I love Elmax Steel - it's my personal favorite. Why is this steel not used more?

Joined
May 5, 2023
Messages
68
I've always been an Elmax Steel fan, ever since the old Zero Tolerance days. Magnacut appears to be the new steel everyone is raving about, and rightfully so, but my personal favorite is Elmax steel. As far as production knives go, there really aren't many folding knives in production that uses Elmax steel except for companies like Kizer and Vosteed. I wonder why that is? I mean, I know it's not cheap, but neither is Magnacut, M390, S45VN, etc. Perhaps I'm missing some that are out there, and if I am, I would love to hear about it, because I'm always looking to add to my Elmax steel collection (Folders and Fixed blades too).
 
Carrying an Elmax folder today:

i-wBTBdxc-X2.jpg
 
It's very easy to mess up in mass production during the bevel grinding/sharpening process. It takes less heat to affect the steel's heat treat than many other steels, making it require a bit more care. I remember ZT a long while ago had many problems with the heat treat on one of their first folders utilizing Elmax, they were quick to rectify the problems, but the steel in my eyes is still questionable. I know TRC use it and I'm yet to hear any complaints about them, apart from the pricing, but from what I've handled the pricing is justified.
 
Elmax is a good steel, but there are others that are in the same class or better. For example Magnacut is tougher than Elmax with similar wear resistance and corrosion resistance is same or better. Then there are s45vn, spy27, m390 and clones, even s35vn and s30v are in the same general performance class. It is just a very crowded space as far as knife steels go.
 
Harsh reality time.

Elmax is a yesterday's Super Steel. There are way better choices now.

It happened to VG-10

It happened to Elmax

It will happen to this week's Super Steel.

Let me tell you, buddy
There's a faster gun Superer Steel
Coming over yonder
When tomorrow comes
 
Harsh reality time.

Elmax is a yesterday's Super Steel. There are way better choices now.

It happened to VG-10

It happened to Elmax

It will happen to this week's Super Steel.

Let me tell you, buddy
There's a faster gun Superer Steel
Coming over yonder
When tomorrow comes
OP didn’t claim it to be the best super steel. Just the one that the OP likes.
Please explain your response.
 
A really well done example of any worthwhile steel can punch out of its weight class. Composition is important but just a piece in the puzzle in my experience anyway. YMMV.

A highly respected maker here told me that makers know D2 done right will cut and cut and cut. Not verbatim but that was the sentiment.
 
OP didn’t claim it to be the best super steel. Just the one that the OP likes.
Please explain your response.
OP asked what happened. I answered.

I love the Angus burger at McDonalds. It is objectively the best fast food burger but it's gone. Why? I love the Whistle Dog from A&W. It's the best and only fast food hot dog but it's not a regular menu item. Why?

Nothing sadder than a Super Steel that's moved onto being cold product but is still trying to hang on.

A-B-C. A-Always, B-Be, C-Cutting Edge. Always be cutting edge, always be cutting edge.
 
Back
Top