Coming back to Spyderco! (Elmax or S35 PM2?)

gmorel1916

gmorel1916

Joined
Sep 16, 2014
Messages
646
So I sold my Spydies awhile back and have regretted it ever since soooo I ordered a Cruwear Military and am trying to decide between the Elmax or the S35VN PM2. I searched around and didn't find a whole lot on the Elmax one and was curious if anyone can enlighten me a bit and help me decide on one. Thanks!
 
I'm partial to the S35VN.
More affordable than the Elmax and I prefer the brown handle on the Moteng exclusive.
The S35VN gets screaming sharp relatively easy. I'm sure someone will come along and reiterate the downside to that quality though... :rolleyes:
 
I have a few and I Would say save the money you would spend on the two you are looking at and just buy a standard S30V
 
The Elmax will be a little more rare because it is a newer release and a lot of enthusiasts have a prejudice against the retailer. However I think Elmax is the ideal steel for the Para2 and I say that because I think the tip is a bit fragile and a tougher steel would give me more confidence. But in reality I don't think there is all that much difference between Elmax, S35VN and S30V- buy the one that you like the best and can get the easiest.

(Currently in my EDC rotation are the Green 204 and digicam S30V versions.)
 
All of the test results I've seen indicate that S30V and S35VN are identical in edge holding and the S35VN is slightly stronger. Which means that unless the blade breaks you can't experience the difference between S30V and S35VN at all. The one that is actually different from S30V here is the Elmax blade. I bought the S35VN PM2 just because I want to make sure I buy every PM2 variation that they ever produce, but if you're just getting 1 I'd say Elmax.
 
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I am going to be the voice of disagreement here. S35VN, on it's best day, can not beat S30V. The lack of certain carbides simply won't allow it. You can't take Vanadium out and add Nobium (spelling?) and expect S35VN to hold up with S30V. I dislike S35VN, not because of the steel, but because of the crock story they try to feed us about it. It's advertised as "Tougher" than S30V, but everything else is the same. That should sent up B.S. flags. S35VN was made because it is easier to work for the manufacturer, NOT because it is better steel. Elmax is a decently tough stainless. I would go Elmax all day every day over S35VN.

Rant off. :-)
 
I'm curious about the Elmax Para, despite the vendor. There just aren't many Sprint or Exclusives left out there. I guess I'm spoiled but after trying M390, CTS204P and S90V, I'm just not that excited about S30V and S35VN.
 
Neither, get the Green 204P Para2..cool color and excellent steel..due the large number made its still relatively inexpensive but after a few years go by and the supply begins to dry up they will for sure go up in value..
 
ToxicBot11 said:
Neither, get the Green 204P Para2..cool color and excellent steel..due the large number made its still relatively inexpensive but after a few years go by and the supply begins to dry up they will for sure go up in value..
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I'd rather have that one but I can't find any.
 
And correct me if I'm wrong but, aren't all PM2s made in the same place with the same tooling and the same people?
So if one happens to work better than another it's just luck of the draw right?
 
I prefer the Elmax, and I've had quite a few. If you are casual carry, you'll likely never see a difference.
 
I have 1 Para 2, the green 204p version. I'd get another if I could find one, but they seem to be all gone. The Elmax is probably somewhat close in performance, and I really like the foliage green scales. So I'm probably going to get one at some point. The Para 2 is just too good to own only one example.
 
Barman1 said:
And correct me if I'm wrong but, aren't all PM2s made in the same place with the same tooling and the same people?
So if one happens to work better than another it's just luck of the draw right?
Click to expand...

I have wondered about this. So many people talk about how good their sprint models are I've wondered if Spyderco puts extra care into the assembly of them vs. the standard models. However in my EDC rotation I have the green sprint run and a standard digicam- the standard digicam model is smoother.
 
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