ZT steels

[dogrunner]

hi all,
It seems there are a lot of ZT fans here. I have just one (0620CF) and am thinking about getting another, a non-assisted flipper. Most ZT blades seem to be Elmax these days, with some M390 versions. What has been your experience with comparable ZT blades in these two steels (if you have tried a similar or same model in both steels so as not to be comparing really different grinds)? I am particularly interested in edge-holding and durability (edge and tip toughness, hate to bring that up, but still want to know if there is much difference). M390 costs more, seems to hold a cutting edge longer according to Ankerson's thread (although not specifically for ZT), both are supposed to be pretty tough and pretty corrosion resistant. Also more often paired with CF scales, which is not a priority for me compared to G10.

thanks

 

[K.O.D.]

I own an 0801 and an 0770CF, the elmax has been great. I owned a 0350TS as well, with S30V. Have not yet owned a knife with M390 so can't really comment.

 

[amg137]

ZT's M390 holds an edge significantly longer than their Elmax in my real-world experience. It's not twice as long or anything, but maybe 25-40%. I haven't done any direct testing of the matter, so I can't be even remotely sure of those numbers, though. I can't comment on toughness as I've not put either steel through any situations where toughness is an issue.

 

[shinyedges]

My first zt was a 0561 with elmax, I convex the edges on my knives the first time i sharpen them. Once i removed the bevel and began to move up to higher grits it didnt get as sharp as quickly as my other steels and frustrated me a little, but i set it down and cooled off and tried again... this time i took my time went slow which paid off because it got sharp.. very sharp. It was different for me and i had to learn that different steels require different lengths of time before switching to higher grits. Anyway i like it.