Opinion on different brands that use S35VN/S30V steels

B

BaconButcher

Joined
Nov 20, 2014
Messages
54
Hey, first post! Hope I can get some answers. Now, I was confused at which brands I should avoid, and which ones I should stick with, since I am relatively new to the folding knife industry. I am looking for a knife that is over 3 inches and is made out of S35VN steel (Preferable), but my price range is anywhere from $0-180. I look everywhere for a knife with this steel and the handle that I want, but they are just so damn expensive. I am now looking for S30V steel, over 3 inches and under $180. I keep looking but I keep eyeballing Benchmade, and their delicious looking Obsorne 940. Do you have any opinions on pocketknives that utilize S30V steel that I should get? Regards. BaconButcher :cool:
 
Zero tolerance 350 is s30, the 550 is s35v both are very well made and very good users. The Zt knives in Elmax are very well done too, holds an edge longer than s30v or s35v and is very tough.
 
Zero Tolerance 0550 with a 3.5" blade of S35VN can be had for less than $180 brand new.
 
And is Zero Tolerance known for quality products? Also, not to pester you, but how is their customer service? And can I get a replacement in event if a knife is broken?
 
Microtech's S-35VN seems to be reliably well heat treated in my experience. I had good performance out of my Whaleshark, Socom Delta, and UTX70.

I also at one point owned a Benchmade 470 in S-30V, which performed very well. If you want a more compact carry than the 940, you can't go wrong with the 470. It is one of the better performing knives I have owned due to its blade geometry.
 
Yes ZT does make a very good product and they have excellent customer service too. They are well under your price line as well. If you shop wisely, think Kershawguy.com he's a great guy to deal with and is first rate on both prices and service. I personally prefer zt over benchmade by a lot.
 
Wow, great website! Thanks guys. I am drooling over this knife. Just about everything I want. Hows it look to you for value? http://kershawguy.com/products-page/zero-tolerance/zt-0561-hinderer/
So really, Elmax is better than S35VN? :eek: I will be using knives like these very heavily, because I do semi-survival situations, where I have my friends drop me off in the wilderness for 4 days, and I have to get back to civilization, or they come looking for me. Is this knife ideal? Regards
 
Last edited:
That's a good price, and that model also comes with a black handle (0560) and a blackwashed version.

..
 
You should also keep an eye on the exchange here I've picked up a couple of ZT560's that were new in the box for even less. They are a great knife and my favorite to carry and use around the ranch. Tough durable knives. Elmax is rated as a tougher steel on pretty much every chart. In my own use it definatly holds an edge sharper longer and I have beat on it hard.

12788_10205726456427115_7199960648368512538_n.jpg


and I love s35v.
 
I think you can have faith in any Benchmade, ZT or Spyderco product in S30V or S35VN.

You can buy some good Spyderco knives in either steel for less than $180, most for a lot less.
 
Wow, so it seems Elmax is one of the best out there. Definitely will take this into consideration when buying. Seems the ZT560 is a great knife. I am definitely going to buy a ZT, as they have some great blade shape/geometry, along with a great handle and high grade steel blade. Really appreciate the advice. Will post a pic when I get my ZT.
 
They really are great knives I don't think you will be disappointed in them.

All 3 of these have been worked hard and are just going strong
1491638_10205713891553001_3748519199551581038_n.jpg


10407197_10205713895393097_871795945716863961_n.jpg
 
BaconButcher said:
I will be using knives like these very heavily, because I do semi-survival situations, where I have my friends drop me off in the wilderness for 4 days, and I have to get back to civilization, or they come looking for me. Is this knife ideal? Regards
Click to expand...

ZT makes one of the best/toughest large production folding knives out there.
That said, if you're doing survival stuff, most folks would recommend a fixed blade, which doesn't have the inherent weaknesses of a folder. 'course you could back it up with a ZT. :D
 
For rough work and S30V or S35VN, I would reco the ZT in general. Built for tough work...for rough folks...military and law enforcement.
I've had quite a few; they were all good, and will stand up to your needs.
Also am VERY impressed with Spyderco in CPM-M4, 3 1/2" blade, which is a great folder...takes an excellent edge and holds that edge for a long time...much longer than S30v or S35VN, but may take longer to resharpen, which is pretty common. Spyderco is probably my favorite brand, and I've owned more Spydies than ZT's, but both are great companies.
Also, for your top money, you can likely find (soon) a Spyderco TUFF in CPM-3V, which is head and shoulders above most folders with blade-toughness, and a 3.9" blade. Perhaps the closest thing to a fixed blade...to be found in a folding knife. I've had two.
 
BaconButcher said:
Wow, so it seems Elmax is one of the best out there. Definitely will take this into consideration when buying. Seems the ZT560 is a great knife. I am definitely going to buy a ZT, as they have some great blade shape/geometry, along with a great handle and high grade steel blade. Really appreciate the advice. Will post a pic when I get my ZT.
Click to expand...

If you purchase a used knife, be aware of some past problems ZT has had with Elmax. It definitely only affected a few, but if you happen to get one of the lemons that was not heat-treated properly then you could be losing your edge relatively quickly. New production ZTs shouldn't have this issue at all.
 
I own knives with: 154cm, s30v, s35vn, m390, and elmax. All are great steels, and will suffice for most any edc task. I don't have a dog in the steel fight so to speak.
For me personally spydercos s30v is impressive.. I'm not a scientist and don't know the ins and outs of the blade steels. In my personal experience spydercos s30v is some durable stuff. I guess they have the heat treat on it down pat.
The manix2 or manix2xl can be had well under 180$
With that said you can't go wrong with zt.
 
I am very happy with my S35VN ZT 0550, easily my favourite ZT. Try to hold it in your hand before buying it. Some people like it a lot, others find it a tad too bulky. Personally I think that it's a fantastic knife with a very reasonable price tag. The other knives I use often with S35VN blades are a Microtech Socom Elite, a Protech TR-3 and a Sebenza. All are more expensive and perhaps a step up in fit and finish, but I use my 0550 more often than all of the others combined.

For S30V, the BM 940 is certainly an excellent option (I've got it's clip point brother, one of BM's best knives, in my opinion). Check out the Military, Manix 2 and Paramilitary from Spyderco, actually any flat ground S30V Spydie.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top