VG10 and 440C are among the best knives in the market right now. They are known for their sharpness, sleek Ness, durability, corrosion resistance, and strength.
Their similar attributes make it a bit difficult for buyers to decide which one is better. Hence, kindly read this article with full concentration if you find it difficult to choose between the two products.
In this post, we shall be comparing both knives in terms of hardness, sleekness, steel, toughness, and overall quality. So, let’s get down to business without wasting more time.
Contents
Stainless Steel: VG10 vs 440C
VG10 stainless steel contains Carbon (1.05%) , Chromium (15.50%), Molybdenum (1.20%), Vanadium (0.30%), Cobalt (1.50%), Manganese (0.50%), and phosphorus (0.30%). These chemical components improve its machinability, tensile strength, brittleness, corrosion resistance, blade’s hardness, stain resistance, and resistance to wear and abrasion.
440C steel, on the other hand, features Carbon (1.10%), Chromium (17.00%), Molybdenum (0.70%), Manganese ( 0.80%), Silicon (0.50%), Phosphorus (0.20%), and Sulphur (0.02%).
They combine well to ensure that the knife possesses quality machinability, topnotch brittleness, is impressive edge retention, long lifespan, and massive resistance to wear and corrosion.
However, the fact that 440C has higher carbon content makes it a bit inferior to VG-10 as it tends to reduce the strength. For this reason, VG10 Steel is slightly better than the 440 steel.
Ratings: VG10 steel = 8/10 ; 440C= 7/10
Edge Retention: VG10 vs 440C
What is edge retention? Edge retention is the blade’s ability to remain sharp after being exposed to chemical, mechanical, and thermal conditions.
In other words, edge retention is the term used to describe the blade’s ability to maintain its sharpness over a long period.
VG10 boasts an impressive edge retention due to the presence of Vanadium, Cobalt, Carbon and chromium in its composition.
VG10 blade promises to last longer than 440C if you provide proper care. Likewise, 440C offers an outstanding edge retention as it contains a high amount of Chromium and carbon.
You don’t have to worry about the blade’s sharpness within the first one month of purchase as it guarantees top-notch edge retention.
Though both have almost the same edge retention capacity, VG10 narrowly wins this aspect.
Meanwhile, it will interest you to know that VG-10 belongs to the same category as N690, CPM 154, and CPM 3V when it comes to edge retention .
Ratings: VG10 =5/10; 440C = 4.5/10
Rust Resistance: VG10 vs 440C
440C has a good resistance to rust, atmosphere, and freshwater.
Though it isn’t best you will see in the market, it is much more better than many other products.
VG10 rust resistance is equally good, although it is a bit lower than its 440C counterpart.
VG10 knives are not rust proof, which means they are prone to rust if you don’t clean and dry them immediately after use.
Luckily, you can easily eliminate any rust spot on the VG10. Besides, you won’t face any rust issues if you don’t leave it wet over a long period of time.
As for the record, 440C wins this category with a 7/10 rating compared to VG10’s 5/10.
Hardness: VG10 vs 440C
Vg10 contains components that increase its hardness and durability. Carbon, Molybdenum, Cobalt, and manganese all increase its hardenability.
The same thing is applicable to 440C. It is made up of the compositions that improve hardness. However, VG10 is superior to 440C in this regard as it boasts 60 HRC (Rockwell Hardness) compare to 440C’s 57 HRC
Toughness: VG10 vs 440C
Toughness is different from hardness In fact, they are opposite features because high hardness in steel often results in low toughness, vice-versa.
Toughness in knife or toughness in steel simply means the amount of pressure or energy a steel can withstand before breaking.
Despite having 60 HRC hardness, the VG10 knife still portrays a good and impressive toughness better than many products in the market.
As stated above, 440C has 57 HRC (Rockwell hardness) meaning it features an impressive toughness compared to other knives. Considering their HRC capacities, it’s safe to say that 440C is tougher than VG10.
Ratings: VG10 = 4/10; 440C = 5/10
Sharpness: VG10 vs 440C
Sharpness is one of the crucial factors to consider before settling for any of the two knives. It is believed that VG-10 is more difficult to sharpen due to its hardness when compared to 440c.
On the contrary, you can easily sharpen 440C blade without losing a sweat because it isn’t too hard. The chemical component like the Vanadium carbide, also makes sharpening easy.
