ZDP-189 santoku, desert ironwood handle
ZDP-189 core, 65 to 67 HRC. Ironwood handle, sheath, wooden box.
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- 60 days to change your mind. Details
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- ZDP-189 powder steel core, stated 65 to 67 HRC.
- 18.3 cm blade, 15° edge per side, 166 g.
- Ironwood and horn handle, sheath and wooden box.
Why this product
Our most demanding knife. Its ZDP-189 core, a Japanese powder steel very rich in carbon and chromium, reaches a stated hardness of 65 to 67 HRC: it takes an extremely fine edge and keeps it for a very long time. It is clad between two thin layers of stainless steel, with a brushed finish.
The 18.3 cm blade with an almost straight edge cuts with a forward push, the blade flat on the board. The octagonal desert ironwood handle, with a white buffalo horn ferrule, is light: the whole knife weighs 166 g. It comes with a wooden sheath (saya), in a paulownia wood box.
A blade this hard needs some care: no bones, no twisting, no frozen food, and a wooden board.
Specifications
| Material | ZDP-189 powder steel, Stainless steel, Desert ironwood, Buffalo horn |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Blade 18.3 cm, handle 13.8 cm, overall 33.7 cm, blade height 5 cm |
| Weight | 166 g |
| Blade steel | ZDP-189 core between 2 layers of SUS405 stainless |
| Hardness | 65 to 67 HRC (maker's figure) |
| Sharpening angle | 15° ± 1 per side |
| Blade thickness | About 2.1 mm |
| Handle | Octagonal, desert ironwood and white buffalo horn |
| Sheath | Wood (saya) |
| Brand | XINZUO (Zhen series) |
| Warranty | 2 years against manufacturing defects |
In the box
- 1 santoku, 18.3 cm blade
- 1 wooden sheath
- 1 paulownia wood box
Care
Wooden board only; no bones, no frozen food, no twisting.
Sharpen on fine whetstones, patiently: steel this hard wears slowly.
FAQ
Why such a hard steel?
At 65-67 HRC, ZDP-189 keeps a very fine edge far longer than ordinary stainless steel. The trade-off: the blade is more brittle and dislikes bones and knocks.
How is it different from the Aogami santoku?
Aogami No.2 is a carbon steel: very fine edge, easy to sharpen, but it must be dried straight away. ZDP-189 is harder still and much more corrosion-resistant; it sharpens more slowly.
What if it's not right for me?
You have 60 days to send it back. The conditions are on our Shipping & returns page.