VG10 vs 13C26

VG-10 easily, for its added corrosion resistance and edge holding. 13C26 is no slouch, but it ain't VG-10.
 
I have a Devin Thomas Damascus blade that uses AEB-L steel and it seems to outperform VG10, but I have been told that AEB-L is the same as 13C26. I'm wondering how this is.
 
SteelSnob said:
I have a Devin Thomas Damascus blade that uses AEB-L steel and it seems to outperform VG10, but I have been told that AEB-L is the same as 13C26. I'm wondering how this is.
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In what way does it "outperform" VG-10, and what other steels are used with AEB-L in this damascus blade? Is the edge geometry of the two knives (presuming that you're talking about one knife vs. one other knife) similar?
 
It seems to keep it's edge longer when cutting cardboard. I'm not sure what else is used in terms of steel. As far as geometry They seemed similar enough, one was saber ground and the other thin hollowground.
 
13C26 for thin edges but it depends on the heat treat. Edge holding is similar but 13C26 is tougher.
 
I also want to say I'm not a expert and I could be wrong. I'm more interested in what you guys have to say about the two steels, than I am trying to say one is better , because I don't know.
 
Main thing to know is that 13C26 has less carbides than VG-10 so it is tougher, easier to sharpen, and can hold a thinner edge better. At the same hardness, VG-10 in theory has better edge retention, but according to tests there's not much detectable difference between them.

I find corrosion resistance about the same. VG-10 has definitely rusted on me. It has more chromium than 13C26 but much of it is tied up in carbides. These chromium carbides precipitate to the grain boundaries where fractures can propagate in effect weakening the steel. High carbon stainless steels tend to have this issue.

VG-10 is more comparable to Sandvik's 19C27. Unlike these two steels 13C26 needs oil+cryo quench to reach above 59 rc, so in most knives the VG-10 will be harder and have better edge retention. I've used 13C26 at 63 rc, and have friends use it, and it holds up just fine due to its inherent toughness.
 
As much as I love my 13C26 and 14C28N steeled knives, my VG-10 steels are a step above in edge holding though takes a bit longer to sharpen. 13C26/14C28N is more than enough as my EDC knife steel but if I know I'm going to be doing a lot of cutting and for a long time, I grab one of my VG-10, S30V, ZDP-189, or D2 steeled knives.
 
Some of my blades are VG-10 and I really like it. I don't find that it takes much to sharpen, but I do have a DMT Aligner with 6 different grades of diamond hones - I don't find any steel hard to sharpen.

My Endura 4 came 'shaving sharp' and I have only had to strop it to keep it sharp so far. I slices very well and keeps a good edge.
I have some small knives from A.G. Russel and I really like the choice of VG-10 for the blades & Titanium for the scales - small, light, sharp & no corrosion.

So far I have encountered no negatives from my VG-10, but plenty of positives.
 
SteelSnob said:
I have a Devin Thomas Damascus blade that uses AEB-L steel and it seems to outperform VG10, but I have been told that AEB-L is the same as 13C26. I'm wondering how this is.
Click to expand...

SteelSnob said:
It seems to keep it's edge longer when cutting cardboard. I'm not sure what else is used in terms of steel. As far as geometry They seemed similar enough, one was saber ground and the other thin hollowground.
Click to expand...

The difference in shape can easily overshadow the difference in alloy. Geometry is more important than alloy, especially in cutting cardboard. Buck proved this when they developed their edge 2000 blade profile.
 
as members are aware i'm not unintelligent but computer ability is on level wityh a 3 yr. child. it's not easy to pick up for myself . what i meant to say hrs. ago was the steel charts show 13s26 to have a very pedestrian content & vg10 even has 1% colbalt.however i've learned that charts do'nt always show real life performance. totally agree with Knarfeng as to blade profile when actual cutting is occuring. k-bar issued a ski nner pattern around 1995 & it was 440a. this knife had a high-high grind & it cut cardboard 30 min. be that as it may i would probably pick vg10 over 13c just due to abrasion coeffiencients.
 
My feeling having used both steels is that the VG-10 is much more corrosion resistant then 13C26. This might be in large part based on the finish of the two steels (VG-10 is usually polished and the 13C26 is bead-blasted) but I typically get rust spots on 13C26.

The edge holding on the VG-10 seems better too. All my VG-10 knives have been Spyderco and all my 13C26 knives have been Kershaw. My use is general everyday stuff with some light outdoor use.

I actually prefer S30V to either.
 
I would go with VG-10. In my experience it has far superior edge retention and it is not too difficult to sharpen.
 
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