's no telling what actual angle is being ground, until measured.

[@CedricAda]

ciderandthorazine sounds like I need an angle cube!

[@whocares3986]

Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors They have a free app for your phone that's an angle finder. That's what I use.

[@ciderandthorazine]

Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors ech, it's all very nerdy and technical. i find the testing videos highly edifying as they are. this one allayed some concerns i had about ordering a ZDP knife, since it demonstrated very good edge stability versus a tough medium, at a pointy angle. it doesn't matter *precisely* how pointy. i only recently measured my actual cutting bevel on the lansky, because i finally cognised that max edge retention is achieved at the most acute angle that won't readily deform in the course of intended use. prior to that, i'd always thought that moar obtuse = longer lasting edge. accordingly, your "unleashed" videos helped massively in correcting my assumption - and so i hope my comments read like the observations of another enthusiast gradually figuring things out, nothing more.

[@BradGryphonn]

Ah, the sacrifices made in the name of steel testing. Frikkin ouch!

[@dooshlerd]

Honestly I was expecting ZDP to rank a fair bit lower, expecting around 400. Glad to see it does perform like a proper super steel.

[@roosterillusion2764]

I just got this exact knife in the mail a few days ago, I’m loving the zdp-189 so far. Able to get hair whittling sharpness and seems to hold that razor sharpness longer than any other steels I’ve tried.

[@ogenmatic]

Thank you, Pete for literally putting in all the blood, sweat & tears for these tests. You’re always entertaining, humble & respectful and are an outstanding asset to the knife community. Really liked that music for the Worksharp cutting portion of the vid - was wondering who that is.

[@wyattbreymeyer4033]

id be interested to see ya do different angle tests! like how long does a 25 degree edge last vs a 15

[@SpartanJohns]

i have a Delica 4 saber ground and an Endura 4 flat ground in ZDP-189 I have been putting off testing them... Guess I have to now...see what my edge angles will do...

[@CedricAda]

do it! and let me know what you can get!

[@SpartanJohns]

my tests won't be so controlled like you do them...usually I test them in every day use...however I have just watched 3 of your tests and now...i kinda wanna do it myself. :)

[@yeaman992]

+Cedric and Ada Gear and Outdoors Good video! I'd love to see you try this with a Rockstead or a Sukenari in ZDP at 66-67hrc vs the 63-64 of Spyderco. Sukenaris are around 8 thousandths behind the edge too, so as thin as a razor blade, it just won't stop cutting!

[@jasonthames7360]

I think you meant chromium carbides mate, as all carbides are carbon carbides. Thanks for all the time you put into these tests, they are truly helpful.

[@MyLawschool]

Ahhh... more Basil.... now that’s the ticket!

[@mr.crumbles2557]

“He’s beginning to believe” Omg too fucking funny

[@Pew7070]

You are my saint and hero! I shall preach your message (steel test chart) to the corners of the earth! 👍🏻😜😋😆😆😆

[@yankee23a]

Thanks bud, literally blood sweat and a few tears spilt on testing this baby out.....now I'm thinking of bruising my credit card a bit and getting some ZDP for my own knife collection.

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Great review. I just purchased one of these. I have the K390 version...

[@Mikkemeister]

Ouch, that was a lot o cutting with that little knife! ZDP-189 is one of my favourite steels along with 20CV (haven't had time to use my M4 knife enough yet).

[@ozyrob1266]

Not bad at all. Now wait for the ZDP PM2!

[@blitzbbffl]

Thanks Pete, and great job! I really enjoy that Spyderco offers knives with steel variations. I recently purchased a Delica 4 in HAP40, and am looking forward to my first knife in ZDP189.

[@christamu2]

Oh hell yea! Missed these videos.

[@TyMalhoneson]

I have one and I thought it was chippy as well but I have mine at 17° lansky polish and it has been going for about a month with use and stropping.

[@49giants3]

This one really did a number on your fingers. Thanks for the dedication.

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

Was considering buying this ZDP version, but after watching how poorly it performed im really not going to get it. Haha jokes, im totally buying it.

[@Oozy9Millimeetah]

Bless your soul 🙏 the ZDP kept waiting for it self but it was worth it.... amazing 480 cuts on rope and one finger Amazing results for low vanadium steel!! Did you notice the edge get progressively "toothier" as it wore down? Pretty amazing steel imo.

