What i've been reading about Elmax intrigued me, so I got a Kershaw Speedform II to try it out. It's not a :spyder: , but I'm liking this steel. Lots of Chromium, plus a fair bit of Vanadium, seems to be a good combo.
I Know the LionSpy is coming, but I'd love to see a less expensive model in Elmax. How about a special version of the forthcoming Lightweight Translucent Manix 2? That would allow more people to try this steel. Regular, or limited, production, rather than a sprint, would be nice.
Elmax
Elmax
Tom
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[url]http://spydercovt.com[/URL]
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[url]http://spydercovt.com[/URL]
Junior avatar courtesy of dialexSequimite wrote:I use knives. I collect experiences.
I'm an admirer of Spyderco's designs. Using them is like immersing yourself in music or studying a painting in a museum. I buy some "fine" art but my preference is for usable art.
I'd love to try out Elmax too, however the Manix 2's don't agree with me, and I have no enthusiasm for the new version or for the Lionspy.
I'd much rather go the Millie or Para route. Maybe we'll see a Mule at some stage.
J
I'd much rather go the Millie or Para route. Maybe we'll see a Mule at some stage.
J
FB04PBB, C07FS4K390, C12GS, C12SBK2, C36GS, C36GTIP, C36CFM390P, C36CFTIP, C36GPBORE, C41BKPS, C44GP&SGY, C46PS, C46GPBK, C52BKP, C52FPGYE, C63G3, C65TIP, C70S, C81FG, C81GS2, C81CFM4P2, C83BM, C83GP2, C101GP, C101GPS, C101CF90VP2, C105, C134CF, C151GODTiPBK
I am not really steelnut, but would like to try, if Spyderco would make variant of my favorite knives like para2, native5 (Spyderco didn't produce it, but it is already one of my favorites. Is not this funny?) or Navaja.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf"
My top choices Natives5, Calys, C83 Persian
My top choices Natives5, Calys, C83 Persian
An Elmax Para 2 would be great. I wonder if using a non-US steel in a Golden model would be a big issue?
Tom
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[url]http://spydercovt.com[/URL]
__________________________________
[url]http://spydercovt.com[/URL]
Junior avatar courtesy of dialexSequimite wrote:I use knives. I collect experiences.
I'm an admirer of Spyderco's designs. Using them is like immersing yourself in music or studying a painting in a museum. I buy some "fine" art but my preference is for usable art.
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DANIELLE17
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I think it would be great
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Spyderco used foreign steels before. Kershaw is using Sweden steel all the time.catamount wrote:An Elmax Para 2 would be great. I wonder if using a non-US steel in a Golden model would be a big issue?
Para2 with Elmax will be a bestseller.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf"
My top choices Natives5, Calys, C83 Persian
My top choices Natives5, Calys, C83 Persian
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defenestrate
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I have to be honest....Elmax really didn't impress me at first. I have a ZT/Hinderer 0551. Like just about every decent knife, it came "shaving sharp", but it's just not YOUR knife until you put YOUR edge on it.
I also recently picked up a Foliage Manix 2 CTS-XHP. The "stainless D2" reputation of the steel intrigued me. I'm a huge fan of D2, and have most of my customs made in D2.
Tonight, was time to say goodbye to the factory edges, and put "my" edges on them. The CTS-XHP reprofiled very nicely (I sharpen my folders in this size range @ 20/side) it polished up very nicely, and very easily produced a shaving sharp edge, and I'm talking a straight razor shaving sharp edge.
The Elmax seems a bit more difficult to polish, and seemed a bit more difficult to cut/reprofile. Not huge amounts, but noticeable. While it resulted in a shaving sharp blade, it didn't produce the "hairs jump off your arm when they see the blade coming" edge the CTS-XHP did.
You know how there is always that other shoe waiting to drop? This is about the time it dropped. As I'm wiping honing oil off the 0551/Elmax, it cut through the rag (which I always have bunched up VERY thick just in case for this very reason), light it was a frickin light saber. The CTS-XHP wouldn't cut the same rag, without a concerted effort to do so. Shaves like no ones business. Does the "paper test" like a razor blade. But it just doesn't have the "oh my GOD" cutting ability the Elmax, or even D2 has...IMHO.
