I hadn't thought of even doing a flex test. I guess that makes me a stainless guy. A pounder would have don that right off.
I'll do that with the next test blade.
I'll be the first to state there's a WORLD of stuff I've yet to learn about steel,
being that I've yet to grind or pound...
but as a hard user of knives for over 30 years,I've learned there are limitations to every knife,and to different steels.
Some are better suited to specific tasks due to design and steel type (and heat-treat),
but all will (I'm talking about Good Knives,not cr#p with 420 series steel) cut and serve to various levels of performance.
In my mind,and experience,Life and Circumstance are unpredictable and I carry a fixed and folder so that I may be prepared
with at least those basic tools as best I can.
I once very suddenly found myself in a situation that had I been carrying a knife (fixed blade) that was weaker than what I had,I might have been a very sorry critter.
My Swamp Rat Howler saved me from a potentially nasty fall.
That 3/16" thick SR101 carbon steel showed to me that a knife needs to be able to at least hold my weight (then 198 +lbs) without bending or breaking.
Lateral strength and the ability to withstand substantial shock loads is important to me.
Stainless,or high carbon forged,a steel should be tough and strong.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how the Elmax stands up!