[@bp-hx9ts]

If you ever want to check our exact angle of your edges there is a free app for your iPhone called iHandy level

[@convex7456]

Love the steel tests on ur channel. Sounded like 300 movie at the end haha

[@soullessone_edc6226]

Holy crap we actually have owned the same exact knife 🤟

[@111111111Tiger]

Spyderco uses a robot to do the edges on knives coming out of Bolder. Check out the Spyderco Tour Videos.

[@IljasMS]

OMG. First song - Final Fantasy 6 Decisive Battle, second one if Final Fantasy 8 The Extreme, third one is Final Fantasy 8 Force your way. First song took 15 minutes to recognize. Good taste brother!

[@Invertatude]

How about a review of that cutting board next lol

[@f22shift]

Very good info. Awesome editing. Funny how dbz has such an influence. I see it on Dutch bushcraft also.

[@CedricAda]

we are all the same age and were in prime childhood when it was in our morning cartoons I bet!

[@111111111Tiger]

thank GOD for Fast Forward !

[@Sugardaddy501]

John "what do you think?" garfield "go away john im sleeping."

[@ryanpalmer1051]

Love how you are slowly bleeding out over the cutting board.

[@azraelsblade]

With ZDP polished is best. Just look at Rockstead.

[@krustysurfer]

ZDP189 is that an expensive Steel? What is a z stand for in the metallurgy news instead of carbon do they add zirconium or something? Thanks for the test

[@JPuckett89]

I knew zdp was pretty beast but not like this. Really makes me want a delica in zdp189 now.

[@Malegole]

You should do some experiments with micro bevels. Used to hear about them alot but nobody seems to mention them anymore

[@Keen_Edge]

Nelson I put micro bevels on all of my knives. Keeps it easy to touch up

[@danielohara3454]

The end theme from Gladiator, lol. Also, it'd be rad if you got your hands on something in Nitro-V for edge/corrosion testing.

[@celektramilenio9126]

In your opinion it is better to sharpen the knife with a V or convex edge ? For the best performance in any knife. Great video and effort. Regards from MEX

[@thomaslanders1162]

Really interesting stuff as usual.. I hate cats but something about that cat I really like.. Good looking and has a great-'I don't give a F attitude'.. I'd mail you all my Benchmades for your'e cat...

[@knflvr06]

what a steell :D

[@J85909266]

These videos are my zen. You check out Dragon Ball Super? I'll admit, it was hard to start up after you know, aging 20 years, but it's actually pretty cool.

[@CedricAda]

yeah i’ve seen a fair bit. I’ve been playing some fighter Z lately too, really good stuff

[@Watchandcutgearchannel]

That opening was awesome 👏😎lol

[@brianfollett687]

Well Done , love the sharpening videos. Question - you reprofiled the factory edge to a 15° (or so) Lansky edge , right , So when you used the Work Sharp to put a 20° edge on the blade , you actually put a 20° micro bevel on the 15° Lansky edge , right . The result was a little obscured, but still a great result . You may be better served to put the Work Sharp 20° edge on , over the factory edge first and then reprofile the edge to your usual 17° per side Lansky edge . But I could be wrong , Im definitely NOT a sharpening Wizard, it's just an observation ..

[@CedricAda]

yeah definitely, so the worksharp edge has that Lansky forced thinness behind it still. Probably does alter the performance to a decent extent

[@kevn420]

Hey would this knife hold up for hard use like cutting carpets and scoring drywall.?

[@Mrplacedcookie]

Rockstead? In zdp and/or yxr(?) any chance you get the opportunity?

[@frankbennett3075]

British shorthairs, they’re cool.

[@mt_baldwin]

I don't know why you don't A: wear mechanics gloves, or B: wrap the grip in racquet tape just for the test. You've already reviewed this knife so no need to review the ergo's.

[@damonmuzzy277]

With all things considered (steel, ergonomics, etc.), which do you prefer for edc, the DF2 or the Chaparral?

