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Elmax has slightly more abrasive edge retention and corrosion resistance, while S35VN has more toughness. None of these gaps is enormous. For many everyday knives, the maker’s execution and the blade design will be more useful buying distinctions.
Performance Ratings
For the science, we turn to Dr. Larrin Thomas of Knife Steel Nerds, who has kindly allowed us to share his ratings here.
| Property | Elmax | CPM S35VN |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
Elmax Has a Small Wear Advantage
Elmax rates 5.5 for abrasive edge retention and S35VN 5. That favors Elmax on paper, but it is a modest separation.
Do not assume a markedly longer sharpening interval from half a point. A better grind can matter more to how the knife feels in use.
Our ELMAX steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
S35VN Has More Toughness
S35VN rates 5 for toughness against Elmax at 4. We would give S35VN some preference when resistance to edge damage is the priority.
The finished edge remains central. Different hardness or geometry can make two knives behave differently despite close material ratings.
Our S35VN steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
Both Offer Stainless Care
Elmax rates 8 for corrosion resistance and S35VN 7.5. Both are stainless, and the half-point gap is small.
Clean and dry either after wet or corrosive use. This difference alone is not a strong reason to reject an otherwise better knife.
Let the Better Knife Win
We would choose Elmax for a slight wear/corrosion preference and S35VN for a toughness preference. For modest everyday cutting, we would put the handle, grind and actual price first.
There is no compelling steel-only reason to replace a satisfactory knife in either grade. Buy a practical improvement you can identify.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains the elements and the differences between reported values, ranges and limits.
Elmax: Producer-listed typical chemistry, mass %. Uddeholm: Elmax SuperClean.
CPM S35VN: Selected nominal/typical values, mass %; not a batch certificate or complete analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM S35VN.
| Element | Elmax | CPM S35VN |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.7% | 1.4% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.8% | Not listed |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.3% | Not listed |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18% | 14% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1% | 2% |
| Vanadium (V) | 3% | 3% |
| Niobium (Nb) | Not listed | 0.5% |
Compare Two Knife Steels
Sources and Update Notes
- Dr. Larrin Thomas: knife steel ratings · Property ratings; the scores describe steels rather than individual finished knives.
- Uddeholm: Elmax SuperClean
- Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM S35VN
