Maxamet and ZDP-189 are both high-end steels with very similar traits. There are a few differences between the two, but they are overall very similar. So, what are the differences between the two?
Here’s the short answer:
Maxamet and ZDP-189 are both high-end steels that offer extreme edge retention and hardness. They are almost identical, but ZDP-189 offers slightly less edge retention and is thus easier to sharpen. Maxamet is also much more expensive. Basically, if you have the money, Maxamet is better.
With that out of the way, we can take a closer look at each steel and which one is better.
Deep dive on Maxamet
Maxamet is a relatively new steel that was developed by Carpenter Technology. It is known for having great edge retention, but being too great at anything else. Maxamet’s steel composition is proprietary, but it’s believed to be something like the following:
- 2.15% carbon,
- 4.75% chromium,
- 10% cobalt,
- 0.3% manganese,
- 13% tungsten, and
- 6% vanadium.
Carbon helps to improve wear resistance and strength (though too much carbon can lead to brittleness). Chromium helps with corrosion resistance, but Maxamet has a fairly low chromium content, which means it’s not very corrosion resistant. Cobalt, tungsten, manganese, and vanadium all help increase the strength and wear resistance of the steel.
Maxamet’s known for having extreme edge retention, but not being too good in any other segment. Having great edge retention usually comes from the blade having high hardness, which means that Maxamet can be susceptible to chipping. It’s also pretty expensive because of the complex manufacturing process used to make it.
Deep dive on ZDP-189
ZDP-189 is a high-performance steel that was developed by Hitachi Metals Ltd. It’s a powdered steel that is made using a process known as “Spray Forming,” which produces a very fine and uniform grain structure. Here’s the composition of ZDP-189:
- 3.0% carbon
- 20.0% chromium
- 1.5% molybdenum
- 1.0% vanadium
- 3.0% tungsten
The carbon helps with edge retention and steel strength. The high chromium helps make ZDP-189 pretty corrosion-resistant, though the high carbon content counteracts this somewhat. Molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten help to improve the toughness and wear resistance of the steel.
ZDP-189 is known for having great edge retention and decent corrosion resistance. As with most other steels, there’s a tradeoff between edge retention and ease of sharpening, which means that ZDP-189 is relatively hard to sharpen. It’s also not very tough, so it’s best used for slicing tasks.
Maxamet versus ZDP-189
Maxamet and ZDP-189 are almost identical in their use cases and strengths: They both have great edge retention, semi-decent corrosion resistance, and weak ease of sharpening and toughness. Because of their strengths, they’re both used mainly for slicing tasks.
If they’re both used for slicing tasks and have a lot of the same attributes, then what exactly is the difference between them? Well, the basic difference is that Maxamet has better edge retention and is more expensive. That also means that, comparatively, ZDP-189 is easier to sharpen because its edge retention isn’t as good.
So, basically, if you have the money to afford Maxamet and want a more premium steel for slicing, then Maxamet is the better option. If you still want a great slicing steel for less money, then ZDP is the better option.
If you’re not looking for a slicing steel and want something that can take more punishment, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere. For example, CPM-M4 is a tougher steel. You can check out our article comparing Maxamet and CPM-M4 here.
Recommended Knives
Here are our favorite knives in each steel.
Spyderco Para Military 2 – Maxamet
The Spyderco Para Military 2 is one of the most popular knives out there. It’s a workhorse of a knife with G-10 handle scales, a thumbhole opening, Spyderco’s smooth-closing compression lock, and with this version, has the super steel Maxamet. The Maxamet steel turns this knife from good to great.
Check it out here (link to Amazon).
Spyderco Caly Prestige – ZDP-189
The Caly Prestige is pretty similar to the Endura 4: It’s got a back lock, thumbhole opening, and isn’t the flashiest. Where it differs is the handle material, which is carbon fiber, and the blade, which has a core of ZDP-189, but outside layers of 420J2. The layering of steels in the blade make for a tougher blade that’s less likely to chip or crack.
Check it out here (link to Amazon).
Conclusion
Maxamet and ZDP-189 are both excellent high-performance steels that offer exceptional edge retention and hardness. They’re almost identical in their use cases and strengths, but ZDP-189 is slightly easier to sharpen and has slightly less edge retention. Ultimately, it’s hard to go wrong with either one. If you’re looking for a knife for cutting/slicing, then either steel will work great.