S30v vs. VG10

Wow I did not realize the thickness difference between the knives! Didn't even phase me that the handles and clip differed. Thanks for the pic!

lol Now this is frustrating. I like the idea of just going with vg10 [like the majority of my spydies] but I really like the slimmer handle on the s30v..but $25 dollar difference...wish they had the slimmer handle with the 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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No Slatts; not a derail attempt at all :) Actually I'm very glad you brought up the 440V Native. One reason is because that's been my main EDC for over a year now. I truly like 440V blade steel better than S30V for many reasons.

For hard, brutal usage I'm finding 440V to be better than it's successor S30V. Now don't get me wrong because S30V is truly better than many blade steels out there but I do not think it was an improvement over 440V ( S60V).

Also with the hard usage I've put my two Temperance models through I very much like VG-10 over S30V by a long shot.

As much vanadium as there is in 440V I can see why manufacturers would prefer S30V because it is easier to machine and it is easier to sharpen. But I put 440V & VG-10 ahead of S30V. If I can get a Golden CO Spyder in another blade steel other than S30V I'll opt to get it.
 
I've had some CRK folders in S30V, and some Spydercos in VG-10. I sharpen on a sharpmaker usually, but sometimes go it freehand when I'm on the job. On terms of edge-retention and resharpening, I haven't noticed a huge difference between the two. I would go with the Native whose handle you find more comfortable.
 
Both are truly excellent steels.

I wouldn't pay very much extra to get get the S30V, but I might pay extra to get a thinner blade.

Since it seems "fashionable" today to make knife blades about as thick as broadswords, (tacti-kewl, I guess) I'd pay a little extra for a blade that was only "extra" thick instead of "super" thick. :p
 
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I love S30V. I wish Spyderco would use it on more steels. For me, it stays sharper longer and touches up faster. The way it cut was better, too, but I'm guessing that is because of maybe a steeper angle and better grind compared to the D4/E4. Great stuff; highly recommended.
 
VG10 is great steel. I have a kitchen knife in VG10 that I haven't had to sharpen in a year - and it is still sharp. It is similar to ATS 34 - holds a great edge.
 
Very comparable steels IMHO; it takes a bit of work on both to get the final burr off. S30V may hold an edge a bit longer, but the VG-10 may be a bit tougher. Can't really go wrong with either.
 
The Vg10 model is Japanese made and the S30V is US made ("Golden Colorado USA earth".)

The flatter one (S30V original US model) would definitely be less noticeable, both visually ("sir what is that lump in your pocket") and tactile (you will also feel thicker lumpier folders in your pocket more.)

I don't think VG10 is the toughest steel around and I have seen a strider S30V take quite a pounding on knifetests.com, although to be perfectly honest I have my doubts any mass produced knife would have the same attention given to heat treat as a custom Strider, with Strider type knives probably being the exception S30V is not the toughest stuff around either.

I would probably rate S30V as able to hold an edge longer. For a small short blade like on a Native it (S30V) would be excellent in my opinion.

The grip shape, overall size, and ergos on the original Native does not require the use of thicker grips in my opinion but that is totally subjective to my personal preference for my medium sized hands.

Get what suits you, they both are good from what I hear, but I don't own the VG10 Native.
 
ZippoThisKnifeThat said:
Wow I did not realize the thickness difference between the knives! Didn't even phase me that the handles and clip differed. Thanks for the pic!

lol Now this is frustrating. I like the idea of just going with vg10 [like the majority of my spydies] but I really like the slimmer handle on the s30v..but $25 dollar difference...wish they had the slimmer handle with the vg10
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You can't go wrong with the Native in any configuration, but you really seem like you want to give S30V a shot, so I'd save up a few extra dollars and get it.

In my experience, S30V takes a finer edge, while VG-10 takes a much toothier, more aggressive edge. Your results may vary depending on sharpening preferences though. I can get both equally sharp, but S30V does hold an edge a bit longer, but I really don't see one as more difficult to sharpen than the other.

Again, save up the extra $25 and pick up the S30V if you really want it.

Good knives either way.
 
jimnolimit said:
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 .
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You confuse edge holding and wear resistance. Take in count too the toughness, the strength, the stain resistance. It often happens an edge looses its edge by chipping or rolling. S30V isn't more difficult to sharpen than VG10, may be more diificult to grind though.

dantzk.
 
dantzk8 said:
S30V isn't more difficult to sharpen than VG10, may be more diificult to grind though.
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it was harder for me (took a little more work) to put a new edge on the S30V vs when i have put new edges on VG-10 blades . i had to grind (with stones) a new edge on my boss's native (S30V) , he used a carbide pull sharpener on his knife and wrecked the edge , so under those circumstances the S30V was more wear resistant , as far as maintaining the edge , he hasn't asked me to touch it up yet . i could have been more clearer when explaining and used the term "tougher to grind" as opposed to "tougher to sharpen" .
 
In my experience with Spydie steels, VG-10 takes a finer edge and is tougher than S30V (it will roll or bend and not chip). Also, edge retention seems just about the same, although VG-10 is a lot easier to sharpen and reprofiling.
 
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