VG 10 vs CPM S45VN Knife Steel Comparison

---

title: "VG 10 vs CPM-S45VN: A Comprehensive Guide for Knife Enthusiasts" meta_description: "Discover the key differences between VG 10 and CPM-S45VN knife steels. Learn about compositions, heat treatments, and real-world performance to find your perfect blade."

VG 10 vs CPM-S45VN: A Comprehensive Guide for Knife Enthusiasts

When it comes to premium stainless steels, two names often pop up among knife collectors and enthusiasts: VG 10 and CPM-S45VN. Both steels have carved a reputation for offering an impressive blend of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall performance. This article takes a detailed look at how VG 10 and CPM-S45VN compare—from their chemical compositions and heat-treatment ranges to their real-world performance. Whether you are into bushcraft, EDC, kitchen use, survival tasks, or tactical applications, understanding the nuances of these steels will help you choose the perfect blade material for your needs.

---

1. Introducing VG 10

1.1 Composition and Alloy Element Effects

VG 10 is a Japanese stainless steel renowned for its sharpness and corrosion resistance. Its typical composition includes:

• Carbon (~1.0%): Contributes to edge retention and hardness.
• Chromium (~15%): Improves corrosion resistance and hardness.
• Cobalt (~1.4%): Enhances strength and hardness, helping to refine grain structure.
• Molybdenum (~1.05%): Boosts wear resistance and hardness uniformity.
• Vanadium (~0.2%): Refines grain structure, aiding in edge stability.

Effects of Key Elements:

• Carbon increases hardness and helps the steel hold a sharper edge.
• Chromium at this level makes VG 10 “stainless,” granting it very good corrosion resistance.
• Cobalt helps achieve a finer grain structure during heat treatment, which can lead to better edge stability.
• Molybdenum and vanadium both enhance wear resistance while maintaining toughness.

1.2 Typical Hardness (Rockwell C) Ranges and Practical Implications

Most VG 10 blades fall in the 58–61 HRC range. At these hardness levels:

• The steel can take a very fine edge.
• Wear resistance is good, though extremely abrasive tasks may dull the edge faster than some higher-vanadium steels.
• Sharpening remains relatively straightforward—VG 10 is well-known for its excellent ease of sharpening.

1.3 Heat-Treatment Nuances and Forging

VG 10 generally does not require overly complex heat-treatment procedures, but it does benefit from precise temperature control to maximize its edge retention and corrosion resistance. This steel:

• Benefits from austenitizing (heating) in the range of 1,000–1,100 °C, followed by quenching.
• Is not particularly notorious for warping or cracking, although proper soak times and careful normalization cycles (if forging) help maintain consistency.
• Is often used in laminated or “clad” blades, especially in Japanese kitchen knives, pairing the VG 10 core with softer steel for added toughness.

1.4 Key Performance Characteristics of VG 10

• Corrosion Resistance: VG 10 has very good corrosion resistance, making it suitable for wet or humid environments.
• Toughness: Overall fair toughness—VG 10 can handle typical kitchen and light outdoor tasks without chipping if not abused.
• Edge Retention: Considered good, especially for everyday cutting tasks and kitchen use.
• Ease of Sharpening: VG 10 has very good ease of sharpening, making it popular among people who prefer quick touch-ups.

1.5 Ideal Uses of VG 10

VG 10 is widely used in:

• Kitchen knives: Its corrosion resistance and easy sharpenability are perfect for food prep.
• EDC folders: Compact VG 10 folders excel in daily cutting tasks.
• Gentle bushcraft: While capable, it might not be the top choice for extremely heavy-duty tasks due to its fair toughness.

---

2. Introducing CPM-S45VN

2.1 Composition and Alloy Element Effects

CPM-S45VN is a powder-metallurgy (PM) stainless steel developed by Crucible Industries around 2019, as an evolution of the popular S30V and S35VN steels. Its approximate composition is:

• Carbon (~1.48%): Enables a harder matrix for edge stability.
• Chromium (~16%): Provides excellent corrosion resistance.
• Molybdenum (~2%): Improves hardness and wear resistance.
• Vanadium (~3%): Enhances wear resistance by forming hard vanadium carbides.
• Niobium (~0.5%) & Nitrogen (~0.15%): Further refine the grain structure, improving edge retention and toughness.