The Manix 2 is still my primary carry knife. I carry a full sized 1911 (after carrying a sidearm for almost 25 years total, it's hard not to), and the 0551 tends to pinch my leg pretty bad between the holster and knife, plus it feels like it's 10 times as heavy and thick as the Manix 2. It's essentially a sharpened pry bar, but with the Elmax blade, it's a sharpened pry bar that out cuts my Manix 2 by a rather large margin.
If Spyderco would offer a Para, Millie, or Manix in Elmax, I'd have yet another new carry knife.
I also recently picked up a Foliage Manix 2 CTS-XHP. The "stainless D2" reputation of the steel intrigued me. I'm a huge fan of D2, and have most of my customs made in D2.
Tonight, was time to say goodbye to the factory edges, and put "my" edges on them. The CTS-XHP reprofiled very nicely (I sharpen my folders in this size range @ 20/side) it polished up very nicely, and very easily produced a shaving sharp edge, and I'm talking a straight razor shaving sharp edge.
The Elmax seems a bit more difficult to polish, and seemed a bit more difficult to cut/reprofile. Not huge amounts, but noticeable. While it resulted in a shaving sharp blade, it didn't produce the "hairs jump off your arm when they see the blade coming" edge the CTS-XHP did.
You know how there is always that other shoe waiting to drop? This is about the time it dropped. As I'm wiping honing oil off the 0551/Elmax, it cut through the rag (which I always have bunched up VERY thick just in case for this very reason), light it was a frickin light saber. The CTS-XHP wouldn't cut the same rag, without a concerted effort to do so. Shaves like no ones business. Does the "paper test" like a razor blade. But it just doesn't have the "oh my GOD" cutting ability the Elmax, or even D2 has...IMHO.
The Manix 2 is still my primary carry knife. I carry a full sized 1911 (after carrying a sidearm for almost 25 years total, it's hard not to), and the 0551 tends to pinch my leg pretty bad between the holster and knife, plus it feels like it's 10 times as heavy and thick as the Manix 2. It's essentially a sharpened pry bar, but with the Elmax blade, it's a sharpened pry bar that out cuts my Manix 2 by a rather large margin.
If Spyderco would offer a Para, Millie, or Manix in Elmax, I'd have yet another new carry knife.
De inimico non loquaris male, sed cogites.
ELMAX will take a highly refined edge, it just takes more time to get there than with XHP due to the higher wear resistance and higher carbide percentage.apdb90 wrote:I have to be honest....Elmax really didn't impress me at first. I have a ZT/Hinderer 0551. Like just about every decent knife, it came "shaving sharp", but it's just not YOUR knife until you put YOUR edge on it.
I also recently picked up a Foliage Manix 2 CTS-XHP. The "stainless D2" reputation of the steel intrigued me. I'm a huge fan of D2, and have most of my customs made in D2.
Tonight, was time to say goodbye to the factory edges, and put "my" edges on them. The CTS-XHP reprofiled very nicely (I sharpen my folders in this size range @ 20/side) it polished up very nicely, and very easily produced a shaving sharp edge, and I'm talking a straight razor shaving sharp edge.
The Elmax seems a bit more difficult to polish, and seemed a bit more difficult to cut/reprofile. Not huge amounts, but noticeable. While it resulted in a shaving sharp blade, it didn't produce the "hairs jump off your arm when they see the blade coming" edge the CTS-XHP did.
You know how there is always that other shoe waiting to drop? This is about the time it dropped. As I'm wiping honing oil off the 0551/Elmax, it cut through the rag (which I always have bunched up VERY thick just in case for this very reason), light it was a frickin light saber. The CTS-XHP wouldn't cut the same rag, without a concerted effort to do so. Shaves like no ones business. Does the "paper test" like a razor blade. But it just doesn't have the "oh my GOD" cutting ability the Elmax, or even D2 has...IMHO.
The Manix 2 is still my primary carry knife. I carry a full sized 1911 (after carrying a sidearm for almost 25 years total, it's hard not to), and the 0551 tends to pinch my leg pretty bad between the holster and knife, plus it feels like it's 10 times as heavy and thick as the Manix 2. It's essentially a sharpened pry bar, but with the Elmax blade, it's a sharpened pry bar that out cuts my Manix 2 by a rather large margin.
