SG2 (R2) vs VG-10
SG2 (R2) holds an edge longer; VG-10 is easier to sharpen. Choose SG2 (R2) for edge retention, VG-10 for easy sharpening.
Who wins each property
Side by side
| SG2 (R2) | VG-10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Powder metallurgy stainless steels | Stainless steels |
| Hardness | 62–64 HRC | 59–61 HRC |
| Edge retention | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Toughness | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Corrosion resistance | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Ease of sharpening | 4/10 | 6/10 |
| Price tier | Premium | Mid-range |
| Maker | Takefu Special Steel (SG2) / Kobelco (R2) | Takefu Special Steel |
Composition
| Element | SG2 (R2) | VG-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.4 | 1 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 15 | 15 |
| Vanadium (V) | 2 | 0.2 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.8 | 1 |
| Cobalt (Co) | — | 1.5 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.5 | 0.6 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.03 | 0.02 |
Property by property
Edge retention
SG2 (R2) holds an edge longer: 7/10 against 5/10 for VG-10, a 2-point gap. Vanadium: 2% vs 0.2%; more vanadium carbide generally means more wear resistance.
Toughness
Both rate 4/10 for toughness. Typical hardness: 62–64 vs 59–61 HRC; harder blades trade toughness for edge holding.
Corrosion resistance
Both rate 7/10 for corrosion resistance.
Ease of sharpening
VG-10 is easier to sharpen: 6/10 against 4/10 for SG2 (R2), a 2-point gap.
Knives in each steel
SG2 (R2)
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miyabi Birchwood SG2 8" Chef's Knife | Miyabi | 7.87" | 6.1 oz | — | $364.99 | Blade HQ |
| Miyabi Artisan SG2 8" Chef's Knife | Miyabi | 7.87" | 7.4 oz | — | $234.99 | Blade HQ |
| Shun Hiro 8" Chef's Knife | Shun | 8" | 8.5 oz | — | — | Blade HQ |
VG-10
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight | Spyderco | 2.9" | 2.4 oz | Back lock | $132 | Blade HQ |
| Spyderco Endura 4 Lightweight | Spyderco | 3.8" | 3.3 oz | Back lock | $143 | Blade HQ |
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FAQ
Which is better, SG2 (R2) or VG-10?
SG2 (R2) holds an edge longer; VG-10 is easier to sharpen. Choose SG2 (R2) for edge retention, VG-10 for easy sharpening.
Which is harder, SG2 (R2) or VG-10?
SG2 (R2) is typically run at 62–64 HRC and VG-10 at 59–61 HRC.
Is SG2 (R2) or VG-10 more rust resistant?
Neither: both rate 7/10. SG2 (R2) is a powder metallurgy stainless steel; VG-10 is a conventional stainless steel.