ZT Discontinuing Elmax!?

dkb45

dkb45

Joined
Dec 16, 2012
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After talking to my new local ZT dealer, I found out that Elmax is no longer being used by ZT for 2016. All models with Elmax are being switched to S35VN. How have I not heard of this until now?
 
dkb45 said:
After talking to my new local ZT dealer, I found out that Elmax is no longer being used by ZT for 2016. All models with Elmax are being switched to S35VN. How have I not heard of this until now?
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old news. The official statement was that they had trouble sourcing enough, and that S35VN was more plentiful.
 
Back about a year ago ZT switched from M390 to CTS-204P mostly due to availability. This has progressed to CPM-S35VN over Elmax and eventually CPM-M4 over Vandais 4 Extra as evidenced by the 2016 ZT Catalog.

Availablity is key but guiding marketing towards American sources for all materials on top of country of manufacture and labor are visible and commended.
 
I am sad to hear Elmax being on the outs, I really love that steel. While S35VN is a lot better than S30V, lower grade steels are lower grade. That would be like getting rid of S30V and replacing it with D2, performance is close enough that most people would barely notice a difference, but the steel is just lower grade.
 
IDK, I like Elmax... :thumbup::cool:

I'd rather they switched to 3V or M4 but that's just my opinion. ;):D


Pic just because:

26365047860_6c93765346_z.jpg
 
Does it matter, other then what's stamped on the blade? There's so little performance difference between all these materials, that it's a non issue, other than bragging rights....
 
dano said:
Does it matter, other then what's stamped on the blade? There's so little performance difference between all these materials, that it's a non issue, other than bragging rights....
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Not true at all in my experience... 3V & M4 are a fair bit tougher in use and will withstand more than S30V & S35Vn for example.
 
Czechmate said:
IDK, I like Elmax... :thumbup::cool:

I'd rather they switched to 3V or M4 but that's just my opinion. ;):D


Pic just because:

26365047860_6c93765346_z.jpg
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ZT 0561 in 3V would be great, although maybe 4V would be more appropriate for a knife of that size. And yeah, there's a noticeable difference between steels like M4 and S30V, I find that I have to touch up my S30V Millie a lot more often than the M4 Mantra.
 
Average user will not use their steels to their full potential . Zt could probably get away with using 420hc and stamping it s35vn.

Personally regardless of what's said about availability, I'll always believe that Elma just kind of got ruined on the Internet . It's a good steel but after the "problems " it had when big companies started using it. I think a lot of people got scared off ,or jumped on the Elmax sucks train.

Guess I'm weird ,I like s30v over s35vn .
 
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Spartan00 said:
Average user will not use their steels to their full potential . Zt could probably get away with using 420hc and stamping it s35vn.

Personally regardless of what's said about availability, I'll always believe that Elma just kind of got ruined on the Internet . It's a good steel but after the "problems " it had when big companies started using it. I think a lot of people got scared off ,or jumped on the Elmax sucks train.

Guess I'm weird ,I like s30v over s35vn .
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None of my Elmax ZT's ever had a "problem" FWIW; two 561's, one 560 and 0551... ;):thumbup::cool:

As for the other steels mentioned they're all great as long as people have realistic expectations as to how they're going to perform as well. :thumbup:
 
I like Elmax too (Damn phone keeps calling it Elma lol) I'm sure you remember all the crap about Elmax basically started by one person then it just blew up. I've had a few different 560s 561s the original 550 with elmax, 0770cf and 801. Still have the 770 and 801 and it's been my experience that elmax takes a crazy sharp edge. Holds up fine to me and I've never had it chip or damage and I take it down pretty thin .
 
dano said:
Does it matter, other then what's stamped on the blade? There's so little performance difference between all these materials, that it's a non issue, other than bragging rights....
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I always brag to the ladies about what type of blade steel I'm carrying. It really gets their motors running.
 
dkb45 said:
After talking to my new local ZT dealer, I found out that Elmax is no longer being used by ZT for 2016. All models with Elmax are being switched to S35VN. How have I not heard of this until now?
Click to expand...
I actually just saw this recently in the ZT catalog. I thought it might be a mistake however Elmax was not listed on the steel chart. I still wasn't sure since ZT still has the 801 and 566 listed as Elmax on their website.

I personally have had a great experience with Elmax on my 0566. I've sharpened it once about a year ago and after some use here and there it still sharp. When it stops whittling hair all I have to do is touch it up with just a couple strokes on my ultra fine stone and its right back where it was.
 
I have one Elmax ZT, an 0566, and it take a really nice edge. That said, S35VN seems to be the steel of the moment. If it sells, why not use it?
 
dano said:
Does it matter, other then what's stamped on the blade? There's so little performance difference between all these materials, that it's a non issue, other than bragging rights....
Click to expand...

I used to be steel junky but for now I agreed with you.
 
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