Sukenari ZDP-189 Mirror Damascus

The Sukenari ZDP-189 Mirror Damascus line is truly a beauty by the look and a beast by the performance. It have been produced by Sukenari for a long time, and I believe this is the line that really helped the brand to set their foundation industry and built the reputaion for their name in the market. Combining the great artistry of a mirror polished damascus and the extreme performance of ZDP-189 powder metallurgy steel, there is a reason that this line bacame, and still is, the go-to choice for many when picking a high end knife.

The ZDP-189 core steel is something we can't avoid talking on this line, when it was first introduced to the market, was a big step for the entire industry, as there is not a steel can beat it in the sheer performance as a kitchen steel knife, even to this date. Made by Hitachi Metal, the steel has a jaw-dropping 3% of carbon and 20% of chromium, this cast iron level of carbon and 23% of total alloy content can only form uniform steel with the industry leading powder metallurgy technology. As a result, this premium steel get many amazing qualities: High hardness up to 67 HRC, high edge retention and wear resistance comes from hardness and alloy carbides, and a complete stainlesness.

As the brand who probably have most extensive experience dealing with ZDP-189, Sukenari designed the edge according to the steel's property. A very thin edge is put onto the knife, evident by the wider than usual secondary bevel. Behind it, is a slightly thicker primary bevel and spine, giving the knife more material behind the edge to provide stregth for a very hard core.

The mirror damascus has a low density pattern, but I believe this is better as it leaves more spaces for the mirror polish to shine. The details are finished to a level on par with the finish on the bevel as the entire spine and choil of these knives are polished, leading to a quite smooth feel on fingers.

As a line that established it place in the high end kitchen market for a long time, these ZDP-189 Mirror Damascus are having a hard time to find a challenger. The ultimate performance combines with a great artistic look is something very difficult to beat considering the pricing of this line. The delicate mirror polish that can be scratched and the core steel that is very hard to sharpen can the only two weakness of this line of knives, other than that, this line is a true allrounder in the landscape of high end Japanese knives.