VG-10 vs CMP-440V

jefroman

jefroman

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What do you think is the better steel? Judging by toughness, edge retention, and rust resitance.

Jeff
 
Two very different animals. VG-10 is very tough and stain resistant, holds an edge well. 440V is moderately tough, depending on heat treatment, and moderately stain resistant, and holds an edge a very long time, again depending on heat treatment. The choice between the two seems to be between toughness and edge holding, with VG-10 being the choice for toughness, 440V being the choice for edge holding.

The impression one gets from the forums is that Spyderco isn't really getting the most out of 440V, heat treatment wise, but that VG-10 is working out really well for them. Well heat treated VG-10 might be preferable to a compromised 440V, no matter what you are looking for.
 
I have used both steels from Syderco and I like the VG-10 much better than their 440v. The VG-10 seems to hold an edge longer and is easier to sharpen thats my option any way. I am limited to Sypderco's 440v.
 
Anyone compared Kershaw's CPM440V with Spyderco's VG-10? I have a Random Task but I have yet to acquire a Calypso Lwt Jr.
 
What about the VG10 on the SERE 2000? Is the heat treating the same or better than Spyderco's?
Knifeman==>-----
 
My Native FRN plain edge is the most aggravating blade to sharpen that I own. I have no explaination for this. My new Native serrated is scary sharp, and wants to bleed me dry every time I take it out!
OTOH My Moran is a fantastic blade, very easy to sharpen; sharper than any razor. Same with the Sebenza and BM 710 ATS-34. No more 440v for me.
 
I have both (a Millie and a Lum Chinese) and I've sharpened others. VG-10 all the way. I'll admit that CPM-440V might hold an edge a little longer, but not by much--and VG-10 wins in every other way.
 
I had some issues with Kershaw's 440V until I figured out how thin I could get the edge without having it roll or chip out. Once I got it dialed my Kershaw Ricochet would cut cardboard bike boxes with ease for a really long time without going dull. However, when I accidentally hit a large metal packing staple it chipped and literally tore out part of the edge. I've done the same with a Benchmade 710 (ats-34) and ended up with only a few chips in the edge.

Now here's a strange thing, one day I got bored and decided to cut up some pop cans with my knives. I found that as long as I made careful cuts, the 440V Ricochet would stay sharp longer than anything else with the possible exception of my M2 710.
 
aerius :

one day I got bored and decided to cut up some pop cans with my knives. I found that as long as I made careful cuts, the 440V Ricochet would stay sharp longer than anything else with the possible exception of my M2 710
Click to expand...

CPM-440V has a very high wear resistance as compared to most cutlery stainless (VG-10, ATS-34, 440C). On any kind of material that has the ability to significantly abrade the edge it will perform very strongly. On any kind of material that tends to deform the edge, it doesn't do as well as the other stainless steels are usually harder and therefore resist indendation and deformation better.

This generalization fails if the CPM-440V/420V has been heat treated by someone like Phil Wilson as he runs his at similar levels to his ATS-34, and thus the CPM steels will be just as strong or stronger. These are not general heavy use knives though, but pure cutters.

-Cliff
 
Just got a Starmate. Read a lot of good and bad things about it. Though it wasn't quite as sharp out of the box as others I have gotten a few licks of the white sticks in sharpmaker got it hair lifting sharp. Time will tell how long it lasts. So far my BM 710 in ATS-34 has proven the longest wearing in real world cutting. Had to cut a lot of 1" thick nylon rope. The thing just kept cutting and cutting. Took quite a while before it slowed down. Then a few strokes brought it back in short order. It seems less forgiving of stains if not cleaned quickly. Hope the 440v holds as well. Have yet to purchase a VG-10 but the general consenus sounds good.
 
Maybe its just me, but I cant seem to get the 440V as scary sharp as I can the VG10 and other steels. My vote goes to VG10. I wish I could obtain a few pieces of VG10 to make a couple of small knives out of.
 
I'm with Danbo. I have a Kershaw Boa in 440V, and I just can't get the same caliber of edge on it that I can on a VG10 blade.

I tend to prefer carbon steel, but VG10 is my favorite stainless. It seems to take a finer edge that feels more like the edge you can put on a good carbon steel blade.
 
Amen, Brother Coonskinner. You speaketh the truth. Nothing like the edge you can get on a good high carbon steel.
 
To be more specific, I can get the best edge on my 52100 blades. Although plain old sneered at 1095 takes a wicked edge and cuts great, IMO.
 
I have VG 10 on my William Henry. Works great for light use. I don't have that steel in any hard use blades.
 
I have used and sharpened both a lot.

CPM 440v as used by Spyderco is a great steel it resists rust better and holds an edge longer when you use it for medium and light work. Start to chop and hack however and the inherent lack of strength of this steel shows more than VG-10. However for a folding knife either are top end steels. I would prefer VG-10 but CPM 440v is just behind it. For folding knife edge holding 440V is better as is the rust resistance. VG-10 is tougher but does not hold an edge as well.

Up to you!:cool:
 
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