I can gladly talk about this more.
Elmax is a 3rd generation powder steel. And has all the stuff I look for in a stainless steel. Corrosion resistance, toughness, wear resistance, edge retention. machine ability, ease of heat treating, consistency, small grain structures.
First lets look at the steels make up. lets look at the numbers. The first thing I notice is the high Carbon content. Double what would be needed to make a serviceable cutting tool. , Then I check the Chromium numbers. Awesome. Then add some alloying elements that also add toughness, and added carbide forming elements. and it stands to say this stuff should be AWESOME!
This chart was borrowed from Alpha Knife supply. Thanks guys!
Now what this shows is that this stuff has everything you would need to make a functional blade. but has it in some cases at least double. and even triple or more of what would make a good blade steel.
Next I personally have found the stuff to be tough as nails. Without blowing it up into something more then it really is. The steel is TOUGH. and has great edge retention. wear resistance. grinds well. heat treats without to many issues and the grain structure is small enough to make the ultra fine edges that are associated with a kitchen knife. So it can be ground thin and it will take a crazy sharp steep edge bevels. And a higher RC level after cryo. and temper then what they say it will get.
In closing.. Is this stuff BETTER then some of the other 3rd or 2nd gen powder steels????? CPM S30V, S35VN, CTS-XHP etc.. I cant say for sure. Because I have not done proper testing of each to have a opinion. I have tested the Elmax over the last year on many blade shapes, and styles. and it has Excelled as a chef knife. as well as a EDC or a hunting knife. Next the price and availability, stock sixes and thickness, etc make it my first choice.
I hate to say this, but have to... Your results may vary, and this is only one mans opinion. I hope to help by sharing my experience..
God Bless
Randy
God Bless YA!
