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S30V offers more abrasive edge retention than VG10, while their toughness and corrosion-resistance ratings are equal. If you are choosing between two stainless knives, the wear difference is the main material-level reason to favor S30V.
Performance Ratings
For the science, we turn to Dr. Larrin Thomas of Knife Steel Nerds, who has kindly allowed us to share his ratings here.
| Property | CPM S30V | VG-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
S30V Leads Abrasive Edge Retention
S30V rates 6 for abrasive edge retention and VG10 4.5. That makes S30V appealing for repeated abrasive slicing when the knife designs are otherwise comparable.
A thin VG10 blade may still cut with less effort than a thick S30V blade. Ease of cutting and resistance to abrasive dulling are not the same measurement.
Our S30V steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
The Other Two Ratings Are Equal
Both S30V and VG10 rate 4 for toughness and 7.5 for corrosion resistance. The framework does not give either a lead in those properties, so we would not claim S30V makes a knife tougher or more rust resistant on this evidence.
Both steels are stainless and still benefit from normal cleaning and drying. Equal scores do not establish how a specific edge will behave under lateral force.
Our VG10 steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
Compare the Exact Blade Construction
VG10 may appear as a core steel in a clad kitchen knife, while the rest of the blade uses a different material. The rating describes the steel at the edge, not every layer of that construction.
This comparison cannot settle a choice between a thin kitchen knife and a thick outdoor folder. Begin with the design and use, then consider the steel.
When S30V Is the More Useful Choice
For similar knives doing substantial abrasive cutting, we would take S30V’s wear advantage. For lighter use, a VG10 model with a better grind or grip can be the better purchase.
Do not replace a VG10 knife solely because S30V sits higher on the chart. Look for a practical wear problem the change would address.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains the elements and the differences between reported values, ranges and limits.
CPM S30V: Reported composition from Larrin Thomas’s July 2026 table, mass %; not a producer specification or batch analysis. This source lists 0.2% nitrogen for S30V; Niagara’s datasheet does not list nitrogen. Knife Steel Nerds: stainless steel composition table (July 2026).
VG-10: Selected nominal/typical values, mass %; not a batch certificate or complete analysis. Takefu: VG10.
| Element | CPM S30V | VG-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.45% | 1% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14% | 15% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2% | 1% |
| Vanadium (V) | 4% | 0.25% |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.2% | Not listed |
| Cobalt (Co) | Not listed | 1.55% |
Compare Two Knife Steels
Sources and Update Notes
- Dr. Larrin Thomas: knife steel ratings · Property ratings; the scores describe steels rather than individual finished knives.
- Knife Steel Nerds: stainless steel composition table (July 2026)
- Takefu: VG10
