Elmax

Overview

Elmax represents the European approach to premium powder metallurgy knife steel—a design philosophy that prioritizes balance over extreme specialization. Developed by Austrian steel giant Böhler-Uddeholm in 2009 for industrial injection molding applications, Elmax quickly found an enthusiastic audience in the knife industry when custom makers recognized its exceptional combination of properties: excellent edge retention, outstanding corrosion resistance, and good toughness, all delivered through advanced powder metallurgy processing.

The steel’s composition—1.7% carbon, 18% chromium, 3% vanadium—creates a carbide structure that delivers super steel performance without the extreme trade-offs that plague more specialized options. Elmax doesn’t chase maximum edge retention like S90V, doesn’t sacrifice toughness for hardness like some ultra-hard steels, and doesn’t demand the sharpening heroics that ultra-high-vanadium steels require. Instead, it offers excellent performance across all critical properties, earning its reputation as arguably the best all-around knife steel available.

Elmax gained early recognition when Kershaw’s Speedform in Elmax won Blade Magazine’s “American Made Knife of the Year” award in 2009, the same year the steel became available. Two years later, Zero Tolerance’s 0561 in Elmax won “Collaboration of the Year.” This rapid adoption and acclaim reflected not marketing hype but genuine performance—Elmax simply worked exceptionally well for serious knives.

For users wanting premium performance without compromising versatility, Elmax delivers. It stays sharp longer than most premium steels, resists corrosion better than S30V, maintains good toughness despite high hardness, and—while not easy to sharpen—proves more cooperative than its super steel competitors. That balance is Elmax’s defining characteristic and its greatest strength.

Composition and Development

The chemical composition of Elmax SuperClean is precisely engineered for balanced performance:

Carbon (1.7%): Very high carbon for hardness and carbide formation
Chromium (18%): Exceptional chromium content for outstanding corrosion resistance
Vanadium (3.0%): Creates hard vanadium-enriched carbides for wear resistance
Molybdenum (1.0%): Enhances hardenability, toughness, and wear resistance
Silicon (0.8%): Aids in processing and deoxidation
Manganese (0.3%): Supports hardenability

This composition reflects careful optimization. The 18% chromium provides outstanding corrosion resistance—considerably more than S30V’s 14% and approaching M390’s 20%—while remaining below the ~20% maximum that knife steels can effectively utilize. The 3% vanadium creates hard carbides for wear resistance without the sharpening difficulties that 4%+ vanadium introduces. The high carbon (1.7%) ensures substantial hardness potential and carbide volume while avoiding the brittleness that even higher levels might cause.

Böhler-Uddeholm developed Elmax specifically for injection molding dies and high-tech industrial applications—tools requiring long production runs with reinforced plastics, complicated shapes, and demanding dimensional stability. These industrial requirements translated perfectly to knife applications: long cutting life (edge retention), resistance to corrosive environments, impact resistance (toughness), and predictable behavior.

The powder metallurgy process is crucial to Elmax’s performance. Conventional melting cannot achieve the alloy levels in Elmax without creating large, clustered carbides that would compromise toughness. Böhler’s PM process involves:

Atomization: The alloy blend is melted and sprayed as a fine mist into a chamber where it solidifies into tiny, uniform particles
Compaction: Particles are pressed under high pressure to form a dense mass
Sintering: Material is heated to just below melting point, fusing particles together

This creates an exceptionally uniform microstructure with fine, evenly distributed carbides—typically 16-20% carbide volume, but in sizes dramatically smaller than conventionally melted equivalents. The result is a steel that delivers super steel performance while maintaining good toughness and predictable behavior.

Performance Characteristics

Edge Retention

Elmax delivers excellent edge retention that places it firmly in the top tier of commonly available knife steels. In standardized CATRA testing (which measures edge retention by cutting standardized media), Elmax scored 930.7 TCC (Total Cards Cut)—a performance level that exceeds the vast majority of production knife steels.

Comparative perspective:

M390: 958.6 TCC (approximately 3% better than Elmax)
Elmax: 930.7 TCC (excellent tier)
S30V: Approximately 1-5% better than Elmax depending on test protocol
440C baseline: Elmax provides 42% better edge retention

In practical terms, Elmax:

EDC applications: Maintains working edge for weeks to months depending on cutting intensity
Professional use: Handles demanding daily cutting with minimal dulling
Outdoor applications: Stays sharp through extended camping, hunting, and bushcraft tasks
Kitchen work: Delivers edge life that satisfies professional chefs

The edge retention advantage over conventional premium steels like 154CM or VG-10 is substantial and immediately noticeable. While ultra-high-vanadium steels like S90V or S110V hold edges marginally longer, Elmax’s edge life satisfies virtually all users while remaining far more serviceable when sharpening is needed.

