Sources for Elmax and/or CTS-XHP

james terrio

james terrio

Sharpest Knife in the Light Socket
Joined
Apr 15, 2010
Messages
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I'm working up a bid for a Tracker-style knife that must be very stain-resistant and as tough as possible. I like CPM-154 very much but would like something even tougher. Having used CTS-XHP and being extremely pleased with it, I'm keeping that option open. But I've heard great things about Elmax being a little tougher and am itching to try it. Anyone got a good source for it? I've only found one so far (USAknifemaker) and I have no problem ordering from them, but I do like to shop around. Thanks!

Naturally, your experience with HT'ing Elmax is welcome as well. My thinking so far is to have Brad at Peters' do it, and ask for 60Rc and full cryo. Can/should I ask him to go for 62Rc?
 
depending on how much you want or what steel you need (and they have more then is listed on the site but it depends on the size you need)

scott davana SP? is now the retail rep for carpenter steel at http://sbspecialtymetals.com/xknifesteel.aspx

see if you can talk scott into rolling out some PD1 for you as it should be even better then 3v (cause its finer) and it will have no problem making the 62rc target
 
Better than 3V? Now I'm intrigued! But that's a topic I will look into later. For this project, the client's first concern is corrosion-resistance; even if we stick with boring old CPM-154 (:D) the dimensions are such that it will be a very stout knife. Regardless, thank you kindly for the link and info, CTS-XHP seems rare as hen's teeth and I don't know why. It's a great alloy.
 
carpenter is working on it and getting it in more knife maker user friendly thicknesses (now they are rolling it to .103 for me and my kitchen knives )

they have good steel but the trick is getting te word out and also makeing sure that the sizes are right for makers (they are not use to smaller scale retail and thes whre scott really can help out
BTW PD1 is not easy to get i was lucky to get a bar but have noot got the 2 blades finishe out of it yet (one a razor and the other a chopper to test both ends of the steel in use)
 
Hey Butch, can you please keep us informed on your results and any info regarding PD 1? I'm interested to see your results and HT schedule and how you think it compares to 3V.
 
i will as its a steel i want to be able to work more with. in my use of 3v i had thought what could i not get a little ore carbon and a bit less V (ofset by W ot Ni) and this is really close and with what im told is 3x finer powder to start with then 3v

when i was at the carpenter steel mill tour and the steel was brought up i asked why it was not on there list of top steels to market and in a nut shell they wanted to get more exposure to the SS side first and they only had some much space in the lineup to start.

they have many great steels just not so easy to get sometimes liek B52 (ultra clean triple melt 52100)
 
Gotta agree with Butch. Get the word out on more if the lesser known steels and we will have greater access to them in the future. Both Carpenter and Bohler are upping the game in the blade steel. Bohler has some really awesome née products most are available at Alpha. You can contact Premiumsteel here, he is a BU rep and a really nice guy.
 
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