Vanax inquiry for the experienced or studied

[Mattwest110886]

I've racked the search button and google for days and i still cant find much on the newer Vanax. All I'm finding is the 35, 37, and 75. Contrary to some things I have read the newer vanax is not the same as the 35 chemically. There are comparing data sheets at alpha knife supply.

If anyone has used this, or read up on it, can you please give me some insight into it's performance and what blade styles you think it is better suited for?

Thank you for any and all help and y'all have a merry Christmas

 

[Larrin]

You are correct that it is different than the previous Vanax variants. According to their own data sheet it has improved toughness over Elmax: https://www.alphaknifesupply.com/Pictures/Info/Steel/Vanax-DS.pdf This is relatively impressive since Elmax is known for its good toughness. Of course it was designed to have superior corrosion resistance thanks to the replacement of carbon with nitrogen. The data sheet doesn’t have anything about wear resistance but based on the 13% volume of VC/VN carbonitrides it should have at least above average wear resistance. It’s definitely an interesting grade with superior corrosion resistance and a little more balanced wear resistance/toughness combination over other PM stainless steels.

 

[jdm61]

Short of a blade designed to be immersed in salt water for long periods of time, whenever I heard folks talking about that level of corrosion resistance for a knife, I think of people who are unwilling or unable to take care of their gear.

 

[Mattwest110886]

Thanks guys,

Larrin that was exactly what I was looking for. I read about the toughness compared to elmax but im dying to find out edge retention. What you said is what I hoped based on the nitrogen and vanadium content

The nitrogen steels have always piqued my interest and I bought a piece to test out. Wasn't sure if I wanted to make a larger blade(11" total) or EDC size.

 

[ShannonSteelLabs]

Thanks guys,

Larrin that was exactly what I was looking for. I read about the toughness compared to elmax but im dying to find out edge retention. What you said is what I hoped based on the nitrogen and vanadium content

The nitrogen steels have always piqued my interest and I bought a piece to test out. Wasn't sure if I wanted to make a larger blade(11" total) or EDC size.

let us know how it turns out!

 

[Willie71]

Thanks guys,

Larrin that was exactly what I was looking for. I read about the toughness compared to elmax but im dying to find out edge retention. What you said is what I hoped based on the nitrogen and vanadium content

The nitrogen steels have always piqued my interest and I bought a piece to test out. Wasn't sure if I wanted to make a larger blade(11" total) or EDC size.

I had a brief discussion via e-mail with Chuck at AKS. He reports that z-FiNiT performs a bit better than 52100, and Vanax will hold an edge longer than z-FiNiT.