CPM-440V Steel

Both are great cutlery steels.

The CPM is a bit more brittle and much more of a PITA to resharpen but holds an edge considerably longer than VG-10. The latter is more inexpensive. When it comes to corrosion resistance, they are roughly equal IMO (both resist rust very well). Crucible's steel is very wear resistant because it's a high alloy metal, which provides a lot of incredibly hard carbides.
 
VG-10 is my favorite stainless. CPM 440V is one of my least favorite.

VG-10 takes a wicked sharp edge pretty easily. CPM 440V was difficult for me to get as sharp as I like knives to be, at least for a polished, push-cutting type edge. It does take a rough, slicing edge and holds it a long time if you are cutting abrasive materials. It doesn't perform so well if there is any signifigant edge impacting going on.

I have DMT hones and a Spyderco Sharpmaker and several other sharpening devices, and I had a lot of trouble getting the kind of shaving edge I like with the 440V.

I have no trouble with VG-10.

Both are premium steels; VG-10 just suits my personal preferences better. It acts more like a carbon steel to me.
 
I only have one knife in this alloy, which is a Dunn folder. I initally had a little problem with sharpening it, because I wasn't familiar with it. I did a primary bevel at 17 deg. and a secondary bevel at 20 deg. This type of bevel arrangement (not necessarily the deg.) was recommended by Cliff Stamp. It works great and no problem getting the shaving edge I want when finishing with leather strop and green compound. I have found that the key to this alloy seems to be, don't let it get completly dull before touching it up, and use diamond stones to make it a lot easier.
 
I have one of the old avlanches in cpm 440v and it is harder to sharpen, but I am able to strop the edge to maintain it.
 
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