vg10 BLADE VERSUS cm30 BLADE...WHIH IS SOFTER AN EASIER TO SHARPEN?

colubrid · Feb 5, 2015

Undecided one my next two purchases of two knives. First in a para 11 with CPM30V and the other a blue handle VG10 endure.

Which one is easier to sharpen?

which has better rust inhibiting qualities?

Which is more likely to break with hard use?

I know most will say the Para II. Just wonder if the beautiful endure with navy blue grips is something I will ejoy more for a hard work knife and its lighter weight?

numbersman · Feb 5, 2015

I love the sheer usefulness of the Endura. VG-10 blade? Sounds fantastic. The Para-2 is also a great knife, although mine is S30-V, so I can't comment on that steel. But the Para-2 is pretty heavy, and for general duties, I just flat out prefer the Endura. It is a super easy knife to carry and use. Cuts beautifully, and will find itself in your pocket more often than the Para-2. In my opinion!

TravisH · Feb 5, 2015

If you're doing construction or bushcraft, the PM2.
Else, the Endura.

Any blade can break. Plz define "hard use". For hard use, consider a Sabre grind Endura over a Full Flat grind Endura.

VG10 is easier to sharpen but, for the non-novice sharpener, the difference is trivial. Noticeable but trivial.

Rust resistance is essentially the same. BUT ... if rust is a major environmental hazard in your usage, the Pacific Salt (Endura) in rustproof H1 steel is the answer. And a PS in H1 is a cutting beast!

Jason B. · Feb 5, 2015

The two steels in question are Takefu VG-10 and Crucible Particle Metallurgy's S30V.

The variations of S30V given above are incorrect termanology.

Between the two VG-10 if far easier to sharpen and does not require diamond or ceramic to sharpen unlike S30V. It obtains a higher degree of sharpness and holds it much better than S30V. S30V is better at holding a coarse working edge that's just below shaving sharp.

I use a Spyderco Endura daily, I have no issues with it not being tough but at the same time I don't intentionally abuse my knives.

RayseM · Feb 5, 2015

Jason B. said:
Between the two VG-10 if far easier to sharpen and does not require diamond or ceramic to sharpen unlike S30V. It obtains a higher degree of sharpness and holds it much better than S30V. S30V is better at holding a coarse working edge that's just below shaving sharp.

I use a Spyderco Endura daily, I have no issues with it not being tough but at the same time I don't intentionally abuse my knives.

My knife use bears this out. VG-10 is a favorite for my EDC. I have no complaints with the S30V - but the comparison above is accurate in my experience.

Stays Sharp · Feb 5, 2015

Jason B. said:
Between the two VG-10 if far easier to sharpen and does not require diamond or ceramic to sharpen unlike S30V. It obtains a higher degree of sharpness and holds it much better than S30V. S30V is better at holding a coarse working edge that's just below shaving sharp.

I use a Spyderco Endura daily, I have no issues with it not being tough but at the same time I don't intentionally abuse my knives.

My experience also. On my users with VG10, I am very content with its performance and actually prefer it over S30v for the very reasons you stated. Also ridiculously easy to sharpen and touch up.

JD Spydo · Feb 5, 2015

I like VG-10 blade steel much better than I do S30V any day of the week. I'm not saying that S30V is junk or inferior but I've just simply had much better luck with it overall myself. And consider the fact that I'm a huge fan of CPM steels>> but S30V isn't one that I like much.

I've had such great luck overall with VG-10 blade steel over the years it's just become my dependable, go-to blade steel. Not to mention there are so many great Spyderco models I really like that come with VG-10.

VG-10 just seems to hold an edge better for me and as far as other properties and selling points of the steel I can't hardly find any complaints at all It sure makes a great fixed blade steel and the three VG-10 fixed blades I own are ones I won't part with.

It's kind of funny in a way but considering S30V?? I actually like it's predecessor 440V better myself and especially on Spyderedged blades.

jeeper9010 · Feb 8, 2015

If you're opening letters cutting thread or just like a razor sharp edge to shave arm hairs and is easy to maintain, get vg10. If you cut cardboard or rope or whittle tinder from sticks get s30v. As other have said vg10 for a fine easy to maintain ridiculously sharp edge or s30v for a hair below in sharpness but maintains that level for heavier use.

I have several spydercos in both. In general I prefer my bigger blades to be s30v. My lighter edc in vg10. On a side note, I actually prefer the m4 in my Gayle Bradley to both but its not a stainless and you didn't mention it. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Aznareps · Feb 16, 2015

Personally VG-10 hands down

Rust resistance
Ease of sharpening
Edge retention
All above mentioned
etc...

MacLaren1 · Feb 16, 2015

Jason B. said:
The two steels in question are Takefu VG-10 and Crucible Particle Metallurgy's S30V.

The variations of S30V given above are incorrect termanology.

Between the two VG-10 if far easier to sharpen and does not require diamond or ceramic to sharpen unlike S30V. It obtains a higher degree of sharpness and holds it much better than S30V. S30V is better at holding a coarse working edge that's just below shaving sharp.

I use a Spyderco Endura daily, I have no issues with it not being tough but at the same time I don't intentionally abuse my knives.

VG10 is wonderful. But the way you sharpen my S30V and other steels - well, its all good! Seriously, if you guys get the chance, send Jason some steel. The guy is amazing.