Zero Tolerance 0350 Composite Folder vs. 0301?

T

termiteslayer

Joined
Dec 18, 2009
Messages
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How does the composite ELMAX®/Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel compare to S30V?
Is the 0301 really $100 better than the 0350?
I have the 0301 and I'm thoroughly impressed with its robustness.
How much weaker would the 0350 be?
Would anyone even notice a strength difference during normal use?
Any enlightenment or thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks.
 
The 0350 is a liner lock not a frame lock. Also the 0300 is a lot bigger and uses a TI frame lock. So yes it is worth $100 more, at least to me.
 
I would say the smaller size makes it strong if the same materials were used. The 0350 has a very beafy thick liner lock, but it isn't as thick as the the 0300's frame lock. I don't think you will be disappointed with the strength of the 0350 in any way.

The only complaint I have with my 0350 is how "square" the G-10 is on the handle. The one I have will be getting the edge of the G-10 rounded over to make it less sharp. It should feel a lot better in the hand.

My Kershaw Ram feels much better after having the edges of the G-10 "knocked" off.
 
termiteslayer said:
The 0350 is 10% smaller.
Is it weaker because of liner lock and small size reduction?
Click to expand...

10% is still smaller. There are obviously intrinsic differences between any frame lock and a liner lock, those would also apply in the case of these knives. the different steels have different properties. A quick google will show extensive details on S30V, there are some details on ELMAX, but not as easily found as Crucible steels.

I'm not sure by what you mean when you say "weaker" though. Are you planning to pry the rusted bumper off a an old truck with your knife or what?
 
"there are some details on ELMAX"
I'm not understanding the stuff I am finding on it.
Could someone with a clue please sum it up for me in a nutshell?
Is S30V better overall? What advantage might the ELMAX have over S30V?

I used 'weaker' with a grain of salt. I don't think I would ever do anything to break either one of those knives.
Knives are not screwdrivers or pry bars for me, though the 300 series might get away with the pry bar thing.
 
This is directly from the KAI-Europe 2010 Catalog found here:
http://kai-europe.bagodiwa.com/images/download_files/kershaw_catalogue_en.pdf
Page 6
Here is the link to ELMAX straight from the UDDEHOLM site:
http://www.bucorp.com/files/elmax-engelsk_031103.pdf

ELMAX® and BöHLER M390 MICROCLEAN®
In our composite-blade Speedform and Volt, Kershaw is pioneering the use of these two premium steels as blade steels. Both are third-generation powdered steels. Incredibly clean, they have virtually no inclusions and offer an extremely uniform distribution of carbide. ELMAX® is a high chromium-vanadium-molybdenum alloyed steel that combines high wear resistance with corrosion resistance.

So this is a powdered steel, similar to how Crucible makes CPM steels. ELMAX claims to hold finer carbides.

The CPM process must be similar, since the purpose of it is to evenly distribute carbides throughout the metal, rather than having large chunks in some palces and not others.

Here is the data sheet on CPM steels, specifically S30V:
http://faq.customtacticals.com/datasheets/s30v.pdf

As for general comparisons:

ELMAX:
Possibly more corrosian resistant
Fine carbide distribution
Swedish origin
Primarily used in making molds

CPM-S30V
Decent corrosian resistance
American origin
Designed to be a knife steel
CPM process refines carbide structure

The info I got was from a 5 minute search on Crucible and Uddelholm. If anyone wants to contribute more please feel free. I just don't think many people have experienced this steel here in the US. It appears that ELMAX is just as tough, sharp, and hard as CPM-S30V can be, it's just a touch more corrosion resistant. Hope this sums it up for you - not really better, just different.
 
Thanks.
At this point it's almost like I'm looking at the sky for the first time trying to figure out what a constellation is.
Looks like I got some homework to do.
 
I gifted my brother a 0350 CB, I would not put it in a class of "weak" but it is thinner and lighter than the 0300. I actually like its size and weight better than the 0300 I had, plus the blade thickness difference makes it a much better cutter. I don't know how much abuse you put a folder through but if its enough to break either then your technique of use should probably be altered.

The ELMAX steel thus far is holding a "shaving sharp" edge longer than a S30V type of steel and is seemingly subject to less deformations of the edge. So far its just been daily cutting and no real aggressive cutting test yet so this is NOT to say it better but its going in that direction at the moment.
 
termiteslayer said:
"there are some details on ELMAX"
I'm not understanding the stuff I am finding on it.
Could someone with a clue please sum it up for me in a nutshell?
Is S30V better overall? What advantage might the ELMAX have over S30V?

I used 'weaker' with a grain of salt. I don't think I would ever do anything to break either one of those knives.
Knives are not screwdrivers or pry bars for me, though the 300 series might get away with the pry bar thing.
Click to expand...

I just called Kershaw and talked to there ZT division and asked about the edge holding capability of ElMax compared to CPM S30V and I was informed that in there tests the ElMax steel was a hair better than S30V as far as holding a razor sharp edge. S30V has a hardness rating of 59 where the ElMax comes in at 60. I haven't tried the ElMax steels yet but I have machined and used several S30V knives. Personally I don't like S30V, I prefer VG10, ATS34, 154CM, and D2 Tool Steel as well as a good 300 to 1000 layer Damascus CS over S30V.
 
I'm sure they're both more than strong enough for hard use. Strength beyond a certain point seems to be a non-issue.
 
I would love the ZT0350 if it had the thicker blade of the 0300 series. It would definately see pocket time if that was the situation!
 
I bought the ZT0350CB on the ground that it is lighter, thinner, smaller and therefore more EDCable. When the knife arrived, it blew me away as it is above my expectation in those areas. The blade is razor sharp and holds the edge well.
 
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