ZT0562 CF v S35VN v Elmax?

D

DC Kestrel

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Jun 3, 2017
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Thanks to this forum, I've decided to try a ZT0562. Now trying to decide between the CF version (w/CPM-20CV) or the G10 w/either the S35VN or Elmax (a few still around). I plan to use this knife, and won't baby it. I'd prefer corrosion resistance (especially) and ease of sharpening over absolute sharpness and wear resistance. I think that points to the S35VN blade, but the threads on this topic are all over the map. I would like a handle that is a bit grippier, but seems that the G10 scales aren't that much better than the CF ones on this knife. Anyone have a view on the above?
 
I carried the Elmax version for about 6 months when I very first got into collecting. It was a great knife/steel. I’d pick it over S35. I currently have a CTS-204P version with G10 and like it as well. I just haven’t used it much. I will say that 20cv (very close equivalent to 204p) is a great steel if you take care to maintain the edge regularly (strop daily) and don’t let it get dull.

In conclusion, with your listed wants, go with the G10 Elmax, IMO.
 
I have only the cf version (with 20cv) and I love it, so I would suggest getting whichever is available at a price you’re comfortable with—elmax is no slouch either, and 20cv performs about the same as m390. Grip with my hands has more to do with contact with the jimping and finger guard(flipper tab) than it does with the cf, which slides easily in and out of the pocket; the pocket clip keeps the knife firmly attached, so no worries about losing the knife. I don’t think s35vn is noticeably more stain resistant; both (20cv and s35vn) are great at stain resistance, as long as they are polished to a mirror shine.
 
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I’ve had the ELMAX version since they released, and carried it about 6 days/week from then until around May of this year. Zero corrosion, not bad to maintain, keeps its edge well. I chose it over the CF version because I like the blade finish and the G-10. I’ve been using 20CV a lot lately on the 0609, and am very impressed with it. As such, my advice is to go with your gut.
 
Personally as someone who uses and then strops his knives everyday I can not tell much difference in Elmax, S35 or 20CV. The 20CV might hold an edge a bit better but it would be hardly noticeable for most task in my opinion.
 
whitty said:
Personally as someone who uses and then strops his knives everyday I can not tell much difference in Elmax, S35 or 20CV. The 20CV might hold an edge a bit better but it would be hardly noticeable for most task in my opinion.
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I wouldn't dispute or challenge anyone else's opinion, but I am to the point where given the daily duties of my knives, it is getting increasingly hard to tell differences in my knives with premium steels (which will change to something else next month) when using them. And so much depends on the manufacturer, their heat treat, and how hard they are confident in tempering their steels.

OTOH, I don't put mirror edges on my knives. They are sure pretty, but the first time I am breaking down a packing box that held a big piece of equipment and hit a staple I couldn't see, or I am cutting caulk or adhesive with crap dried in it, or anything else that would damage a super thin razor edge I do damage that takes hours to restore back to a mirror. I always use a utility knife when I can (three or more in the truck tool box) but some times it isn't practical to go get one. And I like an edge that I can swipe a few times on the diamond rods and get it back in shape for work. I only sharpen to 1200gr or 2000gr depending no the knife, and let it go.

Doubtful that in many uses you would notice too much difference in the steels in daily use.

Robert
 
DC Kestrel said:
Thanks to this forum, I've decided to try a ZT0562. Now trying to decide between the CF version (w/CPM-20CV) or the G10 w/either the S35VN or Elmax (a few still around). I plan to use this knife, and won't baby it. I'd prefer corrosion resistance (especially) and ease of sharpening over absolute sharpness and wear resistance. I think that points to the S35VN blade, but the threads on this topic are all over the map. I would like a handle that is a bit grippier, but seems that the G10 scales aren't that much better than the CF ones on this knife. Anyone have a view on the above?
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Just get the s35vn
 
I like the stonewash on the G10 version way more than the two-tone on the CF. Also, S35VN is no slouch, it is a fantastically balance steel.

Edit: derp didn't see you already bought the G10
 
The 20cv is supposed to be about 62hrc. So will likely keep an edge longer and be a bit harder to sharpen.

Elmax is super easy to sharpen in comparison. I like Elmax. It's a good middle ground super steel. I like it better than s35vn which I've seen vary on zt's for some reason. Not bad at all though. Just seems super hard on my 0452cf than my softer 0450cf. Kinda strange.