Effects of Key Elements:

• Higher chromium content and the powder-metallurgy process push corrosion resistance to excellent levels.
• Vanadium carbides significantly strengthen the steel, contributing to wear resistance without drastically compromising toughness.
• Niobium and nitrogen in small amounts fine-tune the steel’s microstructure, offering a balanced combination of hardness and ductility.

2.2 Typical Hardness (Rockwell C) Ranges and Practical Implications

CPM-S45VN typically ranges between 59 to 61 HRC, sometimes going up to 62 HRC with specialized heat treatments. Practical outcomes include:

• Good toughness for a stainless steel, ideal for heavier EDC or some bushcraft tasks.
• Excellent edge retention due to refined carbides and optimized chemistry.
• Still manageable to sharpen with diamond or high-quality ceramic stones.

2.3 Heat-Treatment Nuances and Forging

Being a powder-metallurgy steel, CPM-S45VN responds best to carefully controlled heat treatments:

• Austenitizing temperatures typically range from about 1,050–1,100 °C, followed by rapid quenching to avoid grain growth.
• Cryogenic treatment (or sub-zero quench) is often employed to transform retained austenite, maximizing hardness and wear resistance.
• Forging is possible but less common; most manufacturers prefer stock removal due to the PM microstructure’s uniformity.
• Warping or cracking risks exist if temperatures aren’t carefully monitored, but overall it’s more predictable than some high-carbon tool steels.

2.4 Key Performance Characteristics of CPM-S45VN

• Corrosion Resistance: CPM-S45VN has excellent corrosion resistance—often outperforming many competing stainless steels.
• Toughness: Considered good for a high-end stainless, enabling it to handle more demanding cutting tasks without chipping.
• Edge Retention: Rated good to excellent, balancing wear resistance and ease of maintenance.
• Ease of Sharpening: Good, though not quite as effortless as simpler stainless steels. Diamond stones or high-end sharpening systems simplify the process.

2.5 Ideal Uses of CPM-S45VN

• EDC or Tactical Blades: The good toughness and top-tier corrosion resistance fit an all-round folding or fixed blade.
• High-Performance Outdoors: Its combination of toughness and corrosion resistance lends confidence for extended bushcraft or survival tasks.
• Premium Kitchen Knives: Some makers use S45VN for high-end kitchen cutlery because of its stain resistance and reliable hardness.

---

3. Side-by-Side Comparison

Below is a quick reference table summarizing the key points of VG 10 vs. CPM-S45VN:

Property	VG 10	CPM-S45VN
Corrosion Resistance	Very Good	Excellent
Toughness	Fair	Good
Edge Retention	Good	Good to Excellent
Ease of Sharpening	Very Good	Good
Typical Hardness (HRC)	58–61	59–61 (sometimes 62)

3.1 Real-World Performance Scenarios

• Bushcraft and Survival

  • VG 10: Does well for light to moderate bushcraft (e.g., carving, preparing kindling) but can chip under heavy impact due to its fair toughness.
  • CPM-S45VN: Better for medium to heavy tasks, as its good toughness helps it resist chipping and fracturing.

• Everyday Carry (EDC)

  • VG 10: Offers effortless sharpening and sufficient edge retention for daily tasks (letter opening, package cutting).
  • CPM-S45VN: Keeps a working edge for longer and resists corrosion extremely well, so the user spends less time worrying about maintenance.

• Kitchen Use

  • VG 10: A classic in Japanese kitchen knives, known for taking a razor-sharp edge. Its very good corrosion resistance is perfect for frequent contact with food and moisture.
  • CPM-S45VN: Still excellent in kitchens. Slightly pricier and tougher to sharpen, but offers higher corrosion resistance and reliable hardness.

• Tactical/Defense

  • VG 10: Adequate for light-duty tactical blades when quick sharpening and a fine edge are priorities.
  • CPM-S45VN: Favored for heavier-duty tasks, combining good toughness with excellent corrosion resistance—vital in harsh environments.

3.2 Ease of Sharpening and Wear Resistance

• VG 10: Very good ease of sharpening. A standard whetstone or ceramic system can re-establish a keen edge quickly.
• CPM-S45VN: Good ease of sharpening, but the high wear resistance from vanadium carbides might necessitate diamond stones for best results.

