VG10 steel pocket knife

How good is VG10 steel?

When it comes down to a steel type 'good' is of course relative term. A steel type is as good as it adheres to the demands of the user. So how does that pan out for VG10? VG10 is a hard type of steel. This hardness increases the sharpness retention, even with intensive use. The high chrome content further ensures that is protected against rust and stains. It is exactly for this reason that VG10 is also used for food-prep. VG10 can be sharpened razor-sharp, making it an excellent steel type for precise cutting tasks.

What are the disadvantages of VG10 steel?

With so many steel types out there it can be quite the task to determine which is the best choice for you. That is why it is also important to keep the 'disadvantages' of VG10 in mind. VG10 is hard, but not as tough as other high-end steel types. As such it is more sensitive to chipping.

Which is better? VG10 compared to...?

Many types of steel are used to produce pocket knives. But which steel type is better? First and foremost, this depends on what you are looking for. However, if you do want to make a comparison: in terms of features VG10 is very similar to Böhler N690. Both steel types are comparable when you look at composition and performance. They retain their sharpness well and are similar in terms of corrosion resistance. In the end the choice between the two can come down to personal preference or specific brands that use either steel type.

VG10 fans: which brands use VG10 steel?

You have never been more sure: you are looking for a pocket knife with a blade made from VG10 steel. But which brand uses this type of steel for their pocket knives and appeals to you most? VG10 is used by many different knife manufacturers, especially in Japan. Brands such as Miyabi and Shun, for instance, use VG10 for kitchen knives. An example of a pocket knife brand that uses VG10 is Spyderco. This brand uses VG10 for the Delica 4 and the Dragonfly 2. Check out all Spyderco knives with VG10 steel.

VG10 maintenance

VG10, like any type of steel, needs to maintained to make the most of it. For VG10 it is important to properly clean and dry the blade after use to prevent corrosion.

A sharp edge ensures that your pocket knife will function as it should. Make sure that you use good sharpening stones when sharpening VG10. VG10 is namely a hard type of steel and will therefore be a little more difficult to sharpen. For the sharpening experts amongst us: for the more demanding tasks you can decide to sharpen the edge at a less acute angle to improve sustainability and prevent chipping.