Is ZDP189 No Longer Available? — The Truth Behind the Legendary Steel

  • April 7, 2025

  • For decades, ZDP189 has been spoken of in almost mythical terms—a “dream steel” that promised hardness, edge retention, and longevity beyond compare. If you own a knife made from this rare material, consider yourself fortunate, for it may soon become part of history.

  • A Steel of Legendary Reputation

    ZDP189, originally developed by Hitachi Metals (now Proterial Corporation), is a powdered high-carbon stainless steel renowned for its extraordinary hardness (HRC 65–67) and long-lasting sharpness. Professional bladesmiths, collectors, and brands like Spyderco once championed it as the pinnacle of performance.


    But over the past few years, voices have grown louder: “Is ZDP189 disappearing?”

  • The Market Reality

    Since Hitachi Metals was acquired by Bain Capital in 2022 and renamed Proterial in 2023, the company’s strategy has shifted toward “high-margin, sustainable materials.”
    While there has been no official discontinuation notice, many signs suggest that ZDP189 is being quietly phased out:

    • Major forums (including the official Spyderco forum) note a pivot toward steels like K390.
    • Popular models once offered in ZDP189 are now reissued in other steels.
    • Retailers such as KnifeCenter and Rakuten explicitly list ZDP189 models as “discontinued” or “available while supplies last.”


    Taken together, the evidence strongly suggests that current products are likely remaining stock, rather than new production runs.

  • Why Might ZDP189 Be Ending?

    The reasons are not mysterious.
    ZDP189 is difficult and costly to manufacture, requiring extreme precision and yielding low production margins. In an age where corporations prioritize profitability and scalability, such niche steels—beloved by craftsmen but demanding to produce—are vulnerable.

  • What This Means for Collectors and Chefs

    If you already own a ZDP189 knife, it is more than a kitchen tool. It is a piece of steel history, likely to become increasingly rare. Just as vintage watches or classic cars embody eras of design and craftsmanship, a ZDP189 knife embodies the pinnacle of metallurgical ambition in Japanese cutlery.

  • Conclusion: A Legacy at Your Fingertips

    The fate of ZDP189 reminds us that even the greatest materials are not eternal.
    But its legacy endures—a blade forged at the very edge of possibility, where steel met the limits of human craftsmanship.


    To hold a ZDP189 knife today is to hold more than a cutting edge.
    It is to hold a story—of innovation, tradition, and a fleeting brilliance that may never come again.

ZDP189: The Vanishing Steel That Became a Legend

  • ZDP189 steel is quietly fading from production, turning every existing blade into a rare artifact of metallurgical history.

ZDP189

  • Unmatched Hardness & Edge Retention

    In a world of handcrafted blades and centuries-old traditions, ZDP-189 represents a new frontier — born not from the forge, but from advanced powder metallurgy.
    With unmatched hardness, extraordinary edge retention, and the corrosion resistance of stainless steel, it redefines what a knife can be.
    This is the steel for chefs who demand a blade that cuts flawlessly — and keeps cutting long after others have dulled.

ZDP189

The cutting edge of innovation.
Created through advanced powder metallurgy by Proterial (formerly Hitachi Metals), ZDP189 achieves extreme hardness, exceptional edge retention, and rust resistance. A next-generation steel, it is trusted by leading chefs worldwide.

ZDP189

Japanese Knife Materials

The steel behind a Japanese knife defines its sharpness, durability, and care. From traditional carbon steels like White #2 and Blue #2 to modern innovations such as Ginsan and ZDP189, each material offers its own balance of performance and maintenance. This guide explores how these choices shape the knives we use today.

Japanese Knife Materials

The Soul of Craftsmanship

  • Three Intentions Forged in Fire

    Each time I light the forge and watch the steel glow red, I ask myself three questions.

  • Will this blade bring joy and emotion to its user?
    A knife that simply cuts is not enough. It must feel natural in the cook’s hand, balanced in weight, and deliver a sensation of satisfaction with every slice. Only when a blade carries something beyond function—something that touches the heart—does it become a true tool.

  • Is this work something I can take pride in among my peers?
    Steel is honest. It returns only what you give to it. Any compromise, no matter how small, will reveal itself. If younger craftsmen look at my work and say, “I want to be like that someday,” there is no greater honor. To earn the respect of fellow artisans, you must constantly re-forge yourself.

  • Does this blade contribute to the survival of our workshop?
    No matter how noble the craft, it cannot endure without support. A knife must sell, satisfy the customer, and allow us to buy the next batch of steel. It is this daily rhythm of creation and commerce that sustains the workshop and nurtures future generations of craftsmen.

  • Forging is not merely the hammering of metal. It is the act of engraving one’s resolve and sincerity into steel.
    As long as I stand before the fire, I will hold fast to these three intentions—and meet the steel with everything I have.

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • japanese_knife_made_in_Sakai

    1. Forged in the Legacy of Sakai

    From Sakai City—Japan’s renowned birthplace of professional kitchen knives—each blade is crafted by master artisans with over six centuries of tradition. Perfectly balanced, enduringly sharp, and exquisitely finished, every cut carries the soul of true craftsmanship.

  • 2. Thoughtful Care for Everyday Use

    Every knife includes a hand-fitted magnolia saya for safe storage. Upon request, we offer a complimentary Honbazuke final hand sharpening—giving you a precise, ready-to-use edge from day one.

  • 3. A Partnership for a Lifetime

    A KIREAJI knife is more than a tool—it is a lifelong companion. With our bespoke paid aftercare services, we preserve its edge and beauty, ensuring it remains as precise and dependable as the day it first met your hand.