Interestingly, research shows that Elmax performs best when finished with coarser stones—an 800-grit waterstone or 600-mesh diamond creates edges that maintain cutting ability longer than highly polished edges. Some tooth to the edge improves practical performance.

Toughness

Elmax demonstrates good toughness for a super steel—significantly better than you’d expect from a steel capable of 60-62 HRC hardness with 16-20% carbide volume. Charpy impact testing places Elmax around 20 ft-lbs at 58 HRC and approximately 10 ft-lbs at 61 HRC, representing solid performance for the powder metallurgy super steel category.

Independent testing showed Elmax to be 240% tougher than 440C and 60% tougher than S35VN—impressive results for a steel delivering excellent edge retention. Böhler-Uddeholm claims that Elmax at 62 HRC is tougher than any competitor’s stainless blade steel at 57 HRC, reflecting the toughness advantages that powder metallurgy processing provides.

In practical terms, Elmax:

Handles typical EDC stresses reliably without chipping
Supports thin blade geometries (can be ground to 0.012” behind edge)
Tolerates moderate hard use with appropriate edge angles
Performs predictably across varied applications
Resists microchipping better than higher-carbide super steels

However, Elmax has limitations. Very thin edges with acute angles can microchip in hard use—the 16-20% carbide volume means Elmax works best with edge geometries appropriate to its hardness. For maximum abuse applications (extreme batoning, prying, chopping), dedicated tough steels like CPM-3V remain superior. But for the vast majority of knife applications—EDC, professional use, outdoor tasks, tactical applications—Elmax’s toughness is entirely adequate and often impressive.

Critical heat treatment note: Research shows that cryogenic treatment dramatically reduces Elmax’s toughness—by more than half in controlled testing. For knife applications where toughness matters, skipping cryo treatment and using a snap temper instead produces superior results. The 1-3 HRC hardness gain from cryo isn’t worth the massive toughness sacrifice for most users.

Corrosion Resistance

Elmax offers excellent corrosion resistance that exceeds most premium steels and approaches the best available in practical knife materials. The 18% chromium content creates a robust passive oxide layer that protects the steel from moisture, humidity, salt, and organic acids.

This corrosion resistance is substantially better than S30V (14% chromium) and comparable to steels in the highest practical tier for knives. While M390’s 20% chromium provides marginally better performance, Elmax’s 18% chromium delivers genuine stainless properties that satisfy users in demanding environments.

Performance characteristics:

Marine and coastal environments: Performs very well with basic maintenance
Humid climates: Reliable without constant attention
Professional kitchens: Excellent resistance to food acids and organic materials
EDC carry: Resists perspiration, pocket moisture, typical exposure
Outdoor use: Handles rain, damp conditions, extended wet exposure

The high chromium means Elmax qualifies as truly stainless in the practical sense—users who dry their knives after use and store them reasonably will find Elmax requires minimal maintenance. It doesn’t demand the constant vigilance that semi-stainless steels like D2 require, nor does it need the oil coatings that carbon steels demand.

One consideration: The 3% vanadium ties up some chromium in carbides, meaning the effective chromium in solution (available for corrosion protection) is less than the total 18%. However, even accounting for this, Elmax delivers outstanding practical corrosion resistance that satisfies users across diverse environments and applications.

Ease of Sharpening

Elmax sits in the difficult category for sharpening—but with important context. While it’s harder to sharpen than conventional steels or low-carbide options, users consistently describe it as “the easiest of the super steels to sharpen” and report it “sharpens like butter” compared to M4, S110V, or S90V.

Sharpening difficulty factors:

High hardness: Typically 60-62 HRC requires patience and proper technique
Hard carbides: Vanadium-enriched carbides resist abrasion from stones
Carbide volume: 16-20% carbide content compared to simpler steels
Aluminum oxide limitation: Common stones softer than vanadium carbides, wear quickly

Recommended sharpening equipment:

Diamond stones/plates: Most efficient option, highly recommended
CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride): Excellent performance
Ceramic stones: Adequate but slower than diamond
Silicon carbide: Works well

Not recommended:

Standard aluminum oxide bench stones (wear too quickly)
Low-quality Arkansas stones (extremely slow)

The positive side of Elmax’s sharpening characteristics is its behavior compared to competing super steels. While M390, S90V, or S110V require serious time investment and specialized equipment, Elmax responds more cooperatively. The powder metallurgy structure—fine, uniform carbides rather than large clusters—means the steel abrades predictably. With proper tools (diamond stones), Elmax sharpening becomes routine if not quick.

