VG-10 & 154cm: Which do you like better....

I have a couple of knives in 154cm and ATS34. I can't tell any difference in edge holding between these blades and VG10.
I do find it much easier to sharpen VG10. I have a kitchen knife in VG10 that takes a fine edge and holds it forever - like at least 3 or 4 times that of 440C.
If I had to pick one, I'd prefer the VG10.
 
There isn't enough difference between the two to make either a deciding factor for me. I mark them as essentially equal, then decide based on knife design, production quality, size, etc.
 
Hi Flash,

Both 154Cm (Crucible foundry) and VG-10 (Takefu foundry) are very refined steels made by reputable foundries that have proven themselves to be consistent and high quality.

Both steels have "similar" chemistry and both are ingot or wrought steels. (not a powdered steel). Both seem to perform well with minor differences.

If you were making a knife in Japan and wanted to use a good stainless blade steel, VG-10 would be a strong consideration. If you were going to make that knife in the US, then 154Cm might be your choice.

The additional cost of shipping VG-10 to the US or 154Cm to Japan wouldn't, IMO, be worth the return.

sal
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Flash,

Both 154Cm (Crucible foundry) and VG-10 (Takefu foundry) are very refined steels made by reputable foundries that have proven themselves to be consistent and high quality.

Both steels have "similar" chemistry and both are ingot or wrought steels. (not a powdered steel). Both seem to perform well with minor differences.

If you were making a knife in Japan and wanted to use a good stainless blade steel, VG-10 would be a strong consideration. If you were going to make that knife in the US, then 154Cm might be your choice.

The additional cost of shipping VG-10 to the US or 154Cm to Japan wouldn't, IMO, be worth the return.

sal
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Thanks for the info, Sal!

I still like VG10 more.:D
 
Depends on the manufacturer. In my experience, Benchmade's 154cm does not hold an edge very long at all. I've also gotten 154cm to chip from hard cutting. I've only used VG10 from Spyderco, but find that that steel holds an edge much better while seeming to sharpen just as easy.
 
VG-10 is more stain/rust resistant, easier to sharpen and holds an edge noticeably longer than 154cm. I've beat the snot out of every VG-10 Spyderco I've got with no ill consequences, while my Benchmade 154cm edges looked extremely worn and sometimes chipped under really heavy use. So I say VG-10 all the way. If you want to improve without compromise, get an S30V blade and you're set :D
 
I have 154CM and VG-10 knives which are good all round blades but CPM154 I find worth the extra cost for it'a ability to sharpen easily and to a finer edge.
 
Handwrecker said:
Depends on the manufacturer. In my experience, Benchmade's 154cm does not hold an edge very long at all. I've also gotten 154cm to chip from hard cutting. I've only used VG10 from Spyderco, but find that that steel holds an edge much better while seeming to sharpen just as easy.
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For the most part, this is my experience. My perception of the two was pretty much what Sal posted (thanks for chiming in Sal), but experience as of late says otherwise. I've used VG-10 form Spyderco, Kershaw, and Mcusta and have liked the way it's preformed. I haven't had a lot of experience with 154cm aside for an CRKT Wild Weasel and recently a BM Rift, but for it to be used so widely by a company with the rep of BM I was expecting more. Which honestly makes me question the appeal of BM.

Anyway, I didn't know if my experience was isolated of if others shared my sentiment? Apparently I don't think I'm in the minority.
 
I prefer VG-10 over 154cm. But I'm not sure what I like better VG-10 or CPM154.
 
It's tough to say. Most of my experience with VG-10 is via Spyderco. Most of my experience with 154cm is from Emerson. I really love a properly executed chisel grind -- and Emerson has a great heat treatment; it might be better than typical for the industry.

That said -- I know I like VG-10 better for sharpening, polishing, and re-grinding purposes. It is extremely user-friendly and loves taking great edges and finishes on Japanese waterstones.

I suspect that non-pm 154cm is outclassed by equally well heat treated vg-10. Either way it is close.
 
In all honesty, I prefer 154CM. Probably because my first high end knife was made of it. Though I won't turn down a knife in VG-10.
 
I personally prefer 154cm, but i am more familiar with it. My 154CM grip seems to hold a better edge than any VG-10 knife I own.
 
VG10 for sure. Little easier to sharpen, holds an edge better and corrosion resistance is about the same. My experience only though.
 
Depends who does the HT.

Emerson must have changed the HT because last I heard it was around 57-58Rc and from my experience is horrible at edge retention and resistance to deformation.

Some of the best 154cm I've seen though has come from Coye knives, probably the only maker I'd consider that steel from.

VG10 I've only experienced through spyderco and while at first I wasn't very impressed it grew on me over time and has shown some excellent qualities. To me its a little like 1095's stainless brother, its easy to sharpen, takes a keen razor edge and holds it, will roll or deform upon hard contact, and is strong like bull.

To me, on the production level, VG10 out-classes 154cm by a good margin. Its easier to sharpen and polish along with having better edge retention and "toughness".
 
can't say which one I like better, it depends on the heat treat. but within the ATS34, 154CM, VG10, CPM154 and RWL34 series, I like RWL34 best.
 
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