Ernie's Elmax Build and Test!!!

[Ernie Swanson]

A while back Tracy gave out a few bars of elmax. I was lucky enough to get a bar to try out.

I decided to to a full flat grind with a machine finish on this one and throw on a set of bolsters. (thanks James) These are both firsts for me. I handled it with Water buffalo horn, with Nickel Silver Pin and thong tube.

Cutting it out was not bad, my blade is pretty dull but it didnt seem to be any different really.
Grinding it seemed to me about the same as CPM154 and it went well.
I kind of wish I would have done a mirror polish on this one to see how hand sanding would have went

Over all as far as cutting, drilling, and grinding went I didn't really see much of a difference from the CPM154.

Specs are
OAL - 9 7/8''
Blade - 4 3/8''
Handle - 5 1/16''


Here is a pic of the knife during the build and a few finished pics.
Test pics to come after.

 

[Ernie Swanson]

Started off shaving sharp, It was pretty easy to sharpen. got a really nice edge.

Then I went on to chop a 2x4

Half way through

In Half!!!!

The chopping went well, It is a little light to be chopping 2x4's all the time but did well I thought.
Then I had to make some smaller pieces, I went through the 2x4 length wise 3 times, it slid through with ease.

Oh Lookey here, it still shaves!!! The edge is still strait and polished.

Made a few cuts on an empty smoke pack with ease

More to come later today!!

 

[BossDog]

I'm watching. I will be making some more elmax blades here soon. I will be having the girls at the shop here all make a kitchen knife and we are going to use elmax since it holds an edge so well.... looking forward to more tests.

 

[Ernie Swanson]

Well, Today the knife cut up some eggs, cut up ham, cut up a turkey, and still shaves

I will get more tests done next weekend.

Thanks again Boss for letting me try this steel out, If you got anymore I would be happy to test more

 

[Bruce Bump]

I'd be happy to come over for dinner.

Well, Today the knife cut up some eggs, cut up ham, cut up a turkey, and still shaves

I will get more tests done next weekend.

Thanks again Boss for letting me try this steel out, If you got anymore I would be happy to test more

 

[Frank Niro]

I believe the Elmax is a great stainless. Frank

 

[Ernie Swanson]

I'd be happy to come over for dinner.

Bruce, Your welcome anytime!!!

I believe the Elmax is a great stainless. Frank

Yeah I am really liking it so far.


I will be testing more on sunday, I will add here sunday evening!