Need comparison info on Elmax and M390

A

amflud

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Jun 10, 2009
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Can you guys give me some pros and cons of the two steels? Toughness, edge holding, sharpenability, stain resistance, etc. Which is your personal preference between the two? I'd like to get a fixed blade edc in one of the two steels. Think Spyderco Mule. (This is not a WTB thread, btw)
 
Can't think of any cons for either one.

Both are VERY stainless with the edge going to M390.

Both have excellent edge retention with M390 in the lead.

Both are VERY clean and take an extremely fine edge.
 
Thanks Jim. Anyone else? I've been leaning more toward Elmax but I'm still very much on the fence. Looks like M390 is only slightly more expensive so that's not a factor. It might come down to which is easier to sharpen since I'm a novice.
 
amflud said:
Thanks Jim. Anyone else? I've been leaning more toward Elmax but I'm still very much on the fence. Looks like M390 is only slightly more expensive so that's not a factor. It might come down to which is easier to sharpen since I'm a novice.
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Sharpening really shouldn't be a big problem as both seem to be about the same, the trick really is not to let the knife get dull doing light touch ups until your sharpening skills improve. :)
 
Hmmm . . . . if their sharpenability is about the same and the M390 has better edge retention then this is an easy decision. Thank you!
 
Both are easy to sharpen compared to S30V (using the EP). Ankerson covered everything I would have said and I would add both are very tough as well. I have 5in fixed blade in Elmax. It's 60rc, .18 at the spine and .020 behind the edge and I've beat on the dang thing without incident yet. The M390 mule I have is awesome as well.
 
I have an article comparing the two. Message me and ill link it. M390 proves to be stronger more rust resistant and better edge retention. They are tested as pm tools steels
 
despite the document dont underestimate Elmax even though M390 exceeds it. Its like racing a porche and a buggati, just because one wins it doesnt mean the other is bad. I suggest you get a good m390 blade and get a elmax blade as well http://shop.jericohblades.com/SEER-Elmax-Mk-V-SEER-Elmax-Mk-V.htm?categoryId=-1 would be a good use of Elmax. Probably better than the spyderco mule because of the thickness allows u to exert force on it
 
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