Can't go wrong with either of the three. 20cv is probably the best for edge retention and stainless. The other two are also good in those categories but not as good.
 
Elmax is a great steel....I’ve used both S35VN (0900, 0450)and Elmax (0770 and 0566)at my work, cutting cardboard, plastic, straps etc...in my experience I could use the Elmax for the same amount of time as the S35VN and it would still be “shave sharp” where as the S35VN knives would still have a working edge but not be quite as sharp. So IMO Elmax > S35VN.....I’ve never owned the carbon fiber 0562 tho, but i love the g-10. If I were to pick one 0562 it would be either the all black sprint run or the orange/black. You’d get premium steel and a nice g-10 grip.
 
Nice choice, I recently picked up the CF version and it very quickly became my favorite knife. Such an awesome blade!
 
Type is steel matters not but the blade finish does - to me anyway. Had the CF one and did not like the satin grind. If I get another it will be the stonewashed one for sure. I have other issues with the knife that keeps me from it but I know I would never notice a difference in the steel. They are all super steels when all you do is open mail with em. : )
 
Also note - there are several custom scale makers offering excellent choices in scale materials and colors should you decide to change. It's a very easy swap. For example Karbadize (carried by BladeHQ) makes a great CF scale that looks factory, it's just a smidge smoother but makes no real difference in grip compared to the factory 0562CF. I have the 0562CF and 0562BLK Sprint.
 
Glad you got the Elmax while you can!

I really like ZT's CF, which was part of the deciding factor for me when I first bought an 0562. A couple years later I got a deal on a 0562ORBLK user and swapped the scale. Their 204p takes a very nice edge.

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My G10/Elmax 0562 arrived today. Beautiful knife; larger than I normally carry, but I'm starting to appreciate larger knives. The action is really something, and lock up is very solid. Lock is around 40-45%; less than 50% but more than 33%, at least by the eye-test. Seems normal based on the threads I've found. Am looking forward to really using it.
 
I've actually used all 3 steels from ZT, and I can say that they do Elmax really well. Their S35V doesn't suck, they just don't use a really thin grind to optimize the steel. Elmax doesn't seem to care, keen or coarse, thick or thin, it just cuts well. The 0562 does actually slice pretty darn well considering the stock thickness, but I feel like the S35VN just performs noticeably worse (only by a little) than Elmax. If you want the carbon fiber scale, though, ZT also does great on their M390/20CV/204P, and for sheer edge retention this is the best steel they use. It also have corrosion resistance about equal if not higher than Elmax, along with great toughness for a folder (albeit a little lower than Elmax). The only drawback is that M390 and kin don't like holding a keen edge, the same amount of cutting that puts Elmax just on the edge of still shaving will leave M390 scraping hair (but still sharp and cutting). I'm a keen edge junkie, so Elmax is my preference of the 3 because of that (and it really is just an all around awesome steel).
 
dkb45 said:
I've actually used all 3 steels from ZT, and I can say that they do Elmax really well. Their S35V doesn't suck, they just don't use a really thin grind to optimize the steel. Elmax doesn't seem to care, keen or coarse, thick or thin, it just cuts well. The 0562 does actually slice pretty darn well considering the stock thickness, but I feel like the S35VN just performs noticeably worse (only by a little) than Elmax. If you want the carbon fiber scale, though, ZT also does great on their M390/20CV/204P, and for sheer edge retention this is the best steel they use. It also have corrosion resistance about equal if not higher than Elmax, along with great toughness for a folder (albeit a little lower than Elmax). The only drawback is that M390 and kin don't like holding a keen edge, the same amount of cutting that puts Elmax just on the edge of still shaving will leave M390 scraping hair (but still sharp and cutting). I'm a keen edge junkie, so Elmax is my preference of the 3 because of that (and it really is just an all around awesome steel).
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Thanks for this comparison. I have three knives with Elmax (the 0562 being the third). I must have ordered one of the last ones that my regular online dealer had, because they are now out of stock. What's interesting is how the Hinderer XM series is moving towards this knife by adding a lock bar insert and bearings. I've never held a XM-18 3.5", but the reviews say that the 0562 is a little less overbuilt, which based on this knife, is fine by me.
 
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