Practical difference between production ZT S35VN and Elmax

S

Skyyr

Joined
Mar 24, 2017
Messages
3
Hi guys,

I actually registered so I could post this question, as I either didn't find it answered directly, or the threads pertaining to it were from several years back when ZT had issues with Elmax.

I'm looking at buying a few ZT 0566 models and I've found a couple in both Elmax and S35VN.

The first question I have is, which one is more corrosion resistant? I read that Elmax should be more corrosion resistant due to the higher level of Chromium; however, most all of the sites showing tests and field usage cite S30V/S35VN (I'm considering them the same for corrosion purposes) as the more corrosive-resistant steel. What gives here, and which is correct?

Secondly, I did some reading and found that, when heat treated properly, Elmax is a better overall steel than S35VN. However, in production knives, Elmax and S35VN are about the same. I also came across several threads that mentioned ZT's poor HT of Elmax (specifically burning), but it seems to have been resolved as time went on, albeit it still wasn't optimal enough to take advantage of Elmax's properties.

That is to ask, did ZT finally address their problems with burning/over-treating Elmax? Was the 0566 ever affected? If so, what serial number ranges should I be looking for?

Lastly, is there going to be any practical difference between a ZT 0566 in Elmax vs S35VN?

I appreciate it!
 
Flip a coin or go for the one that sounds cooler. I'd bet you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the two :)
 
zt did not have issues with elmax. it was a rumor someone started and people keep spreading it even today. where is this thread you speak of with proof?

either way you won't notice a difference just get either one you like. I like both, prefer the elmax tho.
 
You'll find that they perform essentially identically. I like elmax because it seems slightly less chippy, but that could also be my own confirmation bias.
 
Thanks for the responses, but what about the corrosion resistance? The compositions are different enough that there should be a difference.
 
Differences perhaps in a salt spray test environ. But end user experience should yield very similar results.

Go for the one with more corrosion resistance on paper if it tickles you so :D
 
both will serve you well, i personally find s35vn to hold a better toothy edge while elmax will hold a better polished edge.
 
kniferbro said:
Differences perhaps in a salt spray test environ. But end user experience should yield very similar results.

Go for the one with more corrosion resistance on paper if it tickles you so :D
Click to expand...

That's what I'm asking - there wasn't any "data." On the sites that said Elmax was, they only referenced that Elmax had more Chromium, nothing more.

On the sites that had "charts," most all showed S30V and S35VN as having higher resistance with little to no explanation.

I would assume there should definitely be a difference given the relatively different Cr content, but nothing confirmed it objectively one way or another, which is why I'm asking here.
 
I live out here by the salt water, and can't tell a difference between the two.

Matter of fact, brew me up two knives... one in each of these two steels... and hand them over to me. I'll swear to you that they are the same steel.

Me and "charts" don't get along too well, so I pretty much ignore them.
 
Elmax may have better wear resistance but s35vn may a little tougher. But it might be so marginal that in real world use you may not notice a difference. They both are high carbon stainless steel
 
This, don't get caught up in specs.
Velitrius said:
I live out here by the salt water, and can't tell a difference between the two.

Matter of fact, brew me up two knives... one in each of these two steels... and hand them over to me. I'll swear to you that they are the same steel.

Me and "charts" don't get along too well, so I pretty much ignore them.
Click to expand...
 
I like Elmax a little bit more but heat treatment will have a big influence and from what I have experienced both are very good
 
Therom is right, but I'd rather have the Elmax, as I'm tired of so much S35VN. BOTH are excellent steels.
Yes, there was an "alleged" heat-treating problem with an exceptionally small sample of Elmax years ago. It was blown way out of proportion; some folks got their feelings hurt, some folks left the Forum, and some folks will swear it never happened at all. :)
 
My elmax zt561 & 551 have kept their edges longer than my s30v zt's. But I don't have any with s35vn.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top