ZT's Elmax

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L2bravo

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Well, I just got my new 0550 in today. This is seriously one bada$$ knife. I like how well built it is. I was looking at the new 0566, and saw some threads or remarks, on ZT's Elmax steel. As I recall, it seemed that there werre some problems? Like they didn't run it very hard in the past? Any insight would be great.

I don't want to turn this into a bash thread, I would just like to hear past experiences. If a Mod has good info, I would like to hear that as well.

Also, what is the difference in Elmax, and S35VN? Performance wise that is.

Thanks guys.
 
The ELMAX on my 0561 is awesome. I believe they ran it around 60hrc or so. It takes a great edge, very fine in fact, and holds it about like S30V or S35VN. But it has fantastic toughness and I haven't chipped it anywhere in over a year of usage. I am not even sure I have read a legitimate complaint regarding this steel in a KAI blade.

Its also very stain resistant and takes a great polished edge. I would take ELMAX over S30V any day. I am not sure there is a better all around stainless for heavy duty usage.
 
L2bravo said:
Well, I just got my new 0550 in today. This is seriously one bada$$ knife. I like how well built it is. I was looking at the new 0566, and saw some threads or remarks, on ZT's Elmax steel. As I recall, it seemed that there werre some problems? Like they didn't run it very hard in the past? Any insight would be great.

I don't want to turn this into a bash thread, I would just like to hear past experiences. If a Mod has good info, I would like to hear that as well.

Thanks guys.
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Please don't assume, read up! There were some minority gripes and questionable ones at that. The vast majority has had nothing but praise for it. They run it around 60 rockwell so it is not "soft". There was a vey similar thread made a week or so ago and this is the response from KAI:
Kai Corp. said:
Really don't think there is anything to worry about. From our testing and QC, there are no issues with Elmax and ZT. We'll continue using it for quite a while.
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I have had a handful and they all performed admirably with proper usage. I would not worry one bit about it. That would be the very last thing to stop me from buying a knife from ZT, considering you have the impeccable warranty to fall back on should the need arise.
 
I Have been carrying / using / beating the hell out of a 560 for a while now and it has the Elmax steel. So far it has held up very well, and takes a really nice edge that seems to last. I would not hesitate to get another knife with Elmax steel again, and would actually prefer one with it.
 
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6734 said:
I Have been carrying / using / beating the hell out of a 560 for a while now and it has the Elma's steel. So far it has held up very well, and takes a really nice edge that seems to last. I would not hesitate to get another knife with Elmax steel again, and would actually prefer one with it.
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So you think it might have been named after a woman? That hadn't even occurred to me. Good theory.
 
ZT's Elmax is just fine. Elmax is a great all-around steel and an upgrade over s30v IMO. I have my all time grail custom on the way and I chose Elmax for the steel out of numerous options.
 
If ZT chose to use it I would have all the confidence....If there was a highly unlikely issue with yours, with that warranty....I would have all the confidence.
 
Guys, I appreciate the info. I have nothing but a lot of good feelings about Kershaw/ZT's warranty, and them as a company. I haven't had to use them, but don't fear it if I do.

I wasn't bashing them, nor assuming anything. I wasn't totally sold that they had problems. That is why I asked the question.
Thanks for the input, and I now can rest easy, waiting for the 566's to come out. Thanks again guys.
 
I think most of the controversy came from this video. Take it as you will.

[video=youtube;ulQzcYT9Dds]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulQzcYT9Dds[/video]

In my experience, after using/re-sharpening a few times, it seemed on par with s30v. Good steel.
 
s30 is NOT the same as elmax, im sorry its just not. I have used several s30 knives and they are not the same as elmax in edge retention, sharpening, hardnes or polishing finish. I have had CRK knives in s30, spyderco and kershaw.... Elmax is a fantastic steel, i have used it at work(mechanic) daily carried for the last 6 months and i keep going back to it. I also own vanax75 and have tried s35 and many others. I still feel that elmax keeps edge much longer than many other steels i have used. Personal experience, opinion, take it as you will
 
My early 0561 was absolutely fantastic! Had Richard J put one of his killer convex edges on it, and it cut like a demon!
 
Elmax in my 560 has outperformed or matched every super steel I own, and I think it's hilarious how some people make claims like "KAI burned my elmax!" Yet they know nothing about it.
Hilarious
 
HuntBomb said:
Elmax in my 560 has outperformed or matched every super steel I own, and I think it's hilarious how some people make claims like "KAI burned my elmax!" Yet they know nothing about it.
Hilarious
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But, but, but it has to be true! Everyone parroting the same drivel saw it on the Internet!

Bon Jour!
 
greeenie said:
s30 is NOT the same as elmax, im sorry its just not. I have used several s30 knives and they are not the same as elmax in edge retention, sharpening, hardnes or polishing finish. I have had CRK knives in s30, spyderco and kershaw.... Elmax is a fantastic steel, i have used it at work(mechanic) daily carried for the last 6 months and i keep going back to it. I also own vanax75 and have tried s35 and many others. I still feel that elmax keeps edge much longer than many other steels i have used. Personal experience, opinion, take it as you will
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Doubtless you're right greeenie. I sold my 0560 before I put a ton of miles on it, it was too big for me. But I did notice that with each progressive resharpening it got better and better. I'm looking forward to the 0770.
 
HuntBomb said:
Elmax in my 560 has outperformed or matched every super steel I own, and I think it's hilarious how some people make claims like "KAI burned my elmax!" Yet they know nothing about it.
Hilarious
Click to expand...

What about the edges that are visibly burnt?

The steel itself is fine, but the edge does in fact get burnt from time to time. I've had 3, out of 11 560 variants have a visibly heat colored edge. That's not a knock on ZT, it's bound to happen with a production company who needs to sharpen so many hundred blades today. Someone vets tired, hangs out on a worn belt for too long and then boom - burnt edge and unhappy end user who thinks the steel is to blame.

I agree, the same drivel repeated over and over is useless - but so is ignoring every single potential problem because you love the knife/company.
 
The speedform 2 has an elmax blade also. For anyone who want to try out elmax without breaking the bank check it out, its a great knife. I'm running mine at a 20 degree inclusive edge and its holding up great.
 
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