If Spyderco would offer a Para, Millie, or Manix in Elmax, I'd have yet another new carry knife.
cut hair, wow, guess the jury`s in its final, best steel ever and the first to accomplish cutting hair, ....oh wait, the ancient egyptians did it with bronze razors. well darn that shoots that theory :D
my knives:
kershaw Leek Buck 119 Cold Steel Recon tanto
Cold Steel Ti Lite VI ,
Spyderco: Tenacious ,Persistence, Endura 4 blue Stretch zdp blue, Manix 2 ,Native s30v . Sage2 titanium, Gayle Bradly cpm m4, Muleteam mt 10, woodcraft mule s30v. Orange Delica 4
Bark River PSK 154cm, Gunny, Bravo 2, Canadian Special
kershaw Leek Buck 119 Cold Steel Recon tanto
Cold Steel Ti Lite VI ,
Spyderco: Tenacious ,Persistence, Endura 4 blue Stretch zdp blue, Manix 2 ,Native s30v . Sage2 titanium, Gayle Bradly cpm m4, Muleteam mt 10, woodcraft mule s30v. Orange Delica 4
Bark River PSK 154cm, Gunny, Bravo 2, Canadian Special
If you don't mind me asking, what transpired between here (when the Elmax blade, with some difficulty, was able to be made adequately shaving sharp):
The ZT/Hinderer 0551 is a beautiful thing to behold as well. The titanium lock bar handle slab looks like it would be right at home on a $550 custom folder. The knife uses outstanding materials and the fit and finish is first rate. The design results in a strong, durable, reliable and visually appealing knife. The only thing it wasn't designed to do well is cut things*. I have axes with less steel at the primary bevel.
Like you, I have found the CTS-XHP blade easy to get scary sharp. I have not yet found it necessary to resharpen the factory edge on the 0551 mainly because it doesn't see as much use as my blades that were designed to cut things. In any event, I'm anxious to know more about the true cutting potential of Elmax as the 0551's blade geometry makes it impossible for me to do any apples to apples comparison between it and any other folder I own.
* Exception noted for those folks who find that their most common cutting chores revolve around the now ubiquitous need to cut yourself out of your own aircraft wreckage.
and here (where the Elmax blade now suddenly exhibits superior cutting ability as compared to the "straight razor" sharp CTS-XHP blade)?:apdb90 wrote:The CTS-XHP reprofiled very nicely (I sharpen my folders in this size range @ 20/side) it polished up very nicely, and very easily produced a shaving sharp edge, and I'm talking a straight razor shaving sharp edge.
The Elmax seems a bit more difficult to polish, and seemed a bit more difficult to cut/reprofile. Not huge amounts, but noticeable. While it resulted in a shaving sharp blade, it didn't produce the "hairs jump off your arm when they see the blade coming" edge the CTS-XHP did.
I ask only because my first introduction to both Elmax and CTS-XHP steels came by way of the very same blades which you've purchased. The foliage Manix 2 is a slicer through and through. From the thinner blade stock, to the distal taper to the full flat grind to the blade thickness at the top of the primary edge bevel, this knife was conceived and created with cutting efficiency in mind first and foremost.apdb90 wrote:As I'm wiping honing oil off the 0551/Elmax, it cut through the rag (which I always have bunched up VERY thick just in case for this very reason), light it was a frickin light saber. The CTS-XHP wouldn't cut the same rag, without a concerted effort to do so. Shaves like no ones business. Does the "paper test" like a razor blade. But it just doesn't have the "oh my GOD" cutting ability the Elmax, or even D2 has...IMHO.
The ZT/Hinderer 0551 is a beautiful thing to behold as well. The titanium lock bar handle slab looks like it would be right at home on a $550 custom folder. The knife uses outstanding materials and the fit and finish is first rate. The design results in a strong, durable, reliable and visually appealing knife. The only thing it wasn't designed to do well is cut things*. I have axes with less steel at the primary bevel.
