VG10 (V-Gold 10) - stainless steel. VG10 is relatively easy to polish, similar to 440C or 19C27, the only added challenge with VG10 is the occasional large carbides relative to powder metallurgy steels. Posted by. S30V vs. S35VN Steel: Differences and Advantages of Each. The cutting characteristics are very good and VG10 is easy to sharpen razor sharp. It was designed in conjunction with knife companies, knifemakers, and heat treaters to learn the properties that they wanted in a knife steel. The carbon aspect is minuscule in the blade’s makeup, however. CPM-S30V. By Larry Connelley When looking at quality American-made knives, you'll notice that S35VN and S30V steel are two of the more popular steels for knife blades. ... VG10 and S30V and is more in like with steel like ZDP189. VG 10: A higher end Japanese steel known for it’s hardness and ability to take a very fine (and sharp edge). Close. Composition Comparison Graph For The Knife Steels Crucible CPM S30V, Bohler-Uddeholm N690, Takefu VG-10, Takefu VG10 Version 4.36 It's the heat treat that makes a difference. They're both non powdered mid tier steels, and I honestly see zero difference between the two. What Is VG10 Steel? However, because VG10 has this minute amount of carbon, as well as minuscule amounts of chromium, molybednum, and cobalt, it contributes a chemical makeup that allows the knife to hold a superior edge. Vg-10 and n690 are chemically the same steel. Archived. S30V vs VG-10. VG10 is a stainless steel type with a - for stainless steel - high carbon percentage, i.e. 1%. From what I've gathered from knife tests on a local board they are pretty similar. Chris Reeve Large Inkosi. Carbon: 1.45 – 1.46%; Chromium: 14.00 %; Molybdenum: 2.00% VG-10 Knife Steel Very similar to the ATS-34 and 154CM grades but with a higher vanadium content, this steel behaves equally as well but with more stain resistance and toughness. Commonly used in the Spyderco Delica and Endura, this is a very popular steel and for good reason, it does the job well while remaining cost effective. Both are very well made, but, in my limited experience, there are just little things that make a Golden knife a little better. I suspect another variable in the S30V vs. VG-10 debate may be country of origin - the S30V knives are made in Golden and the VG-10 knives are made in Japan. Summary and Conclusions Looking at these steels was fun because they have been around for a while but I haven’t learned much about them until the research I did for this article. A ton of higher end makers use 690 and treat it more carefully than vg-10. S30V holds an edge a bit longer but is harder to sharpen while VG-10 lasts a little less and is easier to sharpen. With the addition of vanadium, the edge retention and overall stability of VG-10 blades receive many praises from knife users. The additional vanadium also allows it to hold an excellent edge. S30V was designed to offer a “balanced” stainless steel which could offer good grindability, toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. This makes VG10 harder than most stainless steel types. VG10 steel is considered a high-carbon steel. S30V vs VG-10. The hardness of VG-10 stainless steel often varies between 60 and 62 HRC, which isn’t exceptional, but it’s good enough to get most tasks done. 8. 7 years ago. An edge a bit longer but is harder to sharpen carefully than VG-10 've gathered knife. 14.00 % ; Molybdenum: 2.00 % what is VG10 steel on a local board are. In the blade ’ s makeup, however S35VN steel: Differences and Advantages of Each difference. 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