VG-10 has gained a strong reputation for balancing toughness with edge retention, which can sometimes be a difficult combination to achieve. Many steels that hold an edge for extended periods tend to be more brittle and prone to chipping, especially when used for fine edges. VG-10 avoids much of this drawback by maintaining decent toughness for a high-carbon stainless formulation. Depending on the heat treatment, it can be hardened to around 60-61 HRC, making it hard enough for a razor-sharp edge while still being manageable to sharpen using conventional sharpening systems.

Although VG-10 was initially developed for Japanese kitchen knives, its performance characteristics have led to its widespread adoption in the folding knife and fixed blade markets as well. Knife makers outside of Japan began to notice its potential, and companies began importing the steel for use in everyday carry knives, tactical folders, and even some bushcraft designs. Brands such as Spyderco have used VG-10 extensively in models produced in Seki City, Japan, including the popular Endura and Delica series. Fallkniven, a Swedish company known for its survival and outdoor knives, also uses laminated VG-10 in many of its fixed blade designs, incorporating it into a sandwich structure with softer stainless cladding for added durability. In Japan, many high-end kitchen knife makers continue to favor VG-10 for its reliable performance in professional culinary environments.

One reason VG-10 continues to be favored is its sharpenability. Users often find that it takes a fine edge without much effort, and it responds well to both synthetic and natural sharpening stones. This makes it accessible for users who do not want to spend a lot of time on edge maintenance, yet still expect consistent cutting performance.

In practical use, VG-10 behaves predictably, which is one of its greatest strengths. It does not easily chip, rolls before it breaks, and can often be restored with minimal effort. These traits have made it a trusted option for knife users across a variety of fields. Though newer steels with enhanced wear resistance or exotic compositions continue to enter the market, VG-10 remains a well-regarded benchmark for what a high-performance stainless steel can achieve without excessive cost or compromise in user-friendliness.