ZDP-189 real world experience

[commodorewheeler]

Due to the hardness of this steel, is it possible to grind it thinner then S30V? This would make it great for small knives.

I don't know if you can grind it thinner than S30V, I've seen both blade steels ground *really* thin in kitchen knives. But a thin edge doesn't roll at all, from my experience, with ZDP-189, due to its hardness.

[Ken Onion]

Sounds odd that the tip just kinda broke like that unexpectedly although this is not the first time i've heard it happen . I have had no negative issues with zdp.I love this steel it is tough and extremely wear resistant and is a little more brittle than s30v but is very practical for every day use . It is a nitrogen steel with very small carbides that stack up very well on a very sharp knife. This allows this steel to maintain a super keen edge far longer than most steels. I have super thin ZDP blades on a couple of kitchen knives and have had no issues with chipping or tip snapping . My guess is that it probably had a small hairline crack in it from heat treating. Send it back to Kershaw and tell them what happened . I'm sure they will take care of you.