Additionally, Elmax’s excellent edge retention means infrequent sharpening. Users might sharpen every few months rather than weekly, making the difficulty per session less burdensome in total time spent maintaining the knife versus cutting with it.

As with edge retention, coarser finishes (800 grit) perform better in practice than highly polished edges—some tooth to the edge enhances cutting performance while being easier to achieve.

Heat Treatment Considerations

Elmax’s heat treatment is well-documented and relatively forgiving:

Recommended Process:

Austenitize at 1050-1100°C (1920-2010°F), typically 1080°C optimal
Soak for 20-30 minutes in controlled atmosphere (vacuum or nitrogen)
Quench in air, forced gas, or plate quench
Double-temper at 150-250°C (300-480°F) for 2 hours each cycle

Hardness targets:

58-60 HRC: Maximum toughness, suitable for hard-use applications
60-61 HRC: Sweet spot for balanced performance (most common)
61-62 HRC: Maximum edge retention, acceptable toughness for EDC

Research identified 60.6 HRC achieved through austenitizing at 1080°C, air quenching (no cryo), and double-tempering at 180°C as the optimal protocol for knives—this produces the highest impact strength (88.3 J/cm²) while maintaining excellent hardness.

Critical consideration—cryogenic treatment: While cryo treatment (cooling to -150°C to -196°C with liquid nitrogen) increases hardness by 1-3 HRC and improves dimensional stability, research shows it reduces toughness by more than half. For knife applications where toughness matters, skip cryo treatment. For precision applications requiring maximum dimensional stability (industrial tooling), cryo is appropriate.

The tempering temperature determines the hardness-toughness balance:

Lower tempering (150-180°C): Higher hardness (61-62 HRC), maximum edge retention, reduced toughness
Higher tempering (200-250°C): Lower hardness (58-60 HRC), increased toughness, slightly reduced edge retention
Optimal middle (180°C): Best balance for most knife applications

Proper heat treatment is essential. Budget manufacturers sometimes under-harden Elmax (below 60 HRC), dramatically reducing its edge retention advantages. When purchasing Elmax knives, manufacturer reputation matters—established companies like Zero Tolerance, Microtech, and LionSteel deliver properly heat-treated results that showcase the steel’s capabilities.

Historical Context and Market Position

Elmax emerged in 2009 as Böhler-Uddeholm’s solution for demanding industrial applications—injection molding dies requiring long production runs with reinforced plastics and complicated geometries. The steel needed to resist wear, corrosion, and dimensional changes while maintaining toughness under repeated stress. These industrial demands translated perfectly to knife requirements.

The knife industry’s adoption was remarkably rapid. In 2009, the same year Böhler made Elmax available in the United States, Kershaw’s Speedform in Elmax won Blade Magazine’s “American Made Knife of the Year” award. This wasn’t marketing-driven hype—it reflected genuine enthusiasm from custom makers and manufacturers who recognized Elmax’s exceptional balance of properties.

Two years later, Zero Tolerance’s 0561 in Elmax won “Collaboration of the Year,” further cementing the steel’s reputation. These early successes established Elmax as a legitimate premium option alongside established steels like S30V and emerging options like M390.

Major manufacturers adopting Elmax include:

Zero Tolerance: ZT 0801, ZT 0562, ZT 0561, various limited editions
Kershaw: Speedform and various production models
Microtech: Multiple models across product lines
LionSteel: European manufacturer featuring Elmax prominently
Custom makers: Numerous makers across Europe and America

Elmax occupies the premium tier in knife steel hierarchy—positioned above conventional premium steels (154CM, VG-10) but below ultra-exotic options (Maxamet, Rex-series). It competes directly with S30V, S35VN, and M390, typically appearing in knives priced $150-400+.

The steel’s balanced performance profile made it popular for applications where versatility matters—EDC folders that might see varied use, professional knives requiring reliability across tasks, outdoor knives facing diverse conditions. Unlike specialized steels optimized for single properties, Elmax delivers excellent performance across all critical characteristics.

Common Applications

Premium EDC Folders

Elmax’s natural habitat:

High-end tactical folders
Gentleman’s folders
Professional EDC knives
Collaboration pieces
Premium production folders from major manufacturers

Tactical and Professional Knives

Applications requiring reliability:

Military and law enforcement knives
Professional working knives
Security and emergency services tools
Knives subjected to varied, demanding use

Custom Knives

Custom makers appreciate Elmax for:

Well-understood heat treatment protocols
Consistent, predictable results
Customer recognition and trust
Balanced properties suitable for diverse designs
Trouble-free grinding and polishing

Hunting and Outdoor Knives

Outdoor applications:

Field dressing knives (corrosion resistance for blood, moisture)
Bushcraft knives (edge retention with adequate toughness)
Camping and hiking tools
Outdoor working blades requiring versatility

