Elmax vs S35VN
Elmax holds an edge longer and resists corrosion better; S35VN is easier to sharpen. Choose Elmax for edge retention, S35VN for easy sharpening.
Who wins each property
Side by side
| Elmax | S35VN | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Powder metallurgy stainless steels | Powder metallurgy stainless steels |
| Hardness | 60–62 HRC | 58–61 HRC |
| Edge retention | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Toughness | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Corrosion resistance | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Ease of sharpening | 4/10 | 5/10 |
| Price tier | Premium | Mid-range |
| Maker | Uddeholm (voestalpine) | Crucible |
Composition
| Element | Elmax | S35VN |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.7 | 1.4 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18 | 14 |
| Vanadium (V) | 3 | 3 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1 | 2 |
| Niobium (Nb) | — | 0.5 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.8 | 0.5 |
| Phosphorus (P) | — | 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | — | 0.03 |
Property by property
Edge retention
Elmax holds an edge longer: 7/10 against 6/10 for S35VN, a 1-point gap.
Toughness
Both rate 5/10 for toughness. Typical hardness: 60–62 vs 58–61 HRC; harder blades trade toughness for edge holding.
Corrosion resistance
Elmax resists corrosion better: 8/10 against 7/10 for S35VN, a 1-point gap. Chromium: 18% vs 14%, though what matters is the chromium left in solution, not the total.
Ease of sharpening
S35VN is easier to sharpen: 5/10 against 4/10 for Elmax, a 1-point gap.
Knives in each steel
Elmax
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fällkniven F1x Elmax | Fällkniven | 4.02" | 7.8 oz | — | — | Blade HQ |
| Fällkniven R2 Scout | Fällkniven | 3.15" | 4.7 oz | — | — | Blade HQ |
| Fällkniven U2 Elmax | Fällkniven | 2.52" | 1.6 oz | Lockback | — | Blade HQ |
S35VN
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Tolerance 0450CF | Zero Tolerance | 3.25" | 2.45 oz | Titanium frame lock | $295 | Blade HQ |
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FAQ
Which is better, Elmax or S35VN?
Elmax holds an edge longer and resists corrosion better; S35VN is easier to sharpen. Choose Elmax for edge retention, S35VN for easy sharpening.
Which is harder, Elmax or S35VN?
Elmax is typically run at 60–62 HRC and S35VN at 58–61 HRC.
Is Elmax or S35VN more rust resistant?
Elmax (8/10). Both are powder metallurgy stainless steels.