What to expect with Elmax?

S

socalkid

Joined
Apr 8, 2011
Messages
216
Hello,

I just ordered a ZT 561, I never like buying a knife right when it hits the market. So all the bugs can get worked out and the hype dies down. I have never used any Elmax and was wondering how it performs compared to something likes Spyderco's S30V? Any thing special I should know?

Thanks,

Chris
 
Elmax is tougher than s30v, so it will roll rather than chip, overall edge retention should be about the same with regards to a working edge, but elmax holds a razor edge a bit longer. In terms of sharpening, elmax is a bit easier in my experience, but not by a lot, it is still a modern, powdered, carbide rich, super steel afterall. Overall its some good stuff. Edge holding won't be remarkable, but more than adequate, and its toughness makes up for it if your regularly use your knives hand.
 
Elmax didn't perform well at all on my 0561 ... almost didn't use it and yet and the edge is gone :(
maybe the heat treat didn't like the sharpening from factory or i got a bad one .. but i'm not buying into all the super steel they want to sell us..
also the SUPER soft titanium lock is almost at 100% lockup after a month, and feels weak now ( i can even close it by hand -_- )
as you said, i'll wait before buying a new model of a knife, the ZT has an EXCELLENT design overall , but the lockup changing that much in such a short time + the very poor performances of Elmax kinda ruined it for me T_T
 
My 0561 holds an edge a little better than s30v in my short time using it. It's a very nice steel and one of favorites for folders.

Also the lockbar on my 0561 (Serial number 1999) is carbidized (Tungsten carbide IIRC) which is very hard. My lockup moved about a millimeter in the first week of owning it. It has not since moved and I've probably opened it about 1000-1500.

They are great knives with a great steel designed by a great knifemaker and made by a great knife company.

good_to_great_image.jpg
 
Elmax is so much better than s30v, less brittle so it's less likely to chip, sharpens MUCH easier, and mine holds an edge longer than the s30v my zt 0350 uses.

Ps. Six moon you need to contact zt customer service and send that knife in. I have an 0560 and a 0561 and have had both much longer than you have had yours. That being said after initial break in my lockup on both is around 50% and never went beyond it.
 
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