We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
VG10 has higher abrasive edge retention, while 14C28N is substantially tougher and more corrosion resistant in the ratings used here. That makes 14C28N attractive for a low-fuss, damage-resistant cutting edge, even though VG10 has the wear advantage.
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 | 14C28N | VG-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
VG10 Has More Abrasive Edge Retention
VG10 rates 4.5 for abrasive edge retention and 14C28N 3. We would favor VG10 for abrasive slicing if the blades are otherwise similarly suited to the work.
This does not make every VG10 knife a more efficient cutter. Compare thickness behind the edge and the overall grind before attributing cutting feel to steel.
Our 14C28N steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
14C28N Has Much More Toughness
14C28N rates 9 for toughness against VG10 at 4. That supports choosing 14C28N when resistance to edge damage is especially useful.
The finished knife’s treatment and geometry still matter. A very thin blade needs appropriate use regardless of the steel’s toughness score.
Our VG10 steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
14C28N Also Leads Corrosion Resistance
The corrosion scores are 8.5 for 14C28N and 7.5 for VG10. Both are stainless, but 14C28N has more rated margin for wet use.
If comparing kitchen knives, check whether the blade is clad and which material forms the core. The ratings here apply to the named edge steel, not all layers or hardware.
A Practical Choice for the Edge
Our preference is 14C28N for its toughness/corrosion balance and VG10 when extra abrasive wear resistance is the stronger need. The best actual knife also needs the right size, grip and geometry.
Neither name guarantees a good heat treatment. Choose a maker and design you can evaluate rather than letting the steel chart make the whole purchase.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains the elements and the differences between reported values, ranges and limits.
14C28N: Alleima nominal composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Alleima: 14C28N datasheet.
VG-10: Selected nominal/typical values, mass %; not a batch certificate or complete analysis. Takefu: VG10.
| Element | 14C28N | VG-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.62% | 1% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.2% | Not listed |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.6% | Not listed |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14% | 15% |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.11% | Not listed |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | Not listed | 1% |
| Vanadium (V) | Not listed | 0.25% |
| 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.
- Alleima: 14C28N datasheet
- Takefu: VG10
