Elmax
Blade steels
Elmax Steel
Description
Elmax is a powder metallurgy stainless steel from Uddeholm/Böhler. Developed as a high-wear-resistant stainless steel with a combination of chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum for balanced performance. The PM process results in a finer, more uniform carbide distribution than conventionally cast steels.
Composition
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.72 % |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.8 % |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.0 % |
| Vanadium (V) | 2.8 % |
| Tungsten (W) | 0.3 % |
Properties
| Property | Value | Rating (1-10) |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 58–61 HRC | — |
| Toughness | Better than M390, similar to S30V | 5/10 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | 7/10 |
| Wear Resistance | High (vanadium carbides) | 8/10 |
| Edge Retention | Comparable to S30V | 7/10 |
| Grindability | Moderate | 5/10 |
Microstructure
Elmax has a finer microstructure than conventional steels like 154CM or 440C. The PM process leads to uniform distribution of chromium and vanadium carbides.
Heat Treatment
| Step | Temperature / Duration |
|---|---|
| Austenitizing | 1050–1080 °C |
| Quench | Air or oil |
| Cryo | Optional (improves hardness) |
| Tempering | 200–250 °C (2–3×) |
| Achievable Hardness | 58–61 HRC |
Comparison with Related Steels
| Steel | Wear Resistance | Toughness | Corrosion | Edge Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmax | High | 5/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| S30V | High | 5/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| M390 | Very high | 5/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| S35VN | High | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| 154CM | Moderate | 5/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good wear resistance due to vanadium carbides
- Adequate corrosion resistance for most applications
- Better toughness than M390 (lower carbide volume)
- PM process delivers uniform microstructure
- Good availability in Europe
Cons:
- Corrosion resistance not as high as M390 or LC200N
- More difficult to grind than simpler steels
- Not as well known as S30V or M390
Conclusion
Elmax offers a good balance between wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and toughness. Compared to S30V, Elmax has similar edge retention with slightly better toughness. Against M390, Elmax offers better toughness but lower edge retention and corrosion resistance. Suitable for pocket knives, kitchen knives, and hunting knives.
Sources
- Knife Steel Nerds: Elmax Steel – Properties and History