Like you, I have found the CTS-XHP blade easy to get scary sharp. I have not yet found it necessary to resharpen the factory edge on the 0551 mainly because it doesn't see as much use as my blades that were designed to cut things. In any event, I'm anxious to know more about the true cutting potential of Elmax as the 0551's blade geometry makes it impossible for me to do any apples to apples comparison between it and any other folder I own.
* Exception noted for those folks who find that their most common cutting chores revolve around the now ubiquitous need to cut yourself out of your own aircraft wreckage.
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The Mastiff
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The ZT 551 is for sure a beast. I did my playing with Elmax on a Speedform 2 and I even had to thin out the edge quite a bit to really make a serious slicer out of it. Like S30V it takes a while to remove that steel.
It does really well with very thin edges. I tested it in various configurations all the way down to a zero grind. From 320 grit up to 8,000 grit with diamond strop.
It's a very clean steel and it really shows on the edge. No inclusions and very good grain structure give it good stability for a steel in it's class.
It's a very nice steel and I'd like to see how it performs at higher hardness in a custom. It's already pretty impressive, to be honest.
Joe
It does really well with very thin edges. I tested it in various configurations all the way down to a zero grind. From 320 grit up to 8,000 grit with diamond strop.
It's a very clean steel and it really shows on the edge. No inclusions and very good grain structure give it good stability for a steel in it's class.
It's a very nice steel and I'd like to see how it performs at higher hardness in a custom. It's already pretty impressive, to be honest.
Joe
"A Mastiff is to a dog what a Lion is to a housecat. He stands alone and all others sink before him. His courage does not exceed temper and generosity, and in attachment he equals the kindest of his race" Cynographia Britannic 1800
"Unless you're the lead dog the view is pretty much gonna stay the same!"
"Unless you're the lead dog the view is pretty much gonna stay the same!"
Thanks, Mastiff. Your explanation seems to bear witness to what Ankerson's pictures are vividly illustrating.
I guess I'll have to wait for an upcoming Spyderco offering in Elmax for a better chance to see the true capabilities of this steel. As it stands now, I honestly think I could take the primary bevel on the 0551 all the way up to the saber grind and it still wouldn't make much of a difference in cutting efficiency.
I guess I'll have to wait for an upcoming Spyderco offering in Elmax for a better chance to see the true capabilities of this steel. As it stands now, I honestly think I could take the primary bevel on the 0551 all the way up to the saber grind and it still wouldn't make much of a difference in cutting efficiency.
Looks like a beauty, Ank. I'd love to see a pic of the rest of it, though I'm hesitant to ask being respectful of the fact that this is a Spyderco forum.
In lieu of that, can I ask if there's a technique to doing your hair splitting test? Do you just let the hair dangle and then try to catch the blade edge, or do you put the hair under some tension. It's quite an impressive display regardless.
In lieu of that, can I ask if there's a technique to doing your hair splitting test? Do you just let the hair dangle and then try to catch the blade edge, or do you put the hair under some tension. It's quite an impressive display regardless.
It's free hanging hair, I just drag it over the edge on it's own weight.Bronco wrote:Looks like a beauty, Ank. I'd love to see a pic of the rest of it, though I'm hesitant to ask being respectful of the fact that this is a Spyderco forum.
In lieu of that, can I ask if there's a technique to doing your hair splitting test? Do you just let the hair dangle and then try to catch the blade edge, or do you put the hair under some tension. It's quite an impressive display regardless.
Being that it's a SPyderco forum I really shouldn't post it.
It is very thin behind the edge, less than half of what the 0551 is.
A sharpened pry bar --- best description I've seen of the ZT 0551!apdb90 wrote: ...the 0551 tends to pinch my leg pretty bad between the holster and knife, plus it feels like it's 10 times as heavy and thick as the Manix 2. It's essentially a sharpened pry bar, but with the Elmax blade, it's a sharpened pry bar that out cuts my Manix 2 by a rather large margin.
Impressive. I'm afraid my own hair is still a bit too close to USMC regulation length to allow for the perfecting of such a technique. :)Ankerson wrote:It's free hanging hair, I just drag it over the edge on it's own weight.
Agreed. Perhaps we can save it for the next time we run into one another over at the "other" place. :)Ankerson wrote:Being that it's a SPyderco forum I really shouldn't post it.