Can you educate me on blade steel? Also favorite steel

G

GBell14

Joined
Aug 3, 2014
Messages
53
Hi all, I was wondering if any of you can explain the blade steels such as VG-10 and ZDP-189 also what is your favorite steel for a folder and fixed blade and why is it your favorite? Thought it would be interesting.
 
Last edited:
VG-10

C: 0.95-1.05; V: 0.10-0.30; Cr: 14.50-15.50;
Mo: 0.90-1.20; Co: 1.30-1.50; Mn: 0.50;
P: 0.03; S: ?; Si: ?;

Maker: Takefu - Japan (JP)

Notes:
VG-10 - High-end stainless steel. Due to the vanadium content, VG-10 takes a very good edge and holds it well. Very popular with Japanese kitchen knife makers and with knife makers in general. Typically it is around 60-61 HRC, although some makers take it to 62HRC. Miyabi sells knives with CMV60 steel, which are VG-10, where CMV is Cobalt/Molybdenium/Vanadium.

ZDP-189

C: 3.00; W: 0.60; V: 0.10;
Cr: 20.00; Mo: 1.40; Co: ?;
Mn: 0.50; Nb: ?; P: ?;
S: ?; Si: 0.40;

Maker: Hitachi - Japan (JP)
Tech: PM

Notes:
Kitchen Knife Steel FAQ - Latest super duper PM steel. extremely high carbon and chromium content. C - 3% and Cr - 20%. Very high hardness, several makers harden it to 65 or even 67HRC. As you can guess very expensive too. ZDP-189 steel and Cowry-X steel are very similar, in that those two have the same C and CR content. In 2009, Henckels representative in Tokyo did confirm MC66 being their codename for ZDP-189 with target median hardness of 66HRC. Later, in 2010 I was contacted by Henckels Japan head of operations and I got first hand confirmation from the source that MC66 is ZDP-189. Exact element makeup unknown, whatever I have in the Knife Steel Chart is not confirmed by Hitachi. Unlike Cowry-X, ZDP-189 contains Molybdenum, Tungsten and Vanadium. CUrrently, composition is more precise based on Spyderco Data. Overall, very good edge holding and toughness. Hard to sharpen compared to other steels, nothing impossible, really.

Favorite steel for a folder is a 3 way tie: S30VN, VG-10, or Elmax.

Favorite for fixed blades is INFI or A2.
 
 
Ankerson's list is a great resource for edge retention consideration. Ease of sharpening and corrosion resistance are also worth considering when choosing.

My favorite is CPM S35VN. It is a fantastic intersection of all 3 considerations, and available at modest price points. I carry and use Elmax, CPM S35VN, and CPM S30V pretty regularly. When touching them up, I find S35VN to be the least intensive, and it doesn't need touching up very often.
 
I think you have enough basic info without me adding to that racket, but my favorite steel is M390 (right now) for folders, and a tie between 3V and A2 for fixed (depends a lot on heat-treat and purpose). I carry a lot of steels though and love them, otherwise I wouldn't keep them.
My favorite budget steel is AUS8 (preferably AUS8A).
 
I like CPM S35VN and Bohler M390 for folders. Both are very stain resistant and stay razor sharp through a lot of use. Lesser stainless steels like 154CM, VG10, and S30V can get plenty sharp, but don't stay that way long.

For fixed blades I don't really care, so long as the knife is ground properly and there is plenty of material behind the edge so that it doesn't crack or chip.
 
For folders, I love D2, ZDP-189, CTS-XHP, CPM-M4. Not exactly thrilled with CPM-S30V; The exception being my PM2. I sold off all my S30V knives except the PM2. I have four knives from four manufacturers in D2; LionSteel, Brous, DPX, and Benchmade. All are phenomenal. I had a Spyderco Native 5 Forum edition in S110V, but sold it before I had a chance to test the steel, but from what I've heard/read, it is an excellent steel. VG-10 is ok IMO, as is 154cm. I like SOG and Cold Steel's AUS8.

Fixed blades I really like 1095. I have four fixed blades, ESEE 5 and Izula (1095), Schempp Rock (VG-10), and SOG Seal Pup (AUS-8). I also have a Shun (KAI) 6" Utility kitchen knife that is Damascus with a VG-10 core, sharpest knife I have had out of the box. 1095 and other carbon steels are prone to rust, but as long as you clean, dry and oil them after use in/around water or high humidity, you'll be fine.

I have/have had knives with other steels, but haven't kept/used them long enough to say anything much about them. These would be Elmax, CTS-204p, BG-42, 1095 Cro-Van. With the AUS series, stay away from anything lower than AUS-8, as they are crap. I would stay away from 8cr13mov and other chinese steels, but that's just me.

Ankerson has the best steel comparison charts I've seen, and is the most knowledgeable person I know on the subject.
 
All-purpose folding EDC: M390 because it is such a nice balance of wear resistance, strength and toughness. And it's stainless.

Light-duty fixed: K390 because it is reasonably tough and has mind-blowing wear resistance. I'd go with S110V if I needed stainless.

Heavy-duty fixed: 3V because it is as tough as nails and holds an edge well. Maybe Elmax if I needed stainless.

But really, there are a lot of steels that are excellent and that I would be happy to exchange for the ones above.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top