VG10 Damascus Steel
VG 10 – the gold standard among Japanese steels
VG-10 is not just steel – it is a symbol of craftsmanship, performance, and tradition. The name "V Gold 10" is no coincidence: it denotes a higher grade of alloy developed in Japan by Takefu Special Steel Co., Ltd. in the city of Echizen. With a content of approximately 1% carbon, 15% chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and cobalt, VG-10 typically achieves a hardness of around 60–61 HRC – and in practice, this means: exceptional sharpness, excellent edge retention, excellent corrosion resistance, and the ability to be a very precise tool in the hand. This makes VG-10 a popular choice for high-quality kitchen knives, handcrafted items, and more complex blades.
• Although the steel is labeled "stainless," this does not mean that it does not need care—in particular, the blade should be sharpened with respect to the angle and rinsed and dried well after use.
• VG-10 excels in precision tasks (cutting, kitchen work) – however, it is not primarily a structural steel for extreme heavy loads or impact applications.
• Authentic VG-10 products come from Japan, and according to discussions, the sourcing of raw materials and the export of raw ingots or sheets is limited or highly controlled.
Export restrictions / limited exports from Japan in 2025
Specialized discussions indicate that raw VG-10 steel (ingots or sheets) is not commonly exported from Japan – manufacturers and users report that finished knives are more likely to be exported than the raw material itself.
There is currently no specific legislative change for 2025 that would explicitly prohibit the export of VG-10 from Japan.
• The VG-10 brand is strongly protected, and the manufacturer warns against counterfeits.
• If you are considering purchasing or importing this steel raw material (ingots, sheets) or manufacturing outside Japan, you may encounter practical obstacles in terms of availability or verifiable origin.
• When purchasing VG-10 products, it is worth verifying the origin – that the steel actually comes from Takefu and that the product is processed in Japan.
VG-10 offers the best compromise between sharpness, corrosion resistance, and practicality for both everyday and professional use. It is the choice for those who seek high quality and are willing to respect the care of the tool and the higher purchase price. And if you come across an offer of raw VG-10 outside Japan, pay special attention to the source and legality.
