ZT 0562 or ZT 0562CF? (Elmax or M390)

Airlsee

Airlsee

Gold Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2013
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118
Hey guys,

I've been checking out this model for a couple months now, and really just can't seem to come up with a choice. Carbon fiber really doesn't do it for me (at least from pictures and vids I've seen). I want a knife that I won't mind using, carrying, dropping...but it's the blade steels that have me torn. When I think of carbon fiber I don't really think tough/durable, but that could be totally unfounded. I'm also concerned about the grip/slickness of CF. If this is just ridiculous please let me know.

What I'm really wondering about are the real-life pros/cons of Elmax & M390. I'm leaning towards the 0562 with Elmax mainly because CF doesn't appeal to me but I don't know if M390 is just that much better of a steel, or if I'm being silly for letting aesthetics stand in the way of a/the premium steel.

Thanks in advance, I've searched around the Interwebs but really haven't round the real-life info I'm looking for. So if there is anywhere to ask it's definitely here...
 
M390 will have superior edge retention, but someone who doesnt cut endless boxes probably wont notice too much of a difference. The elmax will be a bit tougher, so it could probable survive a drop better than the m390, but neither should be treated so carelessly that they are dropped on a regular basis. Carbon fiber was originally created for strength and is actually very tough stuff that doesnt easily take damage. I personally love the looks of it too. I think if it were me, it would be down to price more than anything. Do I want the full experience with the CF and better steel, or can I justify settling for Elmax and G10 in order to save some money. Since I already have a 0566, the choice would obviously be the CF M390. But i cant tell you what to pick. Both look to be excellent knives. Good luck man.
 
Popsickle said:
Love me some elmax, but m390 all day over it :)
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This. Not that Elmax is something to scoff at but M390 is my favorite stainless... and while the G10 offers better grip, the 0562 contours and overall design should give the CF version plenty traction. Plus it looks better (imo)...Oh plus I can afford it so no brainer for me.
 
I think the price difference is really worth it for the CF and m390 on this one. It's worth it for the m390 alone in my opinion.
 
M390 is like elmax on steroids

SpydercoSteelChart14.pdf
 
The addition/deletion of what element would prompt you to make such a statement?

Not questioning it, just trying to learn more about steels. Since it all adds up to 100%, what is the "steroid-inducer" in this mix?

Thanks for the clarification. I know M390 is often used as a surgical steel, but that is about it as far as my knowledge. I know I really like it with my Benchmade 710!
 
I've got a 562CF on preorder. Was able to handle one at Blade this year and it instantly won me over.
 
I've got nothing but good things to say about Elmax. I know I'm leaning more toward the G10 version.

I don't have a preorder or anything, so I'm just waiting for them to start trickling in. Fingers crossed that it's sooner rather than later, but I don't mind the wait!
 
M390 anytime...all the time. I have knives that use both and I'm a firm believer in the superiority of M390. (even if it's only my perception ;) )
 
Bumblingtinkerer said:
Never had either, but I believe CTS-204P is pretty comparable to M390 and I love it more than life itself.
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On this, CTS-204P was Carpenter's version of Bohler's M390, so they are indeed very similar, and even almost identical to one another when treated the same way.

In regards to which one I would want of the 0562 or the 0562CF, it's a pretty easy decision. M390, in my experience, is a better steel than Elmax (not to say Elmax is in any way bad though), and when it really comes down to it, I have the 0562CF on pre-order, and I don't have a 0562 on pre-order for a reason. M390 also is slightly easier to sharpen than Elmax for me, holds its edge longer, and is an incredibly aggressive cutter.
I also really like carbon fiber, and have never had any issues with it's longevitiy or resistance to damage and wear, so I seee no issus with that. The only real argument I see for the 0562 over the CF version is that it is cheaper, and that the G10 is more grippy than smooth carbon fiber, but neither of those ar issues for me at the moment, and I doubt they would change my mind considering the benefits of the CF version, and the very small amount of difference they have in cost (at least right now. I expect that to change at some point.).
 
Love the insights guys, I've decided on the 0562CF. I just can't justify passing up the M390 for Elmax...super stoked, now if it will just come out already!
 
I'll throw in another vote for M390. It really is a great steel. As for the CF scale, I would think you can find someone who would swap you a G10 scale for the CF if you didn't like it.
 
tokerblue said:
I'll throw in another vote for M390. It really is a great steel. As for the CF scale, I would think you can find someone who would swap you a G10 scale for the CF if you didn't like it.
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I'm betting tons of people would love to trade their g10 for his cf if he goes that way.
 
M390 is great, but Elmax is tougher. For me that makes it better. Maybe I can only cut 300 pieces of rope instead of 400 before sharpening, but that makes no difference to me.
 
gga357 said:
M390 is great, but Elmax is tougher. For me that makes it better. Maybe I can only cut 300 pieces of rope instead of 400 before sharpening, but that makes no difference to me.
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This is a good point, and if it works better for you because of that, then that's perfectly fine, but higher toughness to most people isn't that much of a difference, unless the difference in toughness is very significant, and between M390 and Elmax, it is not an incredibly drastic difference.
Also, Elmax's higher toughness is one of the reasons it's notably harder to sharpen than M390, and takes considerably longer to get to a screaming edge. M390 also has a better reaction to sharpening, and in my experience feels smoother against stone, without giving too much difficulty or requiring a lot of effort to sharpen from dull or to re-profile (your mileage may vary).
 
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