S35VN vs. Elmax?

Tsujigiri · Feb 21, 2011

These are both pretty new steels without as much info as others, but what do we know about the two compared to each other? I ask because the ZT 055x series is being produced in two versions, and I'm wondering if the Elmax steel really warrants the $40 price jump. I'm looking mainly at how the two compare with respect to edge retention and corrosion resistance, since toughness won't be much of an issue with such a thick blade. Thanks!

RevDevil · Feb 22, 2011

Keep in mind that ELMAX is not an American steel. There are different labor rates for steel manufacturing in Sweden, not to mention transportation costs to the US, heat treating, machining costs, etc. If you search for threads on CPM-S35VN here you can find quite a bit more than there was say 6 months ago. Ankerson has done some interesting testing on ELMAX, he could probably tell you more. Look for his threads in the Knife Testing subforum.

Noctis3880 · Feb 22, 2011

$40 price jump

?

I was under the impression that both knives were the same price.

In which case, I believe Elmax is the clear winner. If memory serves, S35VN is like S30V, but with better toughness and possibly a more consistent heat treat. Whereas Elmax has a higher carbide volume, higher hardness than standard production S30V(which is typically in the Rc 57-59 range), and more corrosion resistance.

Longtrang · Feb 22, 2011

I am eager to play with both.

dano · Feb 22, 2011

Do you think that the additional 40 bucks is worth it? Then buy it. I doubt the performance difference between the two is even noticeable in day-to-day cutting chores.

DennisStrickland · Feb 22, 2011

as with many newer steels only a more prolonged track record will give a more definitive reputation of these products. at present we are seeing nitrogen & niobium introduced in alloys. also it seems as we are flooded with newbies to test , such as vanax 35 & vanax 75, elmax, m390, the newer supercharged 440 & d2 series ad infitum. i wish we could see something as simple & inexpensive as 1095 that outcut zdp & more stainless than 3v.---dennis

Tsujigiri · Feb 22, 2011

Noctis3880 said:
$40 price jump?

I was under the impression that both knives were the same price.

I got a quote from one dealer for the 0550 that will be less than what they charge for the 0551, since it's a limited.

So is S35VN edge retention no better than S30V? I've seen some charts for supersteel edge retention here, but not with these two alloys. I'm wondering if the jump of Elmax over S35VN is anywhere near as dramatic as that between, say, s30v and CPM-M4. I know Elmax is better, but I suspect that the 0551 commands a higher price now partly because there aren't enough on the market yet, and no 0550's as alternatives.

JNewell · Feb 22, 2011

According to Crucible, edge retention of S35VN should be about the same as S30V. It is "tougher," meaning lateral force resistance of S35VN is better, for all those who edge-pry. It grinds and polishes better/faster/cheaper, which knifemakers will like.

One thing that I wonder about is how the finer grain structure of S35VN would affect edge retention. Crucible says they're about the same, but the grain structure might mean that one is better than the other in some applications.