Quick answer: VG10 and AUS-10 are both high-quality Japanese stainless steels and perform very similarly in a kitchen. VG10 usually holds its edge a little longer and resists corrosion slightly better. AUS-10 is usually a little tougher and easier to sharpen. For most cooks the build quality and heat treatment of the knife matter more than which of the two steels is in the core.
VG10 vs AUS-10 at a glance
| Property | VG10 | AUS-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Japan (Takefu Special Steel) | Japan (Aichi Steel) |
| Carbon content | About 1 percent | About 1 percent |
| Chromium content | About 15 percent | About 13 to 14.5 percent |
| Notable addition | Cobalt | Nickel |
| Typical hardness | About 60 to 61 HRC | About 58 to 60 HRC |
| Edge retention | Very good | Good to very good |
| Toughness | Good | Slightly better |
| Ease of sharpening | Moderate | Easier |
What is VG10 steel?
VG10 is a Japanese stainless steel with about 1 percent carbon, 15 percent chromium and added cobalt, molybdenum and vanadium. It was developed for cutlery and is one of the most common core steels in Japanese-style Damascus kitchen knives because it combines a fine, long-lasting edge with strong stain resistance.
What is AUS-10 steel?
AUS-10 is a Japanese high-carbon stainless steel with a similar carbon level to VG10 and slightly less chromium. It is known for good toughness, which helps the edge resist small chips, and for being pleasant to sharpen on a whetstone.
Which holds an edge longer?
VG10 generally holds an edge slightly longer than AUS-10 because it is usually hardened a point or two higher. In home use the difference is small: either steel will stay sharp for months with regular honing.
Which is easier to sharpen?
AUS-10 is generally easier to sharpen. It responds quickly on a 1000 grit whetstone and forgives small mistakes in angle. VG10 takes a little more time but rewards it with a very keen edge.
Which should you choose?
- Choose VG10 if: you want the longest time between sharpenings and the best stain resistance.
- Choose AUS-10 if: you sharpen at home and want a slightly more forgiving edge.
- Either way: hand wash, dry immediately and avoid bones and frozen food.
VG10 and AUS-10 knife sets from ASC Forge
- VG10: 7-piece VG10 Damascus chef knife set with honeycomb resin and wood handles, 5-piece hammered Damascus knife set (67-layer VG10) and 7-piece Damascus kitchen knife set with red resin burl wood handles.
- AUS-10: 5-piece Damascus Japanese knife set (67-layer AUS-10) and 12-piece Damascus knife block set (73-layer AUS-10).
Frequently asked questions
Is VG10 a good steel for kitchen knives?
Yes. VG10 is one of the most respected stainless steels for kitchen knives because it takes a fine edge, holds it well and resists rust.
Does AUS-10 steel rust?
AUS-10 is a stainless steel and resists rust well in normal kitchen use. Like any stainless knife it can spot if left wet or put in a dishwasher.
What does 67-layer VG10 Damascus mean?
It means the blade has a VG10 cutting core with 33 layers of Damascus steel clad on each side, for 67 layers in total.
Browse all Japanese-steel sets in the ASC Forge kitchen knife set collection.