S30v vs. VG10

ZippoThisKnifeThat

ZippoThisKnifeThat

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Oct 7, 2009
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So I am currently looking at the Native and see that it has the option of VG10 or S30V. I realize that S30v is popular amongst the people especially being used with the Military/para, but what I want to know is how much more money is S30v worth over VG10 [an already more than decent steel]????

I found the VG10 version for 40 shipped and then I have only come across a couple S30v and they were 60-65 range. Is S30v really worth the extra 20-25 bucks??

Thanks to all who input!
 
i can tell you first hand that S30V is more wear resistant than VG-10 . i sharpened both a native S30V (boss's) and my centofante 3 (VG-10) the other day , the VG-10 is much easier to sharpen .

here is your trade-off : do you want a knife that holds an edge longer but is harder to sharpen , or , do you want a knife that sharpens easier but doesn't hold an edge as long .

p.s. in no way am i saying that VG-10 losses an edge "fast" , but it wont hold an edge and as long as S30V .
 
Thank you for posting and ok I see what you are saying. I am very new to sharpening knives and have not had much practice and only own a simple Lansky Crock Stick sharpener..im scared to touch my spydies with it.

I guess im asking would you pay the extra money for S30v given the option?
 
It all depends on your budget - not ours. Some people will happily spend $1K on a knife. Because they can afford it. What can you afford?

Its all relative. The VG-10 will perform 99% of tasks perfectly adequately. You will have to sharpen it a bit more often than the S30V but it will take an edge easier than the S30V.

So if you get the VG-10 version you will need to overcome your fear of the sharpener.

Sharpening with a crock stick is easy anyway. A couple of runs on either side and you'll be good to go.

As a relative beginner I would say get the VG-10. Its a very user-friendly steel.
 
get the VG10 SE variant! Ill buy it off of you if you do not fall in love with it :thumbup:
 
In my experience, S30V takes one hell of a wicked edge, and VG-10 only slightly less so. I had no trouble stoning a nick out of my Manix (S30V,) but I pretty aggressive with it. Lots of pressure and a steep angle until it was gone. I wouldn't say that VG-10 is easier to sharpen, but it is certainly different. It's noticeably softer; The edge on an S30V blade would probably chip when VG-10 would have just flattened out or rolled.

Either is a fine blade steel, but S30V gets the nod when it comes to getting an absolutely stupid sharp edge. Might not be the best if you're new to sharpening, though (I used to be like that. I was afraid to put a stone to my precious Spyderco for fear of screwing it up. All you need is a little confidence; go slow and check your work often.)
 
ZippoThisKnifeThat said:
Thank you for posting and ok I see what you are saying. I am very new to sharpening knives and have not had much practice and only own a simple Lansky Crock Stick sharpener..im scared to touch my spydies with it.

I guess im asking would you pay the extra money for S30v given the option?
Click to expand...

from what it sounds , i suggest getting the VG-10 version , it's cheaper , easier to sharpen and it will give you more practice using your crock sticks .
 
Thank you Buffalohump hah that really put it into perspective for me. VG10 it is!
lol Dericdesmond that is very reassuring that I will like this knife, think im gonna go pe though.

Thanks for the help!
Edge retention is nice, but if it's as easy as a few swipes to touch up a VG10 think it's smarter economically to just go with the vg10 if that's really the only difference as far as performance.
 
Well don't forget that the VG-10 one is the native 3 and the s30v is the original handle style. The native 3 is thicker with a wire clip and a slight change in ergonomics.

Thought I'd throw that out there.
 
Supmonkeyface said:
Well don't forget that the VG-10 one is the native 3 and the s30v is the original handle style. The native 3 is thicker with a wire clip and a slight change in ergonomics.

Thought I'd throw that out there.
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Exactly...

natives_top.jpg
Some folks will prefer the thicker Native 3, others the original Native lightweight. VG-10 and S30V are close enough that a decision between these two models should probably be based on handle and clip preferences, rather than steel.

Paul
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My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
The Deacon's excellent picture says it all to me. Even if you assume that, for some purposes at least, S30V is "better" than VG-10, in real life use most people would not notice the difference, and even fewer would really care...at least that's my guess. No bad choice here, just get what suits you.

The Deacon said:
Exactly...

natives_top.jpg
Some folks will prefer the thicker Native 3, others the original Native lightweight. VG-10 and S30V are close enough that a decision between these two models should probably be based on handle and clip preferences, rather than steel.

Paul
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My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
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I say to get the VG10 Native. The slimmer handle will make it easier to carry.

Save the S30V for your Military or Paramilitary ;)
 
no experience with vg10. I loved my s30v, one of the first quality pocket knives that I carried daily. Super sharp, and the edge lasted forever... until I had to sharpen it :P as a complete newb to sharpening, I just made it duller and duller, if you are new you might opt for a different steel, or just practice sharpening other, cheaper knives first.
 
ctk123 said:
I say to get the VG10 Native. The slimmer handle will make it easier to carry.

Save the S30V for your Military or Paramilitary ;)
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You got that backwards. Native (CPMS30V) is slimmer, the Native III (VG-10) is fatter.

I personally find the Native easier to carry, but the Native III feels better in hand. Take your pick. :p No one said it was easy.
 
Not to derail your thread, but it makes me wonder how good 440V is compared to VG-10 and S30V. I have a couple original Natives in 440V that have never been used, but may have to give them a whirl to compare.
 
I believe 440v is s60v's other name right? I have a blur in that steel and it is hard! Maybe not as hard as s30v because it wasn't designed specifically for cutlery like s30v was. It is good anyway though.
 
After using both S30V and VG10 to cut cardboard and fiberglass strapping, I find them to be almost identical in edge holding. S30V seems to be a bit toothier than VG10, but both seem to hold an edge a very long time and seem to be equal when it comes to ease of sharpening, at least for me.

I like my S30V knives and I'm proud of them, but I'm also a big fan of VG10.
 
Slatts said:
Not to derail your thread, but it makes me wonder how good 440V is compared to VG-10 and S30V. I have a couple original Natives in 440V that have never been used, but may have to give them a whirl to compare.
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I had a Chinook made from 440V/S60V and it held a good edge, but was very difficult to sharpen, even using diamond hones. I was glad to get rid of the knife.
 
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