What's the difference between VG10W and VG10?

VG10W (V金10W) is Takefu Special Steel's tungsten-tuned sibling of VG10. The two recipes are identical except for one element: VG10W adds 0.40% tungsten to VG10's C 1.0 / Cr 15.0 / Mo 1.0 / V 0.25 / Co 1.55 base. That tungsten precipitates hard, fine carbides, which Takefu credits for better wear resistance and easier sharpening. Takefu rates VG10W 20% higher in durability and strength and 25% higher in cutting performance in blade test evaluation, while keeping corrosion resistance the same, and rates it a point harder at hardening, 61+ HRC against VG10's 60+.

The honest caveat: independent steel references make the point that 0.40% tungsten is a modest addition. Tungsten has a very high molar mass, so 0.40% by weight is relatively few atoms, and a well-heat-treated VG10 is already excellent. The everyday difference is subtle, and the measurable gains are Takefu's laboratory numbers rather than something you are guaranteed to feel at the board. Research shows a real but small step. Our take is that you should not pay for it unless you specifically want the extra edge life from a maker you trust.