3.3 Chipping Risk and Corrosion Susceptibility

• VG 10: Fair toughness. Chipping may occur if the blade hits bone (in hunting scenarios) or is subjected to lateral stress. Slowly wiping the blade after salty or acidic use is recommended.
• CPM-S45VN: Good toughness, so less prone to chipping under heavier force. Excellent corrosion resistance means it handles saltwater or corrosive materials with confidence.

---

4. Cost, Availability, and Maintenance

• Cost and Availability:

  • VG 10: Widely available in Japanese-style kitchen knives and some EDC folders. Generally more affordable than top-tier powder steels.
  • CPM-S45VN: Relatively new but gaining traction among mid- to high-end knife makers. Tends to be pricier, reflecting its advanced metallurgy and lower production volume.

• Maintenance:

  • VG 10: Periodic honing and occasional sharpening keep it in prime condition. Wiping the blade dry after use is recommended to maintain its very good corrosion resistance.
  • CPM-S45VN: Its excellent corrosion resistance simplifies maintenance. Still, removing moisture or residues is best practice to prevent surface spots or pitting over time.

---

5. Patina Formation and Protective Coatings

• Patina Formation:

  • VG 10: As a stainless steel, it rarely develops a patina. Typically, you won’t see the characteristic “blue” or “gray” coloration you might get with high-carbon steels.
  • CPM-S45VN: Also stainless and even more corrosion-resistant. Patina formation is highly unlikely, even less so than VG 10.

• Protective Coatings:

  • Neither VG 10 nor CPM-S45VN commonly requires coatings, given their corrosion-resistant properties.
  • Some manufacturers might apply DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) or PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coatings for aesthetic reasons or to enhance wear resistance. However, it’s not mandatory for rust protection.

---

6. Pros and Cons

VG 10

Pros:

• Takes a very sharp edge
• Very good corrosion resistance
• Excellent ease of sharpening
• Widely available and often more affordable

Cons:

• Fair toughness limits heavy-impact or prying tasks
• Edge retention is good but not top-tier among modern steels

CPM-S45VN

Pros:

• Excellent corrosion resistance
• Good toughness (resists chipping in heavier tasks)
• Good to excellent edge retention
• Powder-metallurgy process yields a refined microstructure

Cons:

• More expensive and somewhat less common than classic steels
• Sharpening is good but not as effortless as simpler stainless steels
• Requires a precise heat treatment for optimal performance, so quality can vary by manufacturer

---

7. Which Steel Is Right for You?

• If You Value Maximum Sharpening Ease:

  • VG 10 stands out. Its very good ease of sharpening means you can quickly restore a keen edge, making it great for kitchen knives or EDC blades that need frequent touch-ups.

• If You Need Higher Toughness and Corrosion Resistance:

  • CPM-S45VN is the steel of choice, offering excellent corrosion resistance and good toughness. It’s better for users who push their knives harder in outdoor or tactical settings.

• If You’re on a Budget or Prefer Japanese Blades:

  • VG 10 is widely used in Japanese-style blades and often comes at a more approachable price point.

• If You Want a More Advanced Powder-Metallurgy Steel:

  • CPM-S45VN is newer and sits in the “premium stainless” category, bridging the gap between CPM-S35VN and higher vanadium steels like S90V.

---

8. Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both VG 10 and CPM-S45VN are well-respected in the knife community, and each excels in different situations:

• VG 10 shines in the kitchen with its easy sharpening, very good corrosion resistance, and ability to take an ultra-fine edge. It’s also a solid pick for casual EDC tasks where frequent resharpening doesn’t pose a burden.

• CPM-S45VN is particularly suited for users seeking a premium steel that balances good toughness, excellent corrosion resistance, and strong edge retention—excellent for demanding EDC, hunting, or bushcraft tasks. Though it’s typically more expensive, many enthusiasts find the investment worthwhile for a high-performing, low-maintenance blade.

Ultimately, the “best” steel comes down to your specific needs. If you value effortless edge maintenance and a budget-friendly approach, VG 10 is an outstanding option. If you prioritize tougher tasks, are willing to invest a bit more, and want top-tier corrosion resistance, CPM-S45VN is a stellar choice. Either way, both steels have proven themselves in the hands of professionals, home cooks, and outdoorsmen alike.

---

© 2023 Knife Enthusiasts & Collectors Blog