It’s fascinating how innovative technology keeps forging new frontiers in all fields, including knifemaking. Today, the spotlight shines brightly on the knife material industry, where the relative new kids on the block, ELMAX and M390 steel, have set collector’s tongues wagging.
These two high-end knife steels, both manufactured by Bohler-Uddeholm AG, are piquing the interest of knife enthusiasts globally due to their superior properties. It’s often a head-scratcher deciding between the two for knife selection, given their similarities. But worry not, this informative blog post will delve deep into the world of top-tier knife steels, dissect Elmax vs M390 and equip you with all the information you need when making a choice.
Comparison: ELMAX vs. M390
| STEEL TYPE | EDGE RETENTION | CORROSION RESISTANCE | TOUGHNESS | SHARPENABILITY |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| ELMAX | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Fair |
| M390 | Outstanding | Outstanding | Excellent | Moderate |
The Tale of ELMAX
I remember my first encounter with an ELMAX knife like it was yesterday. The first thing that struck me was its bewitching mirror-like finish, heck, I could see my reflection on the blade!
ELMAX is a high chromium-vanadium-molybdenum alloyed powdered steel with extremely high wear and corrosion resistance. It’s highly regarded for its ability to retain its sharpness even after rigorous use, thanks to the high carbon and chromium levels. My ELMAX knife has held up incredibly well over time, maintaining a razor-sharp edge despite frequent use.
The downside? ELMAX steel can be somewhat challenging to sharpen. It tends to require a bit of patience and experience to get that fine edge.
Pros of ELMAX
- Excellent edge retention
- Impressive corrosion resistance
- Great toughness
Cons of ELMAX
- Can be difficult to sharpen
- Premium price point
The Tale of M390
The first time I used an M390 knife, I was pretty stunned. The knife cut through the toughest materials with an ease, almost as if it were cutting through butter.
M390 steel is often regarded as a ‘super steel’ in the market. Its incredibly high Chromium, Molybdenum, and Vanadium composition provide outstanding edge retention and corrosion resistance. One advantage I find with M390 over ELMAX is the ease of sharpening. Though it’s not an easy feat, it somehow seems relatively less strenuous.
However, much like ELMAX, M390 steel also comes at a premium price. But given the performance and resilience, I have found them to be well worth the investment.
Pros of M390
- Outstanding edge retention
- Exceptional corrosion resistance
- Good sharpenability
Cons of M390
- Premium price point
Elmax Vs M390: The Final Breakdown
When it comes to Edge Retention, M390 edges out ELMAX due to higher tungsten and vanadium levels, which contribute to the formation of incredibly hard carbides for superior edge holding.
In terms of Corrosion Resistance, both Elmax and M390 showcase superb performance, thanks to their high chromium content. However, M390’s slightly higher Chromium level gives it just an extra bit of resistance to corrosion.
While ELMAX and M390 have similar levels of Toughness, which is the blade’s ability to resist chipping and cracking under stress. It’s due to the presence of large volumes of hard and tough carbides in their composition.
Sharpenability is a category where M390 is slightly better than ELMAX. The M390’s carbides are harder but smaller compared to ELMAX, making it a touch easier to sharpen.
Keep in mind though, both Elmax and M390 are exceptional high-end knife steels. The choice largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both deliver peak performance and are highly respected in the knife industry for their superior properties. They say the proof of the pudding is in the eating, similar here, experiencing these steels’ real-world performances will help you make your best pick!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Elmax better than M390?
Both Elmax and M390 are high-quality stainless steel options for knife blades. While Elmax offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, M390 is known for its exceptional overall performance, including edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences.
2. What is Elmax steel comparable to?
Elmax steel is comparable to other high-end stainless steels such as CPM S30V or CPM S35VN. It shares similar properties like impressive edge retention, good toughness, and excellent corrosion resistance. However, Elmax is known for slightly better edge retention compared to these alternatives.
3. What is better than M390?
Several steel options are considered to be on par or better than M390 in terms of overall performance. Some renowned alternatives include CPM-20CV, CTS-XHP, and CPM S110V. These steels often offer similar or better edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, making them suitable choices for high-end knife blades.
4. Is Elmax hard to sharpen?
Elmax steel is considered relatively easy to sharpen compared to many other high-end steels. With the right sharpening tools and techniques, you can achieve a sharp edge on an Elmax blade. However, keep in mind that the hardness of the steel might require some patience and skill during the sharpening process.