Super Steels for Kitchen 2026: VG-10, AUS-10, SG2
Note: This article is part of the expert guide “NOJARO Knife Steel Guide” , which covers characteristics, comparisons, and practical recommendations for kitchen knife steels.
Super steels VG-10, AUS-8/10, and SG2 dominate Japanese kitchen knives from Tojiro, Suncraft, and Kanetsugu due to the balance of sharpness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance at 58-63 HRC. These steels are ideal for home/professional kitchens in 2026, requiring less frequent sharpening than budget AUS-8. At nojaro.com.ua, they are available in models like Tojiro DP and Suncraft Senzo starting from 2000 UAH.
Steel Characteristics
VG-10 is a stainless steel with 1% carbon, vanadium, and molybdenum for microcr carbides, providing razor sharpness and anti-corrosion. AUS-8 and AUS-10 is a 440C analog with high chromium (14-16%), easier to sharpen but inferior in edge retention. SG2 (R2) features ultra-fine carbides from powder metallurgy, top-tier edge retention but harder to sharpen without TSPROF K03.
| Steel | Chemistry (key: C/Cr/V/Mo) | Hardness HRC | Edge Retention (days) | Corrosion | Sharpening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VG-10 | 1.0/15.5/0.25/1.3 | 59-62 | 14-21 | High | Medium |
| AUS-10 | 1.0/14.9/0.25/0.5 | 58-60 | 10-14 | Medium | Easy |
| SG2 | 1.4/15.5/0.3/1.3 | 61-64 | 21+ | Easy | Hard |
VG-10: Universal for Tojiro and Suncraft
VG-10 is popular in Tojiro DP (Gyuto 210 mm) and Suncraft Senzo Clad (33-layer Damascus) for "Japanese geometry" — thin 15° bevel for clean tomato slicing without sticking. Tests show: holds edge for 2 weeks of daily use, sharpens on 1000-3000 grit. Drawback — sensitive to acids (lemons), but stable in san-mai with soft cladding. Ideal for nojaro chef knives at 2500-4000 UAH.
AUS-8/10: Budget Premium Kanetsugu
AUS-10 in Kanetsugu Pro-M steps above 440C with 1% C for 59 HRC hardness and good toughness, resists chipping on bones. Tests: cuts frozen better than VG-10, sharpens by hand on 600 grit. Suits beginners — medium corrosion, micarta handle protects. nojaro models from 1800 UAH for Santoku/Nakiri.
SG2 (R2): Elite for Pros
SG2 in Suncraft Elegancia — Takefu powder steel with uniform carbides, holds "paper cut" for a month without honing. Tests: 30% better retention than VG-10, but needs (12-15° angle). Drawback — higher price (4000+ UAH), but investment for nojaro Gyuto/Yanagiba. Minimal corrosion even in salted meat.
Cutting Tests and Recommendations
Test Tojiro DP VG-10 vs Suncraft SG2 vs Kanetsugu AUS-10: all slice potato "to glass," but SG2 excels on fish (no tearing), AUS-10 on tough (chicken with bones). Choice: VG-10 for versatile (Tojiro), AUS-10 for budget (Kanetsugu), SG2 for pro (Suncraft). Sharpen knives— 15° for Japanese, +350 UAH/knife.
