Hello, folks. I was wanting to purchase a new Kershaw and I decided on the Speedform 2. I like the shape and for some reason I am intrigued by the ELMAX steel, although I know very little about it. I know that it has a fairly high carbon level. How does it perform? Rust resistance? And for anybody that owns the Speedform 2, how does it handle? It is a little late for me to be asking, since I bought it already, but I was curious about what to expect. Thanks for any input.
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Kershaw Speedform 2 and ELMAX steel
- Thread starter wenkrush
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2010
- Messages
- 3,708
+1 on this. Elmax is an excellent steel -- high wear resistance combined with high corrosion resistance.
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2006
- Messages
- 5,603
I have found Elmax to be one of the cleanest steels I've ever used. It takes great finishes and does very well at very high polish. I took mine up to almost 10,000 grit when first familiarizing myself with the steel. I even re profiled one down to a zero edge while trying different combinations. It has great edge strength for a steel in it's class. I found no inclusions of any kind in the steel which is strange when sharpening at such high polishes.
Yes, it takes a great edge and holds it. I've never done severe or lengthy wear resistance tests but in EDC use it seems to be around the S30V class with a matrix that will resist micro chipping very well.
I did have to thin the edge out due to my preferences but other than that in my experience the knife was perfect. I do like that about Kershaws though. It's easy to get spoiled.
Joe
Yes, it takes a great edge and holds it. I've never done severe or lengthy wear resistance tests but in EDC use it seems to be around the S30V class with a matrix that will resist micro chipping very well.
I did have to thin the edge out due to my preferences but other than that in my experience the knife was perfect. I do like that about Kershaws though. It's easy to get spoiled.
Joe
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2007
- Messages
- 7,680
I love Elmax! Not only does it perform well on the Kershaws that I own with it, but I've used it in my own knife shop and the customers of mine who have bought my knives made out of Elmax have been very pleased.
This steel, like others have mentioned takes a great edge and holds it for a really solid amount of time. It grinds easily and cleanly and can be finished really well. It's got a nice grain structure, if you will.
I would buy the SF II without any hesitation, it's a great knife made with a great steel!
This steel, like others have mentioned takes a great edge and holds it for a really solid amount of time. It grinds easily and cleanly and can be finished really well. It's got a nice grain structure, if you will.
I would buy the SF II without any hesitation, it's a great knife made with a great steel!
