Choosing the right steel for your knife is crucial to ensure its performance, durability, and longevity. Two popular options on the market are VG-10 and S30V. Both of these steels have their unique features that make them popular among knife enthusiasts. In this article, we will provide an in-depth comparison of VG-10 and S30V, to help you determine which one is best for your needs.

Here is the short answer:

VG-10 and S30V are both high-quality steels that offer excellent performance, corrosion resistance, and toughness. VG-10 is easier to sharpen and more affordable, while S30V is more durable, harder, and holds its edge longer.

With the short answer out of the way, we can look in-depth at each steel, what they are made of, how they compare in-depth, and the best knives in each steel

In-Depth Look at VG-10

VG-10 is a high-quality steel that is popular among knife makers due to its excellent performance and ease of sharpening. It was developed by Takefu Special Steel in Japan and is a high carbon stainless steel with a mix of chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium. VG-10 has excellent corrosion resistance and is very durable, making it an ideal choice for kitchen knives and other high-performance blades. It is also easier to sharpen than some other high-performance steels, making it a popular choice for those who are new to knife sharpening.

Here is what VG-10 is made of:

• 1% carbon
• 15.5% chromium
• 1.2% molybdenum
• 0.3% vanadium
• 0.5% manganese
• 1.5% cobalt

Each component of the steel does different things: Carbon increases strength and edge retention, chromium will increase corrosion resistance and edge retention, vanadium will increase wear resistance, and manganese will increase strength. 

In-Depth Look at S30V

S30V is a popular steel that was developed by Crucible Industries in collaboration with knife maker Chris Reeve. It is a high-performance steel that is known for its excellent edge retention and durability. S30V is a mix of carbon, chromium, and vanadium, and also includes a small amount of niobium. It has excellent corrosion resistance and is also very hard, which makes it ideal for knives that need to withstand heavy use. However, its hardness also makes it more difficult to sharpen than other steels, and it can be prone to chipping if not used properly.

Here is what S30V is made of:

• 1.45% carbon
• 14% chromium
• 2% molybdenum
• 4% vanadium

In-depth Comparison

When comparing VG-10 and S30V, it’s important to consider their strengths and weaknesses. VG-10 is easier to sharpen and more affordable than S30V, which makes it an excellent choice for those who are new to knife sharpening or who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a high-performance steel. However, VG-10 does not hold its edge as long as S30V, and it can be prone to chipping if not used properly.

S30V, on the other hand, is much harder and more durable than VG-10. It holds its edge longer and is more resistant to chipping and wear. However, it is more difficult to sharpen than VG-10, which can be a challenge for some users. Additionally, S30V is more expensive than VG-10, which may be a consideration for those on a budget.

Overall, both VG-10 and S30V are excellent choices for knife enthusiasts, and the choice between them will depend on the specific needs of the user. For users who want a steel that is easy to sharpen and more affordable, VG-10 is an excellent choice. For users who need a knife that is more durable and holds its edge longer, S30V is the better option.

Best knives in each steel

Now that we have looked at each steel and how they compare, we can look at the best knives in each steel.

Benchmade Adamas (Cruwear)

The Adamas is a heavy-duty EDC knife that is made to be used heavily. The Adamas weighs 7 ounces so it is very heavy but it has a 4-inch blade and a 5-inch handle. If you need a knife that can take a beating then the Adamas is for you.

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

Spyderco DragonFly 2 (VG-10)

The Spyderco DragonFly is a high-quality, lightweight, smooth-opening EDC knife. It has a 2.3-inch VG-10 blade, an FRN handle, a thumbhole for opening, and weight only 1.2 ounces. If you want a compact lightweight EDC knife you should check this one out.

Here is a link to this knife (link to Amazon)

Conclusion

Choosing between VG-10 and S30V can be a difficult decision, as both steels have their advantages and disadvantages. VG-10 is easier to sharpen and more affordable, while S30V is more durable and holds its edge longer. 

Ultimately, the choice between these two steels will depend on the specific needs of the user. Whether you need a knife that is easy to sharpen and more affordable or one that is more durable and holds its edge longer, both VG-10 and S30V are excellent choices for knife enthusiasts. When it comes to knife making, selecting the right steel can make a significant difference in terms of overall performance and durability. Both VG-10 and S30V are popular choices among knife enthusiasts, and they each have their strengths and weaknesses.