Thoughts on elmax?

[aaronkb]

Hey all,
After seeing rumors about an elmax exclusive in a different thread, I’m trying to figure out whether it’s a steel I need to pick up. I’ve never used or sharpened it.

Steels I’ve used and sharpened, for the sake of comparison, include the usual budget crap, S35vn, M390/20cv, s110v, Cruwear, and M4 which is my absolute favorite.

Thanks in advance for your insight!

[ferider]

Like I said in the other thread: feels not too different from M390, a bit more sensitive to corrosion, a little less tough. This from using a couple of Elmax knives from another brand. No idea how Spyderco's heat treatment differs, of course. AFAIK, Spyderco has only used it in a 2014 PM2 and the Lionspy ? (rumor is the new BBS PM2 will be K390, though).

[A.S.O.K.A]

I have only one knife in elmax ( Marfione Anax). Its a type of steel that is packed with a generous amount of carbon and chromium as well as a few other composites trickled in there. While its hair whittling sharpness drops fairly quick, it truly excels in the working edge department. Best to keep a coarse edge on it to maximize its long lasting working edge

[archangel]

AFAIK, Spyderco has only used it in a 2014 PM2 and the Lionspy ?

Don't forget this beauty!

[Sharp Guy]

AFAIK, Spyderco has only used it in a 2014 PM2 and the Lionspy ?

Don't forget this beauty!

PhotoPictureResizer_190924_164621240_crop_4040x3070-2020x1535.jpg

Also the British Blades Forum Urban

[Pelagic]

Like I said in the other thread: feels not too different from M390, a bit more sensitive to corrosion, a little less tough. This from using a couple of Elmax knives from another brand. No idea how Spyderco's heat treatment differs, of course. AFAIK, Spyderco has only used it in a 2014 PM2 and the Lionspy ? (rumor is the new BBS PM2 will be K390, though).

Elmax not as tough as m390? I have no experience in Elmax so I can't say definitively, and I've seen its toughness exaggerated in the past, but I'll say I have never been impressed with the toughness of m390/204p/20cv (although no one really buys these steels for toughness). Elmax does have a reputation for being somewhat tough. I've never been intrigued enough to pursue a model in Elmax.

[steelcity16]

I'd like an Elmax Delica to compare to my Cruwear and M390 Delicas.

[StuntZombie]

AFAIK, Spyderco has only used it in a 2014 PM2 and the Lionspy ?

Don't forget this beauty!

PhotoPictureResizer_190924_164621240_crop_4040x3070-2020x1535.jpg

Also the British Blades Forum Urban

As well as the Ti Squeak.

[sal]

Hi Aaron,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[TomAiello]

BBB has some good youtube videos on toughness.

This one compares Elmax: https://youtu.be/lpOQeH-W17Y

[ferider]

...but I'll say I have never been impressed with the toughness of m390/204p/20cv (although no one really buys these steels for toughness)....

Me neither. Then again, I've had an M390 PM2 chip repeatedly (62 HRC?), but not yet M390 Hinderer or ZT knives (~60 HRC?), in practical use.

Don't think we know how Spyder heat-treats Elmax.

This is from knifesteelnerds.com:



And, also there, a nice review of online steel reviews:

https://knifesteelnerds.com/2018/09/03/ ... g-articles

Roland.

[Pelagic]

Oh wow, that's interesting.