S30V vs VG10 – Comparing The Best Knife Steels

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Last updated on July 14th, 2023 at 02:51 pm

At A Glance
S30V, created by Crucible Industries, is renowned for wear resistance and edge holding due to its high carbon and vanadium content. VG10, a high-quality Japanese stainless steel, excels in edge retention and rust resistance, enhanced by the presence of cobalt. Both have comparable hardness, but S30V slightly outperforms VG10 in edge retention. Despite this, VG10 is favored for achieving a razor-sharp edge. S30V is typically more costly due to its advanced production process. The choice between them depends on the knife’s use and personal preferences.

Top Rated Knives

Blade steel is one of the most vital elements to consider when selecting a knife. S30V and VG10 are two highly regarded blade steels that frequently find themselves up for comparison. In this article, we will juxtapose S30V and VG10 in terms of their composition, hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening to figure out which one excels for knives.

Entering the intricate realm of knife-making materials can be intimidating, whether you’re an old hand or just starting out.

In an attempt to shed light on this subject, this article will present a comprehensive comparison between two favored knife steel types: Crucible Industries’ S30V (CPM S30V) and Takefu’s VG10.

We’ll be analyzing their composition and how they measure up in terms of their composition, hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening to deduce which one is superior for knives.

Steel Background

Before delving into the comparison, it’s critical to comprehend what each steel type signifies and how they are produced.

CPM S30V

Developed by Crucible Industries in collaboration with renowned knifemaker Chris Reeve, this is a martensitic powder-made stainless steel. Its high vanadium content makes it particularly resistant to wear and tear, while its fine grain structure ensures superior edge holding capabilities. The “CPM” represents Crucible’s proprietary Crucible Particle Metallurgy process, ensuring a homogeneous, high-quality steel.

➤ Read More: Read Our S30V Steel Review

VG10

VG10 is a high-end Japanese stainless steel, widely recognized for its excellent edge retention and rust resistance. Originally, VG10 steel was used in Japanese chef knives but has found its way into several styles of premium knives today. The “VG” stands for “gold standard,” a nod to the high quality of this steel.

Steel Composition

The initial point of comparison lies in the chemical composition of each steel.

CPM S30V

• Carbon: 1.45%
• Chromium: 14%
• Molybdenum: 2%
• Vanadium: 4%
• Manganese: .5%
• Silicon: .3%
• Phosphorus: .025%
• Sulfur: .015%

VG10

• Carbon: 1%
• Chromium: 15%
• Molybdenum: 1%
• Vanadium: .2%
• Cobalt: 1.5%
• Manganese: .5%
• Phosphorus: .03%
• Sulfur: .02%

The composition highlights that S30V has a higher Carbon and Vanadium content, while VG10 includes Cobalt, which is missing in S30V. This contributes to S30V’s superior wear resistance, and VG10’s unique balance of sharpness and durability.

CPM S30V vs VG10 – Complete Comparison

Hardness

Hardness influences a knife’s edge retention and resistance to wear.

CPM S30V has a Rockwell hardness (HRC) of 59-61, offering an excellent balance between hardness and toughness. It’s resistant to deformation and ensures long-lasting edge sharpness.

VG10 typically has a Rockwell hardness (HRC) of 59-61, making it comparable to S30V in terms of hardness. However, the addition of Cobalt increases the steel’s strength, leading to excellent edge stability.

Toughness

Toughness refers to the steel’s ability to resist chips and cracks.

S30V is a tough steel that can endure heavy use without chipping or breaking, thanks to its well-balanced composition and fine grain structure from the Crucible Particle Metallurgy process.

VG10, while also being tough, may not be as resistant to chipping compared to S30V, especially under heavy use. However, its excellent heat treatment can help enhance its toughness.

Corrosion Resistance

The corrosion resistance of a steel indicates its ability to resist rust and oxidation.

With 14% Chromium, S30V offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in wet or humid conditions.

VG10, having 15% Chromium and the addition of Cobalt, also provides superior corrosion resistance, and is particularly favored for culinary knives for this reason.

Ease of Sharpening

Ease of Sharpening signifies how easy the steel is to sharpen with normal methods. It usually correlates inversely with edge retention and hardness.

S30V, although harder than some steels, is relatively easy to sharpen. However, achieving a razor-sharp edge can be somewhat challenging due to its high Vanadium content.

VG10, on the other hand, despite its hardness, is well-known for its ability to attain a razor-sharp edge. This makes it a preferred choice for applications requiring extreme sharpness, like in kitchen knives.

Edge Retention

Edge retention denotes the steel’s ability to maintain its sharpness during use.

S30V is highly appreciated for its excellent edge retention, owing to its high hardness and Vanadium content.

VG10 also exhibits excellent edge retention, assisted by its high Chromium and Cobalt content. However, in terms of absolute edge holding, S30V might have a slight edge over VG10.

Price

As premium knife steels, both S30V and VG10 can be quite expensive compared to lower-end options. However, S30V generally tends to be more costly due to the advanced manufacturing process and slightly superior performance characteristics.

Conclusion

Both S30V and VG10 make for impressive blade steels, each with its unique strengths. S30V stands out with its superior wear resistance and slightly better edge retention, making it an ideal choice for heavy-duty knives. VG10 shines with its exceptional sharpness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening, making it an excellent option for kitchen knives or other applications requiring a keen edge.

Choosing between S30V and VG10 will largely depend on the intended use of the knife and personal preferences. Both steels are highly regarded in the knife community and are used extensively by top manufacturers. As always, ensure you’re purchasing from a reputable brand to guarantee the blade steel is of high quality and correctly heat-treated.