Relatively new on the market Japanese powder steel by Hitachi steelworks - ZDP-189 with extreme carbon and chromium content. Under normal smelting conditions, steel would be classified as cast iron, not steel because of such a high carbon level. Due to the huge amounts of this element and chromium, as well as additions of tungsten, molybdenum and vanadium, it reaches one of the highest hardnesses on the knife market, reaching up to 65-67 HRC, which is unattainable for most other steels. Due to the addition of manganese and silicon, this steel has improved other strength properties. ZDP is resistant to various types of wear, but most of all abrasion. In addition, it is resistant to corrosion due to such a large amount of chromium. This steel achieves the perfect balance between hardness, corrosion resistance and strength. Thanks to its outstanding hardness, it boasts excellent cutting aggression. Sharpening the ZDP-189 will be quite a challenge, however, thanks to its amazing sharpness, you won't have to do it too often. In summary, the exclusivity of this steel is reflected in the prices of knives made of it, but they are worth every penny of the price. This is excellent, and maybe even the best, stainless steel for knives on the market.
Composition:
- Carbon: 3,00%,
- Vanadium: 0,60%,
- Chromium: 20,00%,
- Molybdenum:1,40%,
- Manganese: 0,50%,,
- Tungsten: 0,60%
- Silicon: 0,40%