ZT 0550: any issues with the S35VN?

KLJTech

KLJTech

Joined
Aug 26, 2005
Messages
1,180
I have a 0551 and really like the feel and design of the the knife but decided even before I ordered it that it would not be used but rather saved in new condition.

I've been thinking about ordering a 0550 for daily carry since every ZT I've bought so far (0560, 0300 and 0551 and a 0561 on the way) has exceeded my expectations yet I've read and heard (I've not tried S35VN...hence the reason for asking) that S35VN is not as good as some had expected and some have compared it to 8Cr13MoV for edge holding ability.

I know that many things factor into how well and edge holds up such as heat treatment, edge geometry and how the blade is used. I certainly trust that ZT will get the best performance possible out of this steel but is S35VN truly on par with S30V in the first place?

I will not be abusing any of my knives yet I would like to know if anyone here has actually used their 0550 (mine will be used) and had ANY issues with the S35VN?
Thanks.
 
Last edited:
i have found that it is easier to sharpen than s30v, but does not stay sharp as long. s30v tends to get micro-chips in the edge while s35vn seems to roll or flatten instead. this makes touch-ups on s35vn much less of a chore. that being said, the edge holding is noticeably better than 8cr, more on par with cpm-154. not up there with elmax, vanax, etc. but still a great steel. :thumbup:
 
I guess I've been lucky so far with my S30V knives, I had an early Native that chipped but it's replacement didn't and I haven't had any problems with my older folders that use it like my BM Skirmish 630 or Spyderco Manix C95. Maybe its just a matter of it taking time to figure out the best HT for a new steel.
 
It's good stuff. I think ZT has S35VN figured out. The ELMAX is a better steel (love it in my 0561) but don't let that lead you to believe S35VN is a sub-par steel.
 
love mine, i prefer a knife that is easy to sharpen myself, i know that any knife will get dull with time.
 
MEJ said:
Isnt S35VN an upgrade to S30V?
Click to expand...

I "assumed" (always dangerous) it was made to be an improvement over S30V but then I've read statements to the contrary...its very possible that the complaints were regarding blades that hadn't got their HT just right early on.

This is from Crucible.com regarding S30VN:

CPM S35VN is a martensitic stainless steel designed to offer improved toughness over CPM S30V. It is also easier to machine and polish than CPM S30V. Its chemistry has been rebalanced so that it forms some niobium carbides along with vanadium and chromium carbides. Substituting niobium carbides for some of the vanadium carbides makes CPM S35VN about 15-20% tougher than CPM S30V without any loss of wear resistance. CPM S35VN’s improved toughness gives it better resistance to edge chipping. Because both vanadium and niobium carbides are harder and more effective than chromium carbides in providing wear resistance, the CPM stainless blade steels offer improved edge retention over conventional high chromium steels such as 440C and D2.


I've had nothing but great luck with ZT so far so if I'm told that ZT has great S35VN then I have no trouble at all believeing it. :thumbup:
 
It's my edc and it's a user for sure. I have a mirror edge on my 550 and it's easy to keep up. Just cannot say enough about zt and my 550.
 
Carry my 0550 every single day. It's the best knife for me. The S35VN is a really good steel and it holds a edge pretty well.
 
So any issues that some users may have had with the edge rolling too easy with their S35VN blades is that most likely due to the HT on those particular knives?
I've never heard of anyone having any trouble with their ZT 0550 blades but I felt it was best to ask here before getting a 0550...
 
CrimsonTideShooter said:
Depends on what qualities are important to you. Upgrade in edge retention? Heck no, not in my experience.

Upgrade in toughness and ease of sharpening/machining? Yep.
Click to expand...

I could not agree more. I've felt that it isn't on par with edge holding to S30v but it seems quite a bit tougher.
 
After a lot of experience with S30V, it is one of my least favorite steels, in any knife, including customs. After a little experience with S35VN, I like it a lot.
 
i'm in market for 550 or 551. what is the difference between s35vn and elmax? i know elmax is better steel, but in what way is it better? i know 551 was limited and it's no longer avail, but if the elmax is much better than s35vn.. it might be better for me to look for 551. it will be edc and will be used.

pete
 
I have the 0561 in Elmax and have been using it everyday for a few months. I bent notches in it prying out some staples and have dulled the edge on cardboard. The notches are still there after sharpening because I stropped it razor sharp very quickly. I found no sense in taking off more steel since it sharpens so easily. only problem was is rolled easier than I expected. My wife laughs at me because I take that knife everywhere. There is no perfect steel, but you can't go wrong with elmax. i had one knife in S35VN, it was also very nice, but not as easy to get razor sharp for me.
 
CrimsonTideShooter said:
Depends on what qualities are important to you. Upgrade in edge retention? Heck no, not in my experience.

Upgrade in toughness and ease of sharpening/machining? Yep.
Click to expand...


How do you feel that the S35VN compares to CPM 154 with regards to edge retention and toughness? I haven't had difficultly keeping any of my blades sharp thus far so I'm not that concerned about ease of sharpening.
Thanks.
 
KLJTech said:
How do you feel that the S35VN compares to CPM 154 with regards to edge retention and toughness? I haven't had difficultly keeping any of my blades sharp thus far so I'm not that concerned about ease of sharpening.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

CPM154 compared to S35VN for edge retention? There is no question, CPM154 wins hands down. CPM154 is now one of my favorite steels, just based on my experiences with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top