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- May 21, 2000
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What do you all think about VG10? Edge holding? Sharpening? Durability? I was looking for some other steel besides CPM-440v. Thanks.
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Vg10?
- Thread starter Mitchell Knives
- Start date
The sharpenability is right up there with the best; I have consistently been able to get really sharp edges on the two Spydercos I own in VG-10. Corrosion resistance is also excellent, and toughness, judging by a Cliff Stamp review of some Fallknivens in VG-10, is good. Definitely a good steel.
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- Jun 29, 1999
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- 9,806
Do a search here; VG-10 has come up a number of times. It is the only stainless steel in my experience to hold an edge as well as high carbon -- specifically, Carbon V. A buddy of mine and I skinned a black bear, he with his CS North American Hunter in Carbon V while I used my Fallkniven F1. It is a little more difficult to sharpen than carbon steels but that isn't a big factor with diamond hones. It is similar to other high-end stainless steels (BG-42, etc.), but has an additional component, cobalt, which is supposed to enhance the effects of the other alloying elements. I believe Spyderco's tests indicate it is a better edge holder than ATS-34, and Fallkniven switched from ATS-34 to VG-10 after exhaustive tests. A particular heat treatment (supposedly a trade secret) also has a good deal to do with VG-10's qualities. It involves cryogenic treatment, according to Fallkniven. About the only criticism I've heard is cosmetic: VG-10 has an 'orange peel' appearance if examined closely, and doesn't take as high a polish as some stainless steels which can be buffed to a mirror finish. My F1 takes a scarey sharp convex edge and holds it magnificently. Fallkniven's web site carries data on the independent tests it had done of VG-10. It is confirmed by those as a very strong steel, in addition to its other qualities.
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- Mar 15, 2000
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Disclaimer: I'm not a steel expert. I just play one on the internet.
VG-10 is great stuff. Of all the knives I've sold, the only one I really regret is a Spyderco full-sized Calypso in VG-10. I do, however, have the steel in the Spydie Moran fixed blade and the Calypso Jr. Lightweight.
I agree with Alberta. These two knives, along with my CS Master Hunter in Carbon V, take the sharpest edge of all my knives. VG-10 can get scalpel sharp and holds an edge nicely.
I've read here that the steel was developed for Japanese horticulturalists. It is sharp enough to prune/cut plant tissue without damaging the cellular structure. It slices cleanly with no mashing.
Get some and try it. I can recommend both of the Spydercos listed above. The Calypso Lightweight Jr. is a great little package and recently discontinued, but you can still find a lot of them out there pretty inexpensively. If you want to go whole hog on a VG-10 knife, take a look at the Fallknivens. If I didn't already have the Spydie Moran and the Cold Steel Master Hunter, Fallkniven is the route I'd go for a fixed blade.
VG-10 is great stuff. Of all the knives I've sold, the only one I really regret is a Spyderco full-sized Calypso in VG-10. I do, however, have the steel in the Spydie Moran fixed blade and the Calypso Jr. Lightweight.
I agree with Alberta. These two knives, along with my CS Master Hunter in Carbon V, take the sharpest edge of all my knives. VG-10 can get scalpel sharp and holds an edge nicely.
I've read here that the steel was developed for Japanese horticulturalists. It is sharp enough to prune/cut plant tissue without damaging the cellular structure. It slices cleanly with no mashing.
Get some and try it. I can recommend both of the Spydercos listed above. The Calypso Lightweight Jr. is a great little package and recently discontinued, but you can still find a lot of them out there pretty inexpensively. If you want to go whole hog on a VG-10 knife, take a look at the Fallknivens. If I didn't already have the Spydie Moran and the Cold Steel Master Hunter, Fallkniven is the route I'd go for a fixed blade.
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2001
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- 2,491
VG-10 is an excellent performer, the only stainless I really get excited about.
It has been my experience, as others have already stated, that it takes a finer edge than most other stainless steels.
It has been my experience, as others have already stated, that it takes a finer edge than most other stainless steels.
- Joined
- May 21, 2000
- Messages
- 6,249
How does VG-10 hold an edge as compared to CPM-440v?
I have 2 VG-10 blades, Spydie Viele and William Henry Evolution (wharncliffe blade). Both have consistently given me very good edges using the Spydie Sharpmaker. Sharp enough to make the hair on my arm fall off without even touching the skin or giving any "dragging" feeling. This, IMHO, shows that the grain is very fine and that the steel is capable of taking a razor edge.
The closest I have ever come to the same feeling is with the Spydie Endura in ATS-55 after careful sharpening on the Sharpmaker. The edge was ok and could shave, but there was still a bit of "catching" or "dragging", and the edge had to be placed against the skin.
I can't comment relative to BG-42 because the only knife that I have in the steel so digusted me with its fit and finish that I have not touched it in a long time. As to comparison with CPM440V, I have not used my Kershaw Boa enough to warrant resharpening (too big and heavy except with jeans, so gets left home alot).
The closest I have ever come to the same feeling is with the Spydie Endura in ATS-55 after careful sharpening on the Sharpmaker. The edge was ok and could shave, but there was still a bit of "catching" or "dragging", and the edge had to be placed against the skin.
I can't comment relative to BG-42 because the only knife that I have in the steel so digusted me with its fit and finish that I have not touched it in a long time. As to comparison with CPM440V, I have not used my Kershaw Boa enough to warrant resharpening (too big and heavy except with jeans, so gets left home alot).