AUS 8 vs VG 10 | Battle of Best Japanese Steel
Japanese steel knives always offer satisfactory performance, and the AUS 8 and VG 10 are no different. Finding the better one between them can be challenging. Knowing how they are different from each other may help you to pick the best steel. I guess now you want to ask, what are the differences between AUS 8 vs VG 10?
The comparison between AUS 8 and VG 10 shows that AUS 8 has better toughness and is also easier to sharpen. However, VG 10 comes with excellent hardness, superb wear and corrosion resistance capability, and superior edge retention. VG 10 steel also requires less maintenance.
A short answer might not be enough to make a final decision. Hence, stay tuned with me till the end to know the detailed differences between AUS 8 and VG 10 to find the better steel for your next knife.
Aus 8 Steel: Overview
AUS 8 is Japanese budget steel in the AUS lineup. It offers a balanced performance with good hardness, toughness, and edge retention. The AUS 8 is stainless steel, and its performance is similar to the Chinese-made 8Cr13MoV steel. Read our comparison between aus8 and 8cr13mov to understand more. Overall, AUS 8 is good knife steel on budget.
VG 10 Steel: Overview
VG 10 is also Japanese steel but falls in the premium segment. It is stainless steel and has a gold standard, meaning one of the best quality. The VG 10 steel is most often used in making high-quality Chef’s knives in Japan. In short, it’s performance-centric steel.
Quick comparison chart
| Basis for comparison | AUS 8 | VG 10 |
| Chemical compounds | Carbon 0.75%; Chromium 14.50%; Molybdenum 0.30%; Vanadium 0.26%; Manganese 0.50%; Nickel 0.49%; Silicone 1.00%; Phosphorus 0.03%; Sulfur 0.03% | Carbon 1.05%; Chromium 15.50%; Molybdenum 1.20%; Vanadium 0.30%; Cobalt 1.50%; Manganese 0.50%; Phosphorus 0.30% |
| Hardness | 58-59HRC | 56-60HRC |
| Toughness | High | Medium |
| Wear resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Corrosion resistance | Average | Outstanding |
| Edge retention | Normal | Exceptional |
| Ease of sharpening | Easier | Easy |
| Maintenance required | More | Less |
Key differences
Although both the AUS 8 and VG 10 are Japanese steel, they have quite different chemical compositions. That’s why they share a lot of distinguishable features. Let’s have a look at the detailed comparison between AUS 8 and VG 10 steel:
Hardness
It is obvious that the VG 10 steel has better hardness than the AUS 8 due to its higher carbon quantity. Although VG 10 usually has a maximum Rockwell Rating of 60HRC, with proper heat treatment, it may even reach 62HRC. AUS 8 also has better hardness than other steel in the market but is a little behind the VG 10.
Toughness
The second round goes to AUS 8 as it has better toughness than the hard VG10 steel. If you want a knife for rough usage, then the AUS 8 can offer you a balanced performance.
Wear & Corrosion resistance
VG 10 shines in both wear and corrosion resistance with a higher quantity of Chromium. It has excellent resistance to wear and corrosion than the AUS 10. The VG 10 steel can remain in superb condition even in harsh and humid environments.
Edge retention
VG 10 comes with better edge retention than the AUS 8 steel, as it has better hardness. It can hold its sharpness for a long time and cut through different materials with ease. Such an edge retention capability and excellent wear and corrosion resistance make VG 10 perfect for long-term usage.
Ease of sharpening
The last round goes to AUS 8 for having better ease of sharpness compared to the VG 10. AUS 8 is easier to sharpen due to its less hardness. VG 10 is also easy to sharpen but a bit harder compared to VG 10.
Conclusion
To sum up, the comparison between AUS 8 vs VG 10 shows although both are good quality steel, the VG 10 will be slightly ahead with better hardness, wear & corrosion resistance, and edge retention. However, AUS 8 is also good as it has better toughness and is easier to sharpen.
My favorite knives in each category
If you have decided which steel to choose but are not sure which model to pick, you can consider the following options:
- CRKT Hissatsu EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Assisted Opening Everyday Carry (AUS 8 Steel)
This is one of the best knives in the AUS 8 steel category. It has amazing ergonomics that fit perfectly in your pocket and is also comfortable to use. Besides, it has an automated lock feature for extra safety. Plus, the knife comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Overall, there’s no reason not to like this amazing AUS 8 steel knife.
- Spyderco Dragonfly Signature Knife (VG 10 Steel)
It has a 2.28 inches long VG 10 steel blade. The blade is smooth, which means it has no serrations or teeth. It’s a sturdy knife, and the non-slippery G-10 handle feels pretty comfortable to hold. Plus, its lightweight design makes it a perfect Everyday carry knife.
