VG10 Balisong Butterfly Knives
VG10 balisong knives are the upgrade most flippers make after their first stainless balisong. Thirty knives, $199 to $325, hand-forged in the Philippines with Japanese super steel blades.
Why VG10 is a step up from 440C
VG10 is a Japanese cutlery alloy built around roughly 1% carbon and 15% chromium, with cobalt and vanadium added. The vanadium refines the grain structure. The cobalt lets the steel stay tough at higher hardness. Together they let VG10 run at about 60–61 HRC — a point or two above typical 440C — without becoming brittle.
In practice that means two things you can feel: VG10 takes a keener apex than 440C, and it holds that apex longer. You give up a little ease of sharpening. You get a noticeably better edge.
The 15% chromium means it behaves like stainless. Wipe it down, oil the pivots occasionally, and it asks nothing else.
Choosing from this range
This is our most consistent collection in terms of build — most sit at 9.4 in open with a 4.7 in blade, so the choice comes down to handle and weight rather than size:
Kamagong — Philippine ebony, dense and dark, darkens further with handling
Carabao horn — water buffalo horn, warms fast in the hand, natural streaking
Deer horn — slightly coarse surface, real grip when your palms are damp
Narra burl — swirling figure from the Philippine national tree
Bone — light, cool to the touch, dimensionally stable
Weights run 5.3 oz to 7.9 oz, which is the widest weight spread of any collection here — the light end is genuinely quick for chaining tricks, the heavy end carries momentum through a rollover.
Who VG10 suits
Anyone past the beginner stage who wants a better edge without leaving stainless behind. If you want maximum edge retention instead, go to D2. If you want the easiest maintenance, 440C is the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VG10 better than 440C?
For edge quality, yes. VG10 runs a point or two harder (60–61 HRC against 58–60), takes a keener apex, and holds it longer, thanks to its vanadium-refined grain and cobalt content. 440C remains slightly easier to sharpen and a little cheaper. Think of VG10 as the natural second balisong after a 440C first.
Does VG10 rust?
Practically, no. At roughly 15% chromium VG10 behaves as a true stainless — fingerprints, sweat and humidity do not mark it under normal handling. Wipe it down after long sessions and oil the pivots occasionally; the blade itself needs nothing more.
What weight should I choose from this range?
This collection spans 5.3 to 7.9 oz, the widest spread on the site. Under 6 oz changes direction fast and suits trick chaining and smaller hands. Around 6.5–7 oz is the balanced middle most experienced flippers settle on. Near 8 oz the knife carries momentum through the arc and rewards deliberate, controlled openings.