Steels: Elmax, m390, CPM 3V, CPM 154, CPM M4: For Demko AD-10

T

The_Guide

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So I am in line to place an order for a Demko AD-10, and the above are the steels I was told are available. What are your thoughts on all those listed? Elmax, m390, CPM 154, CPM M4, CPM 3V...

I have heard really good things about m390, but I would like some input before I commit.

Anyway, thanks everyone!

Cheers!
:cool::thumbup:
 
I love 3V, but I feel it only lives up to its full potential on larger, chopping type blades. I have it on my main outdoor knives (both of which get used VERY hard), and I absolutely love it, but I am not sure the benefits of 3V would be realized on a folder.

I am leaning towards Elmax or m390 at this point, as I love stainless on my folders.

I am curious why you suggest 3V? If there is something I may be missing, I would love to hear it. There may be other aspects of it that I may be overlooking.

Thanks!
:cool:
 
It depends on what you plan on using the knife for.

Let me try to help, to the best of my knowledge:

3v and m4 aren't stainless, elmax, m390, cpm154 are.

For wear resistance the best would be m390 then M4/elmax, cpm154 and 3v.

As far as toughness is concerned, 3v is the toughest followed by m4, cpm154, elmax and m390

We need ankerson to chime in, he'd be able to help out better than I can.
 
jimnolimit said:
It depends on what you plan on using the knife for.

Let me try to help, to the best of my knowledge:

3v and m4 aren't stainless, elmax, m390, cpm154 are.

For wear resistance the best would be m390 then M4/elmax, cpm154 and 3v.

As far as toughness is concerned, 3v is the toughest followed by m4, cpm154, elmax and m390

We need ankerson to chime in, he'd be able to help out better than I can.
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I think you hit the highlights pretty well All good steels, depending upon what you want them to do...
 
I'd go with Elmax or M390: both are very well-rounded steels. Go with Elmax if you want a bit more toughness, M390 if you want a bit more wear resistance. (I opted for M390 on the AD-10 that Andrew should have ready for me around the beginning of 2012.)
 
How do Elmax and M390 compare to (properly heat treated) S30V, and S35VN in terms on toughness? S30V is plenty tough enough for me in a folder, so if m390 is up there, I would opt for that as well as the extra wear resistance is nice.
 
The_Guide said:
How do Elmax and M390 compare to (properly heat treated) S30V, and S35VN in terms on toughness? S30V is plenty tough enough for me in a folder, so if m390 is up there, I would opt for that as well as the extra wear resistance is nice.
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Its toughness is similar to that of S30V, so you should be fine.
 
I'm on the 2012 backlog for a custom AD-10 and when I get my name called I'm going with Elmax or M390 unless he offers up something new in stainless by then ;)
 
Apparently there might be issues with his elmax source so I am trying to figure out another option as well. I think 3v would be great if youre going with the large AD10 with thick liners and plan to beat the crap out of it, but M390 seems like a better choice for a smaller folder. That's what my plan is at least if I can't get elmax.
 
if it was me i would go cpm-154, i LOVE this steel, its amazingly easy to sharpen, is very tough, holds an edge along time (took mine 3 weeks to lose its razor hair popping edge) but only takes 20-30 strokes on a 1200 grit extra fine diamond to make it hair popping sharp again like new. imo its the best all around steel.
 
Im also on a backlog email list for the 2012 AD-10's. someone made a nice recommendation that has one..... why would you get a NON stainless steel in a custom folder? just has bad idea written all over it. I would personally recommend elmax because its stainless and its tough

my initial thought was to go the 3v route too.... i will be going elmax for mine
 
M390 is my favorite stainless. It should be a bit tougher & more stain resistant than S30V, on top of it's many other virtues.
 
I say M390, well that was my choice anyway. Stainless is a lot less hassle in a folder. If you are concerned about keeping it sharp then CPM-154.
 
Popsickle said:
Im also on a backlog email list for the 2012 AD-10's. someone made a nice recommendation that has one..... why would you get a NON stainless steel in a custom folder? just has bad idea written all over it. I would personally recommend elmax because its stainless and its tough

my initial thought was to go the 3v route too.... i will be going elmax for mine
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Why not get non-stainless if that is what you prefer? I've got a few custom folders (slip joints) made from A-2, 1095 etc. I use them all without any trouble.
 
I don't think one can go wrong with ELMAX or M390, those would be the top 2 choices, then CPM-154 and 3V.
 
k knife nut... "elmax, nuff said" really??? how about not Nuff said! that's probably the worst commercial for anything I have ever heard. if you like a particular product, please explain why to the rest of us as obviously that question was asked for a reason and maybe the asker (and a lot of other people) are reading this to gain information about the benefits of one over the other.
 
rustyrazor said:
k knife nut... "elmax, nuff said" really??? how about not Nuff said! that's probably the worst commercial for anything I have ever heard. if you like a particular product, please explain why to the rest of us as obviously that question was asked for a reason and maybe the asker (and a lot of other people) are reading this to gain information about the benefits of one over the other.
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Whoa, settle down buddy. He was simply expressing an opinion and owes no one an explanation that he doesn't want to, or have the time to give it to. You sound very entitled for someone who just joined here this month. Just relax, ask a bit nicer than that, and you will get the answers you want. No need for hostility. The search function is also your friend as to what makes elmax so awesome.
 
pepemrtnz said:
Whoa, settle down buddy. He was simply expressing an opinion and owes no one an explanation that he doesn't want to, or have the time to give it to. You sound very entitled for someone who just joined here this month. Just relax, ask a bit nicer than that, and you will get the answers you want. No need for hostility. The search function is also your friend as to what makes elmax so awesome.
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+1 on this. The only thing I'd add, which relates to the point in bold, is that folks who have been around here for more than a month or two know that knifenut has a lot of experience/knowledge about steels and sharpening. If he's recommending Elmax strongly, even by just saying "Elmax, nuff said", you can be certain that opinion is based on significant knowledge and experience. (He's also very generous in sharing that knowledge/experience with others, but like pepemrtnz said, barging in and indignantly demanding an explanation is unlikely to get you very far.)
 
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