H1 vs. VG-10 (dragonfly 2)

[rbaker11]

Alright well I just bought a new tactical folder and want a good lightweight EDC blade to pair it with. I have decided to get a spyderco dragonfly2 but am debating which version to get. I don't have much cash right now so the g-10 and ZDP-189 versions are out of the question. That leaves VG-10 and the salt H1 version. I know VG-10 and like it but kind of want to try H1. Obviously it is extremely rust resistant/proof but how is the edge retention and how hard is it to sharpen

[mkjellgren]

Basically what it comes down to to plain vs serrated edge. If you're going with a plain edge dfly then go with vg10. If you are looking at the serrated version then h1 is the way to go. H1 is work hardened, so the act of grinding the serrations actually hardens the steel at the edge to much higher hardness ratings than vg10 while maintaining ease of sharpness. The same can't be said about a plain edge in h1. I personally carry a h1 dfly in serrated edge as a secondary sheeple friendly compliment to a larger plain edge blade and I couldn't be happier with it.

[knarfeng]

I've never tried a serrated H1 blade. I do have a plain edge H1 blade and its edge retention is not good. If you like a plain edge, go with the VG10.

[roninelh]

I've never tried a serrated H1 blade. I do have a plain edge H1 blade and its edge retention is not good. If you like a plain edge, go with the VG10.

+1, I like the peace of mind I get with h1 when im near the ocean,but it doesn't perform like vg10.

[rbaker11]

+1, I like the peace of mind I get with h1 when im near the ocean,but it doesn't perform like vg10.

Vg10 is also very rust resistant just not proof but I'm just gonna EDC it not go fishing in the ocean

[EricV]

Basically what it comes down to to plain vs serrated edge. If you're going with a plain edge dfly then go with vg10. If you are looking at the serrated version then h1 is the way to go. H1 is work hardened, so the act of grinding the serrations actually hardens the steel at the edge to much higher hardness ratings than vg10 while maintaining ease of sharpness. The same can't be said about a plain edge in h1. I personally carry a h1 dfly in serrated edge as a secondary sheeple friendly compliment to a larger plain edge blade and I couldn't be happier with it.

This^

H1 in SE is awesome, H1 in PE won't rust or hold an edge well.

[2manyknives]

I agree with most of the above. H1 is really about corrosion resistance and in that context it is superb. It takes a very sharp edge without much effort but won't hold it any where near as well as vg10. I really like both steels and carry an H1 bladed knife most of the time but I live in a very humid environment and spend a lot of time around salt water. In a less hostile environment the vg10 option would be my preference.

[kurt6652]

Which blade is a better slicer? The ffg vg-10 or the hollow grind h-1? The h-1 hollow grind looks pretty high and thin, but I haven't seen the knife in person. Does anybody have both knives to give a opinion? I am thinking of buying a serrated edged Dragonfly and I really like the ffg serrated manbug that I have.

[gine]

In my experience, H1 won't hold an edge very long in PE either. It is somewhere in the aus 8a range, even less.
H1 in SE will hold an edge a little better then vg-10, because of it's toughness it works well without chipping ect.
Put a little oil on vg-10 near salt water will be stain resistance enough IMO.

[Gadreel]

For me the VG-10 Dragonfly w/plain edge has been great for food prep around lots of water and all sorts of other general cutting tasks. Edge retention is great have only stropped the factory edge a few times...however, I would also like to try the DF in the ZDP-189 just haven't pulled the trigger yet.