Poll Question: D2 or Elmax For a Small Utility Fixed Blade Knife?

Would you pay an extra $10 for Elmax over D2 for a small utility fixed blade knife?

  • I would pay an extra $10 for Elmax over D2

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • I would rather save $10 and take D2

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • I don't care what steel as long as I like the design

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
raylaconico

raylaconico

Joined
Jan 30, 2004
Messages
4,030
I'm planning to do a run of small utility fixed blade knives with about a 3" blade. I'm trying to decide whether to use D2 or Elmax. Both steels are great but Elmax is a bit more expensive so I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the extra money. My question is this:

Would you guys pay an extra $10 for a 3" blade with Elmax over a blade with D2? Or would it not matter what steel as long as you like the look of the knife itself?

Please let me know what you guys think. Your input will be extremely helpful in figuring this out.

Thanks,

-Ray Laconico
 
I ordered an ElMax zero tolerance .....I thought I would try it...so I guess $10 is worth it.
 
I think Elmax is a bit more stainless, which might be better for something carried close to the body? I'd pay ten bucks extra just to try it out.
 
Definitely Elmax! Really tough steel, great edge holding and pretty dang easy to sharpen!
 
Most all of my small fixed blades are D2, its plenty good enough for me. My favorites are Bob Dozier and Gene Ingram. They hold a great edge, and I've never had a problem with staining or rust since D2 is as close to a stainless as you can get.

I also would have no problem paying $10 more for Elmax since I've heard its a great steel, and I need to try it anyway. $10 is not much on the price of a custom knife.

The design would mean more than the steel to me, but I'll be in the minority there. Most will want Elmax.
 
Hmm, needs more choices.
I would pay an extra $10 for Elmax if the cost of the knife were say, more than $150, but would be hard pressed to justify it if the cost were $75. I suppose a better way to put it would be it depends on the percentage difference it would make in the total cost of the knife.
And...
If the knife were to mainly be a hunting blade I think the folks that would be most interested would just stick with the $10 less D2, a more 'edc' type utility knife would appeal to the 'steel snob' crowd (of which I am one) and they wouldn't think twice about $10 more. Just take a look at the Spyderco Sprints, they are routinely 15-30% ( guessing, no hard numbers) more than the more pedestrian versions (S30, pedestrian, whoda' thunk it?) and sell out in record time.

Build it in Elmax, and they will come (especially in some of your beautiful designs).
 
I like D2 and it's a steel that has been widely use. Elmax on the other hand is just starting to build a really good reputation in the knife industry. Ray, it would be great for you to release this knife in Elmax, I doubt anyone here would mind paying an extra $10 for Elmax.

P.S. I can't wait to see your design for this knife.
 
Thanks guys. I forgot to note that this knife will not be a full custom. I will at least have the blades and scales cut out and heat treated somewhere. I'm still working on the details but it will probably be 50- 100 knives in a small EDC size design.

Please keep the poll going. The more votes the better. Thanks.
 
Oh wow! Elmax wins by a huge margin. I thought it would but I didn't expect it to be by this much. It looks like Elmax is the obvious choice!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top