Elmax?

gull wing

gull wing

Joined
May 4, 2002
Messages
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I opened a box with a ZT0770 in it, fitted with an Elmax blade. I've had it a long time and used a little but don't remember how it performed.
Just checking to see if it's worth my time using it again:
Can you get a very sharp edge and keep that edge a decent while?
Can you get it sharp without jumping through hoops?
Note I have no problems with XHP,D2, M390, M4.
 
Yes to all the above. From what I’ve read, Elmax does good with either a polished or coarse edge. Not quite as good as M390 in the keeping a razor sharp department, but better than other steels. Sharpens like M390, not difficult at all.
 
M390(20CV, 204p) used to be my favorite stainless steel, until I got an Elmax blade. It is definitely my favorite right now. Holds a great edge, great corrosion resistance, sharpens up super easy, gets razor sharp with ease, and is surprisingly tough! I just wish it was used a bit more.
 
I really like Elmax, in particular the Elmax on my zt 0770cf. While I don't like the speed safe it's still a great tool. It keeps an edge well and is fairly easy to sharpen for me. Gets really sharp too. Its got a good toughness/edge retention ratio if that makes sense. Never get any chipping.
 
I've got an old ZT0560 in Elmax and I think that its held up quite nicely over the years. It used to be my most carried piece and I never had any complaints.

Even carried it back when I worked at huge fabrication plant. We did tons of metal working, grinding, media blasting, welding, and cutting. There were always metal particles EVERYWHERE. All of my cheaper/non-super steel knives rusted within a weeks time. The ZT0560 never did.
 
Elmax is phenomenal stuff. It holds an edge really well, and doesn't dull to a working edge as quickly as many of the other super steels. Sharpen stupidly easy and takes a super keen edge (but will work fine if left toothy too). It's easily one of my favorite steels for a reason, and I actually prefer it over M390 or S35VN.
 
If you want a Really nice Elmax knife, look for a Scrap Yard 340, from Busse. It is some of the best Elmax that I have found, and it is now the bar that I measure the alloy to.

Mind you, I have not used any custom Elmax, but Busse heat treats are near a custom level.
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When heat treated well, it will hold a working edge slightly less than M390 but it will have increased toughness, which is welcomed in a true stainless.
 
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My zt 0562 is in Elmax. I really like the steel. Sharpens well. Holds its edge. Its got a good balance of edge retention and toughness.
 
BMCGear BMCGear
Do it!! I have a few ZT and a Shirogorov in Elmax. All of the above is true. Sharpens up nicely and holds its edge for a long while.
 
OK, i reprofiled the edge(Edge PRO), making a flatter angle. (the shoulder was around .035" thick from the factory.}
Wow, is it sharp. This knife feels like it WANTS to slice. :)
Looking for more knives in Elmax.

kda, That custom job looks great.
 
Something I’ve noticed on pretty much all knives but for some reason has really stood out on both Elmax and VG10 blades is that the steel at the edge gets somewhat undesirably heat treated. I’m not sure exactly what is going on but it seems like my examples have been over hardened at this thinnest point on the blade material (the edge). The symptoms are that the edge holding is not great and it is also more difficult to sharpen them seems reasonable. However, with usage and a couple of sharpening sessions, this undesirable material is sloughed off, exposing the intended hardened material. What I assume is that the edge is overly brittle and overly hard, negating the desired properties of edge holding and ease of sharpening. I have an Elmax Shiro coming in the mail today, so I’ll see if the saga continues... if I can “bear” to use it.
 
Only elmax I have so far is on a Leek and it is great stuff. Looking to sell/trade off the Leek (just not a fan of the assisted opening...), but I will definitely pick up another knife in elmax to keep it in my collection!
 
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