High-End Kitchen Cutlery

Professional culinary applications:

Chef’s knives requiring edge retention
Professional kitchen environments (corrosion resistance)
Precision cutting tools
Applications where frequent sharpening impractical

Practical Considerations

Pros:

Excellent edge retention—top tier among commonly available steels
Outstanding corrosion resistance—18% chromium provides genuine stainless properties
Good toughness for a super steel—better than M390, S30V, and high-carbide competitors
Balanced performance—no extreme trade-offs compromising versatility
Powder metallurgy advantages—fine, uniform carbide structure
Proven reliability—over 15 years of successful knife applications
Easier to sharpen than competing super steels—more cooperative than M390, S90V, S110V
Versatile across applications—works well for EDC, tactical, outdoor, kitchen use
Manufacturer reputation—Böhler-Uddeholm quality and consistency

Cons:

Difficult to sharpen—requires diamond or CBN stones, challenging for inexperienced users
Premium pricing—significantly more expensive than conventional steels
Not maximum in any category—specialized steels exceed it in individual properties
Heat treatment sensitive—requires proper protocols for optimal performance
Cryo treatment reduces toughness—common HT step actually harmful for knife applications
Limited availability compared to S30V—fewer manufacturers offer it
Not budget-friendly—appropriate only for premium knife segment

Comparison Context

Compared to M390:

Slightly lower edge retention (3% less in CATRA testing)
Slightly lower corrosion resistance (18% vs 20% chromium)
Slightly better toughness (lower carbide volume)
Easier to sharpen (lower vanadium content)
Generally similar performance tier—minor differences in practice
Elmax more balanced, M390 maximizes edge retention and corrosion

Compared to S30V:

Comparable edge retention (within 1-5% depending on testing)
Significantly better corrosion resistance (18% vs 14% chromium)
Better toughness (60% tougher in third-party testing)
Similar sharpening difficulty (both require diamond/CBN)
Elmax superior in most properties, S30V more widely available

Compared to S35VN:

Better edge retention (7% longer in comparative testing)
Better corrosion resistance (18% vs 14% chromium)
S35VN slightly better toughness (designed for improved chip resistance)
Elmax superior in almost all aspects

Compared to 154CM/CPM-154:

Substantially better edge retention (vanadium carbides provide superior wear resistance)
Better corrosion resistance (18% vs 14% chromium)
CPM-154 better toughness (lower carbide content)
CPM-154 much easier to sharpen (no vanadium carbides)
Elmax clearly superior performance, 154CM more accessible and affordable

Conclusion

Elmax represents powder metallurgy knife steel design at its most thoughtful—a composition that prioritizes balance and versatility over maximum performance in any single category. It doesn’t chase the longest edge retention (S90V), the highest corrosion resistance (M390), or maximum toughness (CPM-3V). Instead, it delivers excellent performance across all critical properties, creating a steel that works exceptionally well for the broadest range of applications.

The 18% chromium provides outstanding corrosion resistance without compromising other properties. The 3% vanadium creates hard carbides for wear resistance without the sharpening nightmares that higher vanadium levels introduce. The powder metallurgy process ensures fine, uniform carbide distribution that maximizes toughness while maintaining super steel edge retention. The result is a steel that satisfies demanding users across diverse applications—EDC, tactical, professional, outdoor, culinary.

Elmax’s rapid adoption following its 2009 introduction reflected genuine merit rather than marketing. When respected manufacturers like Zero Tolerance and Microtech chose Elmax for premium models, and when custom makers adopted it enthusiastically, they did so because Elmax simply performed. Over 15 years of successful knife applications have proven the steel’s reliability and versatility.

Is Elmax the absolute best at any single property? No. M390 resists corrosion marginally better. S90V holds an edge slightly longer. CPM-3V withstands abuse more reliably. But Elmax excels at being excellent across all properties simultaneously—and for most users in most applications, that balanced excellence proves more valuable than specialized maximums with corresponding trade-offs.

The steel demands proper equipment for sharpening and commands premium pricing, but users willing to invest in quality tools and pay for advanced materials find Elmax delivers performance that justifies both. The blade that stays sharp for months, resists corrosion reliably, handles stress without chipping, and remains serviceable with proper equipment provides genuine long-term value.

If you’re considering an Elmax knife from a reputable manufacturer, you’re looking at a steel that represents the best of modern powder metallurgy—balanced, versatile, proven, and genuinely excellent across diverse applications. It won’t impress people who chase specification sheet maximums, but it will serve you exceptionally well in actual use. Sometimes the best tool isn’t the most extreme one—it’s the one that does everything well.

Elmax does everything well.