[@CedricAda]

chaparral, out of those two

[@nuwrcaan]

Hang on, i thought convex was 'superior' to v grinds for edge retention. And that worksharp does put a convex or micro convex on the edge (which i think you've said elsewhere). Not looking to start a flame war, I'm genuinely perplexed as I thought convex edges were better in general for edge retention. You seemed to say that the convex edge on the factory edge would be inferior to a V edge the lansky provides. Is that to say all convex's are inferior to V edge or just a lazy sharpen (even though its convex) that manufacturers put on their knives?

[@CedricAda]

for absolute sharpness, my results almost entirely show a trend towards V edges of increased steepness holding a ‘very sharp’ edge longer than convex. I would theorize, however, that a convex edge retains the durability to remain a ‘working edge’ longer.

[@nuwrcaan]

Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors good point! I wonder if a more 'shallow' convex... Perhaps a half way point between a V and the convex your worksharp provides, would be a sweet harmony? I guess the extra support,, that added 'shoulder' could reduce the likelihood of that very thin V edge from rolling... But perhaps that's not a concern with your testing. I recall how so many of my knives would instantly lose their edge if they touched a bone when I was field dressing. Not ideal I know but in the end I think your case for V edges might be better for the edc folder which sees light to medium use, whereas the convex is better for 'field' use (which is basically your point lol). Thanks Pete!

[@John..18]

What about testing it, by cutting rope until the blade is no longer sharp enough to cut fingers, ha ha,,, good vid bud,,,,

[@markanthonystringfellow3923]

Top Job!!!

[@spider5001]

Fa - Bu - Lous 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@FreedomFox1]

I don’t think Spyderco does these in lc200n

[@landonblazer3417]

Hi, I am thinking of making a knife with my friends who have a giant workshop that I can use and I have a couple questions for you. I am a beginner but I will be working with my friends who are extremely talented and have been making a variety of things like swords and knives for years. I am making a 5 inch camping knife with a roughly 2 inch wide blade at the widest parts and about 10 inches overall. For the blade, I was thinking a 3/16 inch thickness price of a2 steel with a saber grind and a micarta handle. What do you think? I am going to buy a 2x36 inch piece of steel and realised that I could make two of these knives and two smaller knives for me and my brother, and I would sell one of the larger ones. What price would you recommend selling it at assuming the heat treat, grinds, and fit and finish are done well? I was thinking of reaching out to some gear reviewers and selling it at a reasonably low price(probably under $150) Thanks!

[@CedricAda]

Landon Blazer This is a corner of the knife world my advice is probably not worth as much in. Personally I would go something like S35VN or RWL34 but I have literally *no* idea about value or cost for single handmade articles. I would point you towards Big Brown Guy, (triplebhandmade on instagram) who is doing the exact thing at the moment. He has the expertise and the field of interest in customs to give you a far better answer!!

[@SHADOW-ke6xz]

Knerf larrp!!!!

[@wtfmrb293]

That incredible unresponsive cat hh

[@dickgrayson6039]

can I keep ZDP 189 sharp with strop after use?

[@yeaman992]

Loh Jia En Yes, Rockstead does denim stropping

[@Keen_Edge]

I have a really hard tome stropping mine using green compound.

[@scottb.0185]

Where did you buy this knife?

[@CedricAda]

Scott Buckler Aussie Knives dot com

[@scottb.0185]

Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors thanks Pete, I’m still searching for a knife to send down to you. When I find I’ll post them.

[@whatbuttondoipush]

Hydrogen peroxide to get those blood stains out FYI

[@tonycanniffe2360]

First again Robbo!

[@davidtate166]

115$ for the endura spy .zdp189 hard steel.not your hillbilly steel.i like it .

[@SuperSteelSteve]

David Tate i own it and its bad ass... Highly recommended

[@frozenturtlefarts1025]

David Tate hillbilly steel lol

[@davidtate166]

Frozen Turtlefarts need a high speed brush to sharpen zpd 189 steel very hard.stuff.what a great edge.

[@frozenturtlefarts1025]

David Tate 154cm is plenty for me. I think I might give CPM 154 a try though.

[@SuperSteelSteve]

David Tate no way bro... It sharpens up with any whetstone.... Just takes a little time

[@djyosef]

why dont you wear some gloves buddy?

[@manot87]

I mean... You could use gloves... Just saying...

[@olechuga2]

Good subject, music and loudness of it ... SUCKS!

[@jackstein1171]

Any more "unleashed" videos and you will need medical assistance