Good VG10 vs custom 1095

[Davyd]

Appreciate some understanding of the difference between stainless and carbon.

I read a review of a Fallkniven F1 (which I have) verus a custom Bear Grylls clone (in 1095 I think).

the reviewer came out in favour of the very expensive clone, for his purposes, on the basis
1. slicing - which is a really a comparison of a high flat grind versus a convex grind
2. The hand tempered 1095 stayed sharper marginally longer, for camp chores, thant the VG10 cutting edge of the F1

This surprised me as I thought that one of the newer stainless metals like VG10, with a good temper, outperformed even the best tempered non stainless these days?

Can anyone explain this?

 

[Jason B.]

Some of the best stainless steels are just catching up to the performance of a carbon or carbon alloy.

 

[theamazingdrew]

Some of the best stainless steels are just catching up to the performance of a carbon or carbon alloy.

yep I agree, new "ground breaking" super steels can be out preformed by the most basic carbon steel. with a wipe after use and oil when being stored carbon will not rust, kind of makes stainless steel useless.

 

[JD Spydo]

I love VG-10 and I have had great luck with it on my Spyderco blades. The 2 I particularly use hard are my two fixed blade Temperance 1 models. Those blades must have been done as good as you can do VG-10 because they sure take immense punishment and hold an edge very well.

I've heard great things about Fallkniven's laminated VG-10. Since I sold my CS TRailmaster with CArbon V I decided my next big bowie is going to be the Fallkniven THOR model. The 2 people I've talked to that have that knife tell me it's the best production bowie you can get without going the custom route. Not to mention it's a gorgeous design.

I've heard that RAT Cutlery has the very best 1095 blades on the market. But I've never used one myself so I can't personally confirm that.

 

[PocketEdge]

Good Question.

I think its preference and the knife's intended use. Anyone can write a review. I personally like carbon because it's time tested, stays very sharp, it's enjoyable to sharpen and aquires a nice patina. It requires care but anybody who appreciates a good knife enjoys caring for it.

I have yet to hear any knowledgeable person state that VG-10 is better than 1095 or visa versa.

I am looking forward to the opinion of others.

 

[Gator97]

I don't think in 2010 VG-10 can be considered as either ground breaking or new. It's a good, old, well tested and proven stainless steel. 1095, is I guess a lot older than that

I am very sure 1095 at 64+ hrc will outlast VG-10, which maxes out at 62 HRC.

On the other hand, I wouldn't be dismissive of the new alloys such as ZDP-189, CPM 110V and other PM, CPM etc exotic steels. There is a very solid science and research behind those alloys and it's not exactly fair to compare improperly heat treated super duper steel to an old carbon steel with near perfect HT.

As far as I understand those new alloys do require more expensive equipment to get proper HT, higher temperatures as well. Even factory makers have trouble with those, plus other factors leading to lower RC.
Not so complicated with 10xx and older steels in general.

 

[DennisStrickland]

vg10 is a very decent s.s. everyone pretty well knows i'm a carbon steel kat. 1095 can be tweaked to perform as well as any of the super alloys. if you go with a good maker whom is using 1095 you might be surprised how enduring the edge is. i've just touched up 2 knives this evening, sog spec elite in vg10 & gec mdl23 in 1095.now i did'nt go past stropping on leather with jewelers rouge after the xtra fine diamond but vg10 would'nt get quite as sharp 1095 at 58r.r.if you do'nt mind the xtra care involved with carbon , go with 1095.