SLD vs VG10 SLD / V金10号
Short answer
SLD (Proterial's SKD11-type tool steel) is semi-stainless and usually hardened higher than VG10, so it holds an edge longer; it can stain if left wet. VG10 is fully stainless, a little easier to sharpen and more forgiving of neglect. In Sanjo, Tadafusa's home line is SLD; Tojiro's DP line is VG10.
| SLD | VG10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (typical HRC) | 62–63 | 60–62 |
| Type | semi | stainless |
| Easy to sharpen | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Edge retention | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Rust resistance | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Chip resistance | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Mark on the blade | SLD | VG10 / V金10号 / V10 |
| Whetstone | 1000 → 3000 | 1000 → 3000 |
Scores are relative, 1–5, for kitchen-knife use — our summary of maker data and common experience, not lab tests. Heat treatment and grind can move a knife a full point either way.
SLD SLD
Hitachi's SKD11-type cold-work steel. Tadafusa's stainless-clad home line and Kenshin's hammered line use it.
Who uses it: Tadafusa, Tsurugi Kenshin
Sanjo examples with prices:
VG10 V金10号
Takefu Special Steel's stainless with cobalt. The default steel of Tojiro's DP/PRO lines; also in damascus lines.
Who uses it: Kiryu Kogyo, Nakagawa Shokai, Shimomura Kogyo, Tojiro, Tsurugi Kenshin, Yajimaya, Baba Hamono (Sakai), Fujiwara Kanefusa (Seki), Hatsukokoro (Hyogo (brand)), Kai Corporation (Seki)
Sanjo examples with prices:
Care
Stains slowly rather than rusting fast, but still wipe dry after use.
Wipe dry after use. Dishwasher still not recommended — the heat and detergent dull the edge and loosen handles.