Is Elmax Done? M390 Wins?

[Insipid Moniker]

This is the second time I read here that M390 is never designed for the knife industry . Look again here ..........................just above the chemical composition ............... KNIVES

https://www.bohler-edelstahl.com/media/M390DE.pdf

You mean at the very end, not in the 'field of applications' list at all, and pretty solidly implied as something the steel was incidentally good at, not designed for? Your evidence isn't terribly supportive of your argument. Heck, the sheet makes it pretty clear that M390 was designed for the plastics industry, not anyone else. Knives are a happy accident.

 

[bobobama]

If we look at the two steels they are clearly siblings. Both steels have alloying elements in the same proportions to one another, just m390 has a little bit more of each alloying element. (Except manganese and molybdenum, which are the same, and silicon, where elmax has .1% more)

I would say from personal guess that the reason why m390 is being used more is because many folders and small fixed blades are being produced for which toughness is less important than edge retention. (Lower alloying content tends to lead to higher toughness)

As a side note it has been my experience that m390 is for some strange reason remarkably easy to sharpen given its high carbide load. (I have heard speculation this is due to m390 seeming to not produce stubborn burrs) Elmax does not seem to have this same super easy to sharpen quality.

Interesting chart, not sure how old it is. Haven't Uddeholm and Bohler merged? Would that have something to do with the current availability/usage of Elmax vs. M390?

 

[shqxk]

I just don't understand why many people have perception that higher alloy = better ...??

Elmax and M390 are both premium steel. M390 is a little more wear resistance while Elmax is a little tougher.

 

[adnj]

I happen to like Elmax. And it is getting harder to find in interesting knife designs.

In my experience, the vast majority of users that I see in the tropics are using simple carbon steels like 1075 everyday. I also see a lot of inexpensive stainless like 440A or 7Cr17MoV.

These knives usually get sharpened with a file or on a concrete block. A carbide sharpener is considered "fancy". I have yet to see anyone wash and oil a fishing knife or machete after using it.

Some people that I've spoken to are interested in and own supersteels but seem to have little knowledge or experience with proper sharpening to achieve a fine edge.

 

[Goose 7279]

I believe the reason for M390 wins and elmax being done is sheer availability. M390 cts 204p 20cv make it alot more available than just elmax. Personally i love elmax and the way it sharpens. But availability also means that pricing will be lower for m390 and its doubles.

 

[Akcir]

We need Gaston to jump in and straighten this discussion out!
I do like m390 for a slicer, and elmax for something a wee bit rougher.

BTW, I don't care for Taco Bell.

 

[ATJ999]

I just don't understand why many people have perception that higher alloy = better ...??

Elmax and M390 are both premium steel. M390 is a little more wear resistance while Elmax is a little tougher.

Exactly! Don't get me wrong, M390/20Cv is in my top 3 favorite stainless steels, but Elmax is above it now. You sacrifice a little edge holding, for IMO great toughness and ease of sharpening. I really can't believe the ease of sharpening/Edge holding ratio that Elmax has. Great stuff! M390/20CV sharpens up east for its edge holding too, but not as good as Elmax. I do wish Elmax had better availability!

 

[ShannonSteelLabs]

We need Gaston to jump in and straighten this discussion out!
I do like m390 for a slicer, and elmax for something a wee bit rougher.

BTW, I don't care for Taco Bell.

Yea! He would tell us that 440B in a 10 or 11 inch blade with a hollow handle for sleeping pills. And all PM steels are crap

I do agree M390 and CPM 20CV are exellent.
Ive used 20CV on several knives and its tough and has great edge holding. Pretty easy to sharpen too! I dont have any experience with elmax, but i hope to change that.