Toughness of S35VN and ELMAX

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bluelighthawaii

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Aug 29, 2011
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How does toughness compare between S35VN and ELMAX? I read some claims that one is toughest, but others that claim the other is tougher. Not looking to compare any other steel, just these two. Thank you.
 
According to Bohler & Uddeholm corp's impact toughness testing. Elmax is the toughest PM stainless.

Elmax at 62RC is tougher than S30V @57RC which is tougher than both S35VN and CPM154 at 57RC.
 
"In an impact toughness test, the toughness of ELMAX steel at 61 HRC is better than any competitor's stainless blade steel even at 57 HRC, despite a lower HRC typically providing more toughness."

That is from the blade ops link I posted.
 
Interesting, where did they get the info you posted?
 
Maybe I'm missing something but the link you posted says the opposite of your post.
 
Not to mention, cpm steels gain nothing from lowering their hardness if I'm not mistaken. What is the charpy numbers for elmax at 61hrc?
 
I'll go against the grain here and say asserting s35vn is tougher and posting a link to blade ops is misleading.

S35vn is tough but I've seen nothing quantifying it over Elmax. And none has been provided here.
 
A better question is why does it matter? Toughness should be relegated for fixed blades. Most folders all meet the minimum criteria of 250lb per square inch as thats on average the most a human hand can apply. Both will be just fine and not bend or warp under that type pressure.

If this is for a fixed blade and we are using it to baton with...go with 3v, it crushes both and I haven't had a single issue with it rusting or pitting on me.
 
i think it all depends at what HRC it is. certainly 3V would be the best option.
 
^^ What these two said. If you are getting a fixed blade and want it tough, go with 3V. With a proper HT the corrosion resistance is impressive. If it is for a folder, you can go with either S35vn or Elmax, they will be PLENTY tough for a folder.
S35vn and Elmax should have similar toughness, with each other.
 
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yeah the op was only interested in elmax vs. s35vn, but the test of us appreciate the info. thanks fellas........
 
Elmax is tougher than S35VN, although both are plenty tough.

Check out this link (graph at bottom):
http://www.bucorp.com/media/Toughness_testing_for_knife_steels.pdf

The chart shows toughness of various powder stainless steels at various hardnesses.

1491638961065_zpssp5uyzwa.jpg~original


In that chart,
PM 14-2-4 CrMoV is S30V
PM 14-2-3 CrMoVN is S35VN
PM 14-4 CrMo is CPM 154
14-4 CrMo is 154 CM
 
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Is there any concensus on what the toughest (or which are very tough) when it comes to these PM steels?
 
Twindog said:
Elmax is tougher than S35VN, although both are plenty tough.

Check out this link (graph at bottom):
http://www.bucorp.com/media/Toughness_testing_for_knife_steels.pdf

The chart shows toughness of various powder stainless steels at various hardnesses.

1491638961065_zpssp5uyzwa.jpg~original


In that chart,
PM 14-2-4 CrMoV is S30V
PM 14-2-3 CrMoVN is S35VN
PM 14-4 CrMo is CPM 154
14-4 CrMo is 154 CM
Click to expand...

This graph (if I am reading it right) seems to show S30v being tougher than S35vn while also being at a higher hrc. Is that correct?

Also I have heard that lower hrc = higher toughness isn't necessarily true, and sometimes a heat treat that will make a steel hogher hrc AND higher toughness.
 
With ingot steels lower hardness equated to flex instead of break. The modern pm steels don't need to be ran soft to be tough. Nor do they need to be differentially heat treated.
 
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