ZDP189 is an alloy made with Powdered Metallurgical processing. It is one of the most expensive knife steels to produce. The alloy is highly regarded for several reasons, including its wear resistance, toughness, and ability to be hardened to very high levels. A side issue of this, however, is the difficulty in sharpening by hand. But once done, you will have an edge of supreme sharpness and ability to last way into your prep sessions.
The smiths at Sukenari are particularly adept at using ZDP189 and they have gained a reputation of producing some of the best blades fashioned from this exotic alloy. The inner core of ZDP189 is clad with a softer stainless steel layer featuring a classic hairline finish. The addition of this steel makes these knives really easy to maintain.
Professional chefs will really appreciate these attributes as they will be able to complete an extended work session without the need to clean or sharpen the blade regularly. They can also show of one of the most beautiful blades made to their envious coworkers!
Brand: Sukenari
Blacksmith: Mr. Hinaki
Location: Toyama, Japan
Construction: San Mai
Core Steel: ZDP189
Finish: Damascus
HRC: 65-66
Handle: Rosewood Octagonal
Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
Weight: 8.0oz / 226g
Length of Blade: 259mm
Overall Length: 416mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 2.8mm
Blade Height at Heel: 51.4mm