However, you don’t have to keep sharpening VG10 steel due to its high edge retention. Though hard to sharpen, vg10 will retain its sharpened status for a lengthy period.
In a nutshell, the 440C tops this aspect as it is easier to sharpen compared to VG10.
Strength: VG10 vs 440C
VG-10 steel is stronger than the 440C but that doesn’t mean 440C isn’t strong enough for domestic use.
The Cobalt and Vanadium elements play significant roles in increasing the VG10 strength and toughness.
Corrosion Resistance: VG10 vs 440C
Both knives share almost the same level of corrosion resistance due to the highest amount of chromium components in their compositions. According to knife Users, both knives command 7/10 ratings.
Composition: VG10 vs 440C
As stated above, 440C steel composition includes
- Carbon (1.10%),
- Chromium (17.00%), Molybdenum (0.70%),
- Manganese ( 0.80%),
- Silicon (0.50%),
- Phosphorus (0.20%), and Sulphur (0.02%).
VG10 steel is made up of
- Carbon (1.05%) ,
- Chromium (15.50%), Molybdenum (1.20%),
- Vanadium (0.30%),
- Cobalt (1.50%),
- Manganese (0.50%),
- and phosphorus (0.30%).
Frequently Asked Questions About VG10 And 440C
vg10 vs 440c steel which is better
The VG10 fairs better than 440C in most of the categories, like hardness, edge retention, wear resistance, sharpness, and component composition. Hence, it’s safe to say the VG10 is better than the 440C.
Nonetheless, this doesn’t take anything away from the fact that 440C is a quality knife in its own right. 440C is better than the VG10 when it comes to toughness, rust resistance, and sharpness.
vg10 vs 440c what is the difference?
There are a few differences between both equipment in terms of composition.
According to the blade forum, the 440C composition doesn’t include vanadium and cobalt which are present in VG10. Likewise, the Carbon component in 440C is higher than the quantity present in VG10.
How good is 440C stainless steel?
440C stainless steel is a good knife. It has great wear and corrosion resistance. Its toughness and rust resistance are other laudable features. It is a good option for someone interested in affordable mid-range knives
What is better than 440C steel?
You must know that knives are classified based on properties and functions. You can’t compare outdoor knives with the ones used in the kitchen.
Having said that, the best steels for outdoor purposes include D2 steel, A2 steel, and M2 Steel. The best steels for kitchen or indoor functions include the AUS and ATS series.
WHAT IS 440C steel used for?
440C steel is mostly used for knife blades, but that’s not all. It is also used in rolling ball bearings, roller bearings and other contact stainless bearings because it is a bearing steel.
Does 440C hold an edge?
Yes, 440C hold an edge. Though it’s a bit difficult to sharpen the 440C steel blade, it will maintain its sharpness for a lengthy period. For a knife to hold an edge simply means retaining a sharpened blade over a long period.
Is 440 stainless steel any good for knives?
Yes, 440 stainless is good for knives due to its wear and corrosion resistance. The hardness and ductility also make it a go-to material for knife manufacturers.
440C stainless steel properties
The 440C stainless steel properties include excellent edge retention, outstanding corrosion resistance, wear resistance, impressive toughness, and moderate hardness.
Yes, VG-10 is premium steel for knife
blades due to its high-quality standard and the laudable level of carbon it contains.
It will interest you to know that the “G” represents “Gold,” following its impressive features.
Who makes VG10 steel?
VG10 is high-quality stainless steel made by the Japanese company — Takefu Special Steels.
Is VG-10 stainless?
Yes, VG-10 is stainless steel as it possesses a high amount of Chromium (13%) known for its ability to prevent stain.
How strong is VG-10?
VG-10 is very strong steel with a 60 —61 Rockwell Hardness. It’s arguably one of the strongest knives you would see in the market that the time of this publication.
When was VG-10 steel invented?
The first generation of the VG steel series, VG-1, was invented 60 years ago in Japan.
Therefore, it won’t be out of proportion to say that VG10 was created 60 years ago in Japan by Takefu Special Steels
Sources:
https://www.bokerusa.com/lexicon/edge-retention/
https://woodworldtx.com/pages/knife-blade-steels
https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/know-your-knife-a-guide-to-good-steel/
https://survivalfreedom.com/what-is-vg-10-steel/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/440C