ZT 0560 or Strider?

KLJTech said:
Though I do like ZT's Elmax an awful lot and ZT knives as well, I've never had any problems at all with an S30V blade holding its edge even going back to my older Spyderco Manix C95 or BM Skirmish 630 BK1 or my newer ZT 0300.

As far as Strider's CPM-154 I wouldn't knock it until you try it, I've found that my new SMF's CPM-154 blade appears to hold an edge as well as my ZDP-189 folders. I understand that this can also be due to edge geometry but the fact remains that it holds its edge as well as ANY knife I've ever used. I just moved to a new home and business office and solely used my SMF during the move for cutting open rooms full of cardboard boxes (many were double walled), cutting thick tie down ropes for all my appliances, cutting probably 40-50 heavy duty zip ties (I've heard this is a no-no but zero problems with the CPM-154) and the SMF's edge was still very sharp by the time I had everything unpacked at my new location. Keep in mind that some of these newer "super steels" that are known to hold an edge longer are also more difficult to sharpen so you'll either have to sharpen more often with a "lesser steel" OR spend more time sharpening the "super steel" blade once it does need to be sharpened.
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CPM 154 at full hardness is a very, VERY good steel.
 
ericvar101 said:
I cant say I understand paying that kind of money for a knife made with S30V or CMP154. I think I'd rather have the El Max. Performance is important to me and I like my knives to maintain a razor edge and S30 looses it if you cut a piece of paper. I dont care much for S30V. If I'm spending Strider money, I want something in S90V, M390 or better.
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I've found the Elmax in my ZT's to be no better than average S30V. Definitely well done S30V is better, IMHO. I never felt the Elmax in any of my ZT's held an edge to any amazing degree. I don't consider it a super steel anywhere near M4, M390, S90V, or even steels like CTS-XHP. Maybe I need to try Elmax in the right knives, but I just haven't seen it perform all that well. Don't get me wrong, it performs just fine, but I have found it to perform just like average S30V, nothing special. I always thought the real benefit of Elmax was the fact that it's extremely corrosion resistance, but not that great as far as wear resistance. I definitely think Strider's S30V and CPM 154, especially, perform better than the Elmax in ZT's. Still, just my opinion. I thought maybe I was crazy, but Robbie AKA SmokeEater908 (fairly big YouTube knife channel) had the same exact opinions on it as myself. He did some test videos and it didn't do all that well. He also showed that good S30V can hold an edge quite a bit longer. IIRC, he used a Shirogorov with S30V and it performed quite a bit better. I own the same exact Shirogorov as he does, and I find that S30V to be considerably better myself. Anyway, just my findings. So far, I think Elmax seems a bit overrated. It does have a cool, identifiable name that may have something to do with it. Kind of like Duratech CV or INFI (not that those are overrated, too).
 
A.Dragg said:
I've found the Elmax in my ZT's to be no better than average S30V. Definitely well done S30V is better, IMHO. I never felt the Elmax in any of my ZT's held an edge to any amazing degree. I don't consider it a super steel anywhere near M4, M390, S90V, or even steels like CTS-XHP. Maybe I need to try Elmax in the right knives, but I just haven't seen it perform all that well. Don't get me wrong, it performs just fine, but I have found it to perform just like average S30V, nothing special. I always thought the real benefit of Elmax was the fact that it's extremely corrosion resistance, but not that great as far as wear resistance. I definitely think Strider's S30V and CPM 154, especially, perform better than the Elmax in ZT's. Still, just my opinion. I thought maybe I was crazy, but Robbie AKA SmokeEater908 (fairly big YouTube knife channel) had the same exact opinions on it as myself. He did some test videos and it didn't do all that well. He also showed that good S30V can hold an edge quite a bit longer. IIRC, he used a Shirogorov with S30V and it performed quite a bit better. I own the same exact Shirogorov as he does, and I find that S30V to be considerably better myself. Anyway, just my findings. So far, I think Elmax seems a bit overrated. It does have a cool, identifiable name that may have something to do with it. Kind of like Duratech CV or INFI (not that those are overrated, too).
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It comes down to the HT and tempering process just like other steels, ELMAX at full hardness is excellent as is S30V done properly.

That's from testing a number of knives in ELMAX in the 61-62 HRC range and others in the 58-60 HRC range, there is a difference believe me, a rather large difference.

I doubt anyone in their right mind would put ELMAX in the same group with steels like S90V as it's not.
 
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Ankerson said:
It comes down to the HT and tempering process just like other steels, ELMAX at full hardness is excellent as is S30V done properly.

That's from testing a number of knives in ELMAX in the 61-62 HRC range and others in the 58-60 HRC range, there is a difference believe me, a rather large difference.

I doubt anyone in their right mind would put ELMAX in the same group with steels like S90V as it's not.
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I've heard it can be pretty good stuff at full hardness. I'm guessing the 560's are somewhere in the lower range, but I don't know for sure. Have you put a 560/561 (or 551, for that matter) to the test? I'd be interested to hear your findings. My Elmax ZT's just don't seem to hold an edge any better than average S30V or 154 CM.
 
A.Dragg said:
I've heard it can be pretty good stuff at full hardness. I'm guessing the 560's are somewhere in the lower range, but I don't know for sure. Have you put a 560/561 (or 551, for that matter) to the test? I'd be interested to hear your findings. My Elmax ZT's just don't seem to hold an edge any better than average S30V or 154 CM.
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I tested a 0551 in ELMAX at 60 HRC (Tested) that did pretty well, but it was an early one.

That one is in the rankings thread, wasn't mine so I hadn't run it against anything with a coarse edge.
 
watchluvr4ever said:
Please do not post false info. ZT knives uses 6AL 4V Titanium for the framelock, thus the reason for the price.
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He never said the lock wasnt TI. He said the liners and the clip were not TI and they arent they are steel.

If I was going to be a LEO I would personally go with a Hinderer, because you wont have to pay the secondary market price for one. You would be able to get an XM-18 for about the same price as the Strider.
 
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