Elmax is a high-end powder metallurgy stainless steel produced by Böhler-Uddeholm. It is considered one of the "big three" super steels in the premium knife market, alongside M390 and CPM-20CV.
In the knife world, Elmax is famous for its incredible "toughness-to-edge-retention" ratio.
Key Characteristics
Outstanding Toughness: Unlike many other super steels (like M390 or S90V) which can be brittle, Elmax is remarkably tough. It is very resistant to chipping and rolling, even at high hardness levels.
High Wear Resistance: Due to its high carbon and vanadium content, it holds an edge for an exceptionally long time. It is a true "workhorse" super steel.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance: With 18% Chromium, it is highly stainless. It is very reliable for outdoor use, hunting, and food preparation in humid or wet environments.
Fine Grain Structure: The powder metallurgy process creates a very uniform and fine carbide distribution, which allows the blade to take a very keen, aggressive edge.
Moderate Sharpening: While it is a super steel, most users find it slightly easier to sharpen than M390 or S110V because of its higher toughness.
Chemical Composition
Carbon (C): 1.70% (Very high; for hardness and edge life)
Chromium (Cr): 18.00% (For top-tier rust resistance)
Vanadium (V): 3.00% (Provides the hard carbides for wear resistance)
Molybdenum (Mo): 1.00%
Silicon (Si): 0.80%
Common Applications
Premium EDC & Tactical Folders: Used extensively by brands like Microtech (a signature steel for their OTFs), Zero Tolerance, and GiantMouse.
High-End Hunting & Outdoor Knives: Its balance of toughness and rust resistance makes it perfect for field dressing game or heavy bushcraft tasks.
Custom Knives: A favorite for makers who want to offer a knife that is both extremely high-performing and durable enough for real-world abuse.
Elmax vs. M390
If you are comparing the two:
Elmax is generally considered tougher and more resistant to chipping.
M390 usually has a slight edge in pure wear resistance (edge retention) and is a bit more corrosion-resistant.