I am fixing to order one of these knives but I can't decide which one will suit me better. Its really hard to find any reviews or opinions on the Elmax but there is information everywhere on S30V. Knife will be an EDC seeing all types of use but main use will be cutting plastic pallet straps and cardboard at work. Which would you suggest the S30V or Elmax?
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0350 or 0350CB
- Thread starter aarolar
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Welcome to Blade Forums, as far as your quesry is concerned: Not so, do a search on ELMAX on the forums, there are about two dozen plus threads with opinions, feedback, first impressions, and general thoughts. For your intended use, I'd invest in a serrated edge or combo edge: 0350ST
Here are a few to give you idea of what's been covered already:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=711640&highlight=elmax
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=750684&highlight=elmax
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=753874&highlight=elmax
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=700722&highlight=elmax
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=700722&highlight=elmax
I absoutely despise serrated edges just a personal perfrence of mine. Ill check out those links you provided I have done a few searches on here for Elmax and most of the threads are more technical banter than actual opinions or reviews. It seems as though Elmax is a newer steel in the game is that true? Thanks Aaron
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aarolar,
Great knives, both. The Elmax is a little more exotic than the S30V, which is why it's only used for the edge of the composite blade.
The CB version is neat-o, no doubt, but also a limited run, possible collector-type of blade. The S30V version would handle all the cardboard and pallet straps you could shove at it and come up smiling--and do so a little cheaper.
So my vote would be for the standard 0350, but if the composite version trips your trigger more I can't say I'd blame you one bit.
FWIW, I think the 0350 is one of the best things going for an EDC that's flat, sturdy and can handle anything a folding blade could ever reasonably asked to do.
Best,
Heekma
Great knives, both. The Elmax is a little more exotic than the S30V, which is why it's only used for the edge of the composite blade.
The CB version is neat-o, no doubt, but also a limited run, possible collector-type of blade. The S30V version would handle all the cardboard and pallet straps you could shove at it and come up smiling--and do so a little cheaper.
So my vote would be for the standard 0350, but if the composite version trips your trigger more I can't say I'd blame you one bit.
FWIW, I think the 0350 is one of the best things going for an EDC that's flat, sturdy and can handle anything a folding blade could ever reasonably asked to do.
Best,
Heekma
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- Jul 22, 2009
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I would actually suggest the ZT 0300 series.
Elmax is a steel that knifenut1013 likes, which by itself should be all the reason you need. Since it's a newer steel, I believe the grain size is even finer than S30V, thus explaining why it can be polished finer, which would also mean that it's tougher than S30V. However, I believe it was mentioned that it was easier to sharpen than S30V, so there might be a tradeoff in wear resistance.
However, I have both the 0350CB and the 0301, and something about the 0301 rubs me in the right way. I have big hands, and to me, the 0350CB felt a little too short. Fit and finish also seems to be a step up. Constantly opening and closing the 0350 tends to make your thumb sore pressing on that stiff liner lock all the time. But the 0301 opens smooth as glass, and the thick slab of titanium leaves no doubt that it's tough as nails.
That is not to say that the 0350 is bad. No, just that it didn't quite fit right in my hand. I just find it to be a tad small. YMMV.
Elmax is a steel that knifenut1013 likes, which by itself should be all the reason you need. Since it's a newer steel, I believe the grain size is even finer than S30V, thus explaining why it can be polished finer, which would also mean that it's tougher than S30V. However, I believe it was mentioned that it was easier to sharpen than S30V, so there might be a tradeoff in wear resistance.
However, I have both the 0350CB and the 0301, and something about the 0301 rubs me in the right way. I have big hands, and to me, the 0350CB felt a little too short. Fit and finish also seems to be a step up. Constantly opening and closing the 0350 tends to make your thumb sore pressing on that stiff liner lock all the time. But the 0301 opens smooth as glass, and the thick slab of titanium leaves no doubt that it's tough as nails.
That is not to say that the 0350 is bad. No, just that it didn't quite fit right in my hand. I just find it to be a tad small. YMMV.
The bigger ZT blades do open smoother. I have a 0200 and love the action. The pocket clip is also ideally located for RH tip up. I just love everything about the knife. Its so balanced and just about every one that owns it recommends it. It isnt too big at all at 7.7 oz for edc. If you can carry a 0350, you can carry a 0200.
Check out these abuse tests of the 0100, 0200, 0301... stabbing hoods, cutting steel bolts,etc.. ( there are 6 videos total) The 154cm steel on the 0200 holds up better and didnt break as fast as s30v steel on the 0301.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uuyb_vXut1M&feature=channel
Check out these abuse tests of the 0100, 0200, 0301... stabbing hoods, cutting steel bolts,etc.. ( there are 6 videos total) The 154cm steel on the 0200 holds up better and didnt break as fast as s30v steel on the 0301.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uuyb_vXut1M&feature=channel
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Elmax seems easier to sharpen than S30V and it gets stupid sharp.
It seems to stay sharper longer than S30V, could be wrong.
The 350 is an awesome blade. Lately I've been needing a more pointed knife so it hasn't seen much work from me, yet.
The 350 did quite well when I tested my knives in various whittling scenarios.
The 0301 is a tank, and a freakin' nice tank at that.
The 350 fits my needs and carries a bit easier.
me - I cut wood
It seems to stay sharper longer than S30V, could be wrong.
The 350 is an awesome blade. Lately I've been needing a more pointed knife so it hasn't seen much work from me, yet.
The 350 did quite well when I tested my knives in various whittling scenarios.
The 0301 is a tank, and a freakin' nice tank at that.
The 350 fits my needs and carries a bit easier.
me - I cut wood
I can tell you that you should be prepared to sharpen/fix your edges often if you are planning on cutting plastic pallet straps all day with your knife, regardless of steel. I haven't tried Elmax yet but everything else I've used has dulled quickly or chipped when dealing with those conditions.
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Try a Gayle Bradley in CPM-M4.