ZDP189
I sharpened the petite blades of the mesmerizing ZDP-189 300mm Yanagiba and the 300mm INOX Honyaki on the same day, and decided to observe them while making a quick comparison. Both the good and not-so-good sides of ZDP-189 became evident.
The Good Side of ZDP-189: One of the best features of ZDP-189 is its ability to create an edge that bites into the material. When you try to drag the edge along the surface, it grips firmly, making it hard to slide smoothly. If you happen to pull it forcefully, it’ll go through with a bit of a rough sensation… a clear indication of its exceptional cutting performance. Due to its tenacity and hardness, the back-bevel does not widen significantly during “uraoshi” (back-side sharpening), which leaves a lasting impression.
The Not-so-Good Side of ZDP-189: It’s one tough steel to sharpen… due to its tenacity, forming a nice burr takes quite some effort, and getting a clean edge is challenging. And, yes, it’s a bit pricey… While ZDP-189 is known for its rust-resistant properties, if you prioritize convenience in sharpening, you might overlook the difficulty in that aspect. Nevertheless, its incredible cutting performance is worth noting. It’s like driving an F1 car—super fast, but not the most fuel-efficient… It’s a trade-off.
After sharpening the ZDP-189, I moved on to the INOX Honyaki, and I must say, it felt just right in a good way. The way the edge bites into the material, the sharpening feel, and the burr removal, everything was just perfect!
For those who enjoy sharpening their knives, the INOX Honyaki might leave them wanting more. It gets sharp so quickly that it shortens the enjoyable sharpening time.
We often get questions about ZDP-189, but I believe with the right burr removal technique, it can achieve the same level of sharpness as the Aogami1 MizuHonyaki, Aogami2 MizuHonyaki, and Shiro1 MizuHonyaki! If the burr removal is not done properly, the edge may end up feeling rough and not as smooth.
The price of ZDP-189 is twice that of Aoko MizuHonyaki, but you won’t get twice the sharpness. It’ll just take you more than double the time to sharpen…
I know some might think this sounds like ZDP-189 isn’t great, but its durability is outstanding! It’s more than twice as durable as MizuHonyaki. It’s rust-resistant and retains its sharpness for a long time! The only concern is the time spent on sharpening…
Since I used the same stone as with the INOX, the results might change if I adjust the compatibility. These are just some thoughts jotted down for now.
hibishugyo
- 2008-11-28
