Is that the same as Vanax 75 like the Kershaw Tilt uses?
No, Vanax 35 and Vanax 75 are discontinued. They have been replaced by "Vanax Superclean" released at Bladeshow 2017
Vanax SC is the most balanced PM stainless steel. At 60hrc( depending on the edge angle, edge finish and how well the sharpener shaped the apex and removed the burr) it can cut longer then CPM154 and S35vn, but not as much wear resistance and cutting endurance as M390 (especially since m390 has a much higher working hardness and can be maxed out to 64hrc tempered and with cryos)
So Vanax does't blow every steel out of the water, the edge holding per say is not very special, but you have to combine that with the fact that its the toughest pm stainless just next to or under nitrobe77 yet Vanax SC is more wear resistant but lower obtainable hardness to nitrobe 77
Vanax is incredibly stainless, like a diving knife but can actually take and hold a real edge (h1 doesnt cut very long) so its not limited to saltwater use only.
Vanax is very easy to sharpen due to the very fine structures the nitrogen promotes, Nitrogen is very fine and promotes very fine "nitrides" which are softer then carbides but are finer ( a trade off, not to be confused with fine grain which has no trade off)
So combining all those factors it stacks up as a rather impressive steel, its better then the other steels if balance is the priority without losing too much overall performance
Why dont you see more Vanax SC?
COST
Its three times the cost of s30v, twice the cost of Elmax and it costs more then even Maxamet and rex 121.
Vanax SC really only works at 60ish HRC, The steel is focused on balance, which is good, but a jack of all trades has some compromises to ultimate edge performance (which also has comprise as well).
Vanax at 60hrc doesn't take an edge like steels at 63-64hrc which come up much crisper and while Vanax gets a very keen edge, its not as aggressive as Elmax, which produces alot more grabbing bite at the apex even at the same edge finish and angles.
The Vanax edge reminds me of how 3V and 4V feel which aren't very aggressive edges like CPM Cruwear and CPM M4 are
The majority will find it to be there favorite steel, but its held back to the masses due to extreme cost.
Its stacked up to be a great custom knife maker steel. Makers will find it great to work with and finish, but it can was some warping issues with HT and might be recommended to HT at full thickness stock to combat warping and nitrogen loss.
Going custom is about the only way you're going to get your hands on it.
So find your favorite custom maker and pay the premium.
.
