Elmax vs S45VN Steel

Elmax steel is produced by Böhler-Uddeholm, and CPM S45VN steel is developed by Crucible Industries.

Elmax, introduced as an upgrade to conventional stainless steels, boasts a high vanadium content for improved wear resistance. 

CPM S45VN steel, on the other hand, is an iteration in Crucible’s popular S30V and S35VN series, incorporating niobium and increased chromium to enhance its properties. 

S45VN is more popular than Elmax and has been widely adopted with most knife manufacturers as compared to Elmax, but that does not make it superior. 

Elmax vs S45VN Steel At A Glance

Hardness

Elmax steel has a maximum working hardness of about 62 HRC, with production knives typically in the 60-61 HRC range. 

S45VN steel, on the other hand, can achieve slightly higher hardness, with reported values of 63-64 HRC possible. 

The recommended aim hardness for S45VN is 59-61 HRC according to the manufacturer’s data sheet, while for Elmax, the typical aim is around 60-61 HRC.

This slight edge in potential hardness for S45VN could translate to marginally better wear resistance and edge retention in knives. 

The ability to achieve higher hardness in S45VN might give knife makers more flexibility in balancing hardness with toughness, potentially allowing for harder blades without sacrificing too much durability. 

Toughness

Elmax and S45VN exhibit comparable levels of toughness, with neither steel having a clear advantage over the other in this property. 

S45VN utilizes a combination of niobium and nitrogen additions to refine its microstructure and reduce chromium carbide formation, which helps maintain good toughness.

Elmax, while not containing niobium, relies on its powder metallurgy process to achieve a fine, uniform carbide distribution that contributes to its toughness.

For reference, S45VN and Elmax steel toughness is better than that of S30V steel and slightly lower than that of S35VN steel.

Higher toughness allows for thinner edge geometries and better performance in challenging cutting tasks without fear of blade failure.

Elmax and S45VN steels provide a good compromise between toughness and wear resistance, making them suitable for a wide range of EDC and general-purpose knives. 

Edge Retention

Elmax and S45VN steels exhibit comparable levels of edge retention and wear resistance, at equal hardness levels.

According to CATRA edge retention testing, which measures the Total Cards Cut (TCC) to indicate wear resistance and edge holding capability, Elmax at 60+ HRC achieved a TCC score of 761.7. 

The S45VN datasheet suggests its CATRA edge retention is about 143% relative to 440C, which is very close to S30V’s 145% and Elmax’s performance. 

S30V steel CATRA edge retention testing at a 61HRC yielded a TCC score of 798.0 while Elmax is expected to achieve 2-5% less.

This similarity in edge retention means that knives made from either steel should maintain their cutting edge for extended periods of use, reducing the frequency of required sharpening. 

Both steels achieve their high wear resistance through their unique compositions and powder metallurgy processing.  

Elmax relies on its high vanadium content and S45VN utilizing a combination of vanadium, niobium, and nitrogen. 

Corrosion Resistance

Elmax and S45VN steels are both stainless steels with high levels of corrosion resistance, making them excellent choices for knife blades that may be exposed to corrosive environments. 

S45VN is designed with slightly higher chromium content in solution compared to Elmax, which theoretically gives it a small edge in corrosion resistance.

Chromium in solution is the amount of chromium left after some of the chromium has been used up in forming carbides.

So while composition of Elmax has high Chromium content than S45VN, most of it is used up in forming carbides leaving little amount in solution.

S45VN steel utilizes additional niobium and nitrogen to help maintain free chromium in the matrix to fight corrosion.

However, this difference is relatively minor, and both steels are considered highly corrosion-resistant. 

In knives both steels will perform well in resisting rust and staining, even in challenging conditions such as marine environments or when exposed to corrosive materials. 

Ease of Sharpening

Elmax and S45VN present challenges in sharpening and grindability due to their high hardness and wear-resistant properties, but there are some differences between them.

S45VN steel has similar grindability to S35VN steel, which is generally considered easier to sharpen and grind than Elmax and S30V. 

The ease of sharpening for S45VN is attributed to its balanced composition, particularly its similar MC (vanadium or niobium carbide) content to S35VN.

Elmax steel, is noted to be more difficult to polish and sharpen than steels like CPM-154 stainless steel. 

S45VN might require less effort and time to achieve a sharp edge or desired finish compared to Elmax.

However, both steels will still be more challenging to work with than softer, less wear-resistant steels like N690 and AUS 8 Steel

For everyday users, the difference in ease of sharpening between Elmax and S45VN may be noticeable but not dramatic.

Final Thoughts on Elmax vs S45VN Steel

Elmax and S45VN stainless steels offer good edge retention and high wear resistance, thanks to their carefully balanced compositions and significant vanadium content. 

In my experience, Elmax and S45VN strikes a better balance between performance and practicality, I wouldn’t say that there is a clear winner between the two steels.

Although Elmax might have a slight edge in absolute wear resistance, the difference in real-world use is often negligible. 

What sets CPM S45VN steel apart for me is its widespread adoption among knife makers. 

This popularity means that many manufacturers have fine-tuned their heat treatment processes for S45VN, consistently achieving an optimal balance of edge retention and toughness. 

This refinement in processing gives me confidence in the performance and reliability of S45VN blades across different makers. 

While both steels are excellent choices, I generally lean towards recommending S45VN steel. But there is also no harm in getting Elmax knives from a reputable knife maker.