Is Elmax a reliable EDC steel?

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Conner Michaux

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Jul 8, 2018
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I'm thinking of buying a blade made of Elmax, But I don't know anything about the steel is it a good EDC knife steel? and what is its strength compared to S30V. Explain it simple please :P all the metallurgy stuff doesn't make any sense at all to me..
 
In terms of all around performance, as judged on edge retention, wear resistance, toughness, and corrosion resistance, Elmax is a small step down from M390/204P/20CV. It has slightly less edge retention than those, and slightly more toughness, assuming comparable quality heat treat.
 
Conner Michaux said:
I have heard it compares to s30v, is that true?
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Imho way better steel than s30v. It takes a polished edge much better. S30v seems to loose its razor edge very quickly to a working edge it keeps for a long time.

Elmax is not only easier to touch up in my experience as it doesn’t form a stubborn burr but also keeps that razor edge longer. Then it keeps a working edge for a long time too. Elmax is also tougher than s30v and isn’t chippy.
 
I like the one ZT I have with Elmax. It seems a little less likely to chip than S30v and cuts pretty well for a good amount of time before needing sharpening.

It would serve you well in an EDC.
 
I would be comfortable with Elmax in fixed blades up to 5 inches or so. I love Elmax in folders and have had it in some custom fixed blades and it performs exceptionally well. Busse uses it in some smaller fixed blades, and they hang their hat on the toughness of their blades. I suspect you will be very happy with it unless you are looking for a chopper.
 
I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a knife in Elmax, fixed or folder. It’s not as prone to chipping like S30V. It performs well with a polished or toothy edge. Fairly easy to maintain a sharp edge with a ceramic rod and strop. Good corrosion resistance, so you don’t have to baby it in wet conditions.
 
I don't know how, but Elmax is a step up from S30V in every category. It's tougher, holds an edge longer (refined or toothy), has higher corrosion resistance, and is easier to sharpen. Elmax is easily one of my top 5 favorite steels. The only real downside to it is that it's expensive (roughly the same price as M390/20CV/204P) and therefore is not very common. Sadly steels that provide great edge retention while still being able to hold a razor edge aren't very popular. I'd choose it over M390 just because I value the ability to hold a razor edge.
 
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