VG-10 vs LC200N

[skeeg11]

When it comes to edge retention and sharpening response, it seems to me that they are somewhat similar. Some have reported a little more difficulty in burr removal with LC200N, but in my experience, I actually find LC200N easier to sharpen than vg-10.

The crux of the matter is that it makes sense for Japanese manufacturers to Japanese steels like VG-10 or H1. Not so much for Colorado to import Japanese steel. It's entirely plausible that it's more economical for Colorado to use LC200N instead of VG-10. If that's the case and in light of the renewed interest in Temp1/Temp2 fixed and the thread regarding cost of Spyderco fixed, why aren't there more fixed LC200N knives like the Waterway coming out of Colorado? I know that Colorado is currently pretty much maxed out with Covid 19 and all, but at some point wouldn't something like an LC200N fixed Loveless drop point make safe and perfect sense? No galvanic corrosion to worry about. The steel is tough enough. Subjective handle design and material to be determined at a later date but something similar to the Temp 1 is a good starting point.

Over the years, Spyderco has made quite a few Japanese fixed blades whether VG-10 or H1. Economies of scale may actually support the manufacture of American made LC200N fixed blades in various configurations. What say you?

[VooDooChild]

I think lc200n sharpens amazingly well. But I also think vg10 holds an edge better.

If they dont have to ship steels then I am fine with using local steel. There are a lot of sides to that debate.

[Deadboxhero]

Both are about the same hardness in what Spyderco offers. What LC200N lacks and carbide volume it makes up for with its finer structure.

[Sumdumguy]

Either.

LC200N has the slight edge in my book for corrosion But, I'd be 100% content with either. They are nearly identical in my unscientific experience. ANAMND

[Evil D]

Seems like LC grinds easier. Edge retention I couldn't say as I don't let my SE get really dull but they really do seem similar in how much I use them before I feel like I need to touch them up. The added corrosion resistance isn't always a necessity but I definitely love how low maintenance LC and H1 make your knife. I grew up with carbon steels and it's really a breath of fresh air to be able to neglect my knives a little for a change.

[vivi]

They're pretty close aside from VG10 being able to rust. I think edge holding is a toss up, I'd probably give a slight edge to vg10 but they are very close. LC grinds a bit easier and seems to take a finer edge.

[JRinFL]

I’m all in favor of more LC200N fixed blades from Golden. Looking at Larrin’s numbers from his knifesteelnerds.com site, LC is tougher than A2 and provides slightly better edge retention. We all know that Bark River makes the bulk of their many fixed blades in A2, so LC200N seems to be a worthy upgrade in a similar price range. Plus, it’s about as rust resistant as one could hope for.
I’ll ask again for a Moran drop point (or similar new design) in LC 200n. Please. :)

[Bemo]

I’ll ask again for a Moran drop point (or similar new design) in LC 200n. Please. :)

Oh yeah count me in on this.

[JD Spydo]

Both VG-10 and LC200N are great hard use blade steels. This could become like a "Ford vs Chevy" argument but it shouldn't. Both have their good points and neither have anything significant to complain about.

I look for both blade steels to be around for quite some time. Just look at how long VG-10 has been in Spyderco's main line up. And I don't think there are any plans to use anything else in most of the Japan made Spyderco models.

LC200N being a nitrogen based steel will for sure have some selling points because of it's noted corrosion resistance. But even at that VG-10 holds up under harsh environments really well in spite of it not being noted for corrosion endurance.

[Naperville]

According to Larrin, VG-10 is 25% better at edge holding than LC200n.

[JD Spydo]

According to Larrin, VG-10 is 25% better at edge holding than LC200n.

That sounds right on. Because in the past I've heard some of the metallurgists say that most of the Nitrogen based steels have a trade off with edge retention. But H-1 is a lot worse for plain edges than LC200N is.

I'm sure Larrin is 100% correct. He really knows his stuff. I can't wait to get that new book of his.

Also I remember in the early days of VG-10 I remember reading in the old Tactical Knives magazine in their "Steel Bin" section that always talked about blade steels. The article said that VG-10 was originally a Japanese "agricultural steel" >> which would lead me to believe that it was used in agricultural farm equipment. And I'm sure it would have to be a really rugged, rigid steel to do well with those types of applications.

[James Y]

According to Larrin, VG-10 is 25% better at edge holding than LC200n.

That sounds right on. Because in the past I've heard some of the metallurgists say that most of the Nitrogen based steels have a trade off with edge retention. But H-1 is a lot worse for plain edges than LC200N is.

I'm sure Larrin is 100% correct. He really knows his stuff. I can't wait to get that new book of his.

Also I remember in the early days of VG-10 I remember reading in the old Tactical Knives magazine in their "Steel Bin" section that always talked about blade steels. The article said that VG-10 was originally a Japanese "agricultural steel" >> which would lead me to believe that it was used in agricultural farm equipment. And I'm sure it would have to be a really rugged, rigid steel to do well with those types of applications.

Joe,

IIRC, VG-10 was originally used in horticulture in Japan for grafting, to cause as little damage to plant cells as possible. Which, I suppose, would require a steel that takes extremely fine edges.

Jim

[James Y]

I’m looking forward to owning at least one LC200N knife in SE. The only LC knife I own is my PE Caribbean. I can say that both LC and VG-10 rank among my top favorite blade steels.

Jim

[Abyss_Fish]

Well, the waterway. And LC200N is always the correct choice. In my experience the retention is on par with s30v without chipping every time you attempt to cut anything tougher than a bag of chips. Plus it’s tough as nails, good for everything.

Lc200n, Waterway. Nuff’ said.

[Wartstein]

When I got first aware of LC, I watched some vids about it and got the impression its edge retention would be somewhere between VG10 and S30V.
Then Larrins table showed that it was noticeably below VG10 (and even BD1N) in edge holding (though admittedly both the latter are run harder in that test), and I was a bit surprised by that - Larrin clearly not (viewtopic.php?f=2&t=86503#p1416616)

I don´t have any LC200N knife yet, but just in theory it is a downgrade for me from VG10: VG10 is more than rustproof enough in my use and sharpens up very quick and to a great level, but is not the best in edge holding. So a steel that has even less edge retention, but is even more rustproof, has no bonus for me personally.

[Naperville]

I'd like a few LC200n knives. I keep looking at Spyderco's offerings and I know that I will own some in the end.

Too bad nobody is making a 5 inch KA-BAR knock-off in LC200n.

[Wartstein]

According to Larrin, VG-10 is 25% better at edge holding than LC200n.

Right, here is the chart. BD1N is better in that regard too. Though LC200N is run softer in that test:

[Deadboxhero]

According to Larrin, VG-10 is 25% better at edge holding than LC200n.

Right, here is the chart. BD1N is better in that regard too. Though LC200N is run softer in that test:

That is basically max hardness for lc200n

VG10 on the folders is run softer than what was ran in the Catra testing.

So real world they will be very comparable.

[Naperville]

I'd like a few LC200n knives. I keep looking at Spyderco's offerings and I know that I will own some in the end.

Too bad nobody is making a 5 inch KA-BAR knock-off in LC200n.

Buuuuuut if I had my druthers, I'd make the 5 inch KA-BAR knock-off in S45VN. I think it's corrosion resistant enough.

[Wartstein]

According to Larrin, VG-10 is 25% better at edge holding than LC200n.

Right, here is the chart. BD1N is better in that regard too. Though LC200N is run softer in that test:

That is basically max hardness for lc200n

VG10 on the folders is run softer than what was ran in the Catra testing.

So real world they will be very comparable.

Thanx much! :)