Zdp 189 vs. S35vn | Which Is Better Knife Steel?

ZDP 189 is known for its hardness and edge retention. Its higher carbon content makes it more resistant to wear and corrosion while providing a razor-sharp edge. But if you’re looking for a dependable knife with excellent value, the S35VN is the way to go. So get ready for the ultimate kitchen knife showdown.

Zdp 189 Overview

Hitachi produces a type of steel called ZDP-189. It is a high-carbon, high-chromium stainless steel that has been developed to get the highest level of performance. With an HRC rating of 63-67, even it can hit 70 if proper heat treatment is applied, making it one of the hardest steels on the market.

Moreover, Zdp 189 has great edge retention and sharpness, making it a great choice for chefs who want to keep their knives in top shape. Its high carbon & chromium content is one of the main reasons it performs better than many other steels. It offers superior hardness and wear resistance. If we want to talk about edge retention, you can find similarities with 440C steel.

Advantage of Zdp 189

• Unmatched hardness

• Sharpening is quite easy than other steels

• High carbon & chromium content for superior performance

• Perfect for daily use on tough ingredients.

Disadvantage of Zdp 189

• It is more expensive than other steel.

• Without corrosion-resistant coating, it could rust without proper maintenance.

You can look out for some of the best knives of Zdp 189 steel

S35VN Overview

The S35VN is an improved version of the S30V, developed by Crucible Industries in 2009. It is a powder metallurgy steel that offers excellent wear resistance and toughness. Its increased hardness allows it to stand up against tough ingredients without dulling quickly like other steels.

The higher carbon content gives it greater edge retention than other kitchen knife steels.

 It also has a slightly lower HRC rating of 58-61, making it more suitable for everyday tasks besides cutting tough ingredients. The response to heat treatment and corrosion resistance did not show significant changes compared to S30V.

Advantage of S35VN

• Greater edge retention than other kitchen knife steels

• Lower HRC rating makes it suitable for everyday tasks

• Improved toughness and wear resistance over S30V

Disadvantage of S35VN

• It’s not the easiest steel to sharpen.

Quick Comparison Chart

Zdp 189 vs S35vn: What’s the Difference

Saying better steel depends on so many factors which are discussed below,

Hardness & Edge Retention

It is one of the most important factors regarding kitchen and outdoor knives. Zdp 189 steel has a higher HRC rating than S35vn steel, with hardness ratings between 63-67 on the Rockwell scale. This means that Zdp 189 is slightly harder and will hold its edge longer than S35vn. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Zdp 189 is better for all knife applications. Even though it has greater edge retention, it can be more difficult to sharpen than S35vn.

Corrosion & Wear Resistance

S35vn steel is a better choice than Zdp 189 because it has better corrosion and wear resistance. S35vn steel is slightly less likely to corrode, making it ideal for outdoor or wet environments. Moreover, S35vn steel has a lower HRC rating of 58-59 on the Rockwell scale, which means it is more resistant to wear and tear than Zdp 189. But Zdp 189 doesn’t provide any corrosion resistance, so it is better suited for dry environments.

Cost & Availability

All things being equal, S35vn tends to be more expensive than Zdp 189 as it requires a higher quality raw material for production. Additionally, since it’s less widely available, knives made with this steel can be hard to find in many parts of the world. On the other hand, due to its popularity, plenty of knives are made with S35vn steel, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs.

Purpose

zdp189 is perfect for kitchen knives that will be used on a daily basis and need to stand up against tough ingredients such as vegetables, fish, and hard cheese.

S35vn steel would be great if the knife could have versatile uses for hunting, survival, fishing, diving, and even in the kitchen. Please remember that while it may not be easy to sharpen, once sharpened, it will hold its sharpness for an extended period.

Which One You Pick, Then?

Choosing between Zdp 189 and S35vn steel knives depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you prioritize edge retention and hardness, Zdp 189 is your better choice. However, if you need better resistance to corrosion and wear, then S35vn steel is the way to go. When comparing Zdp 189 vs. S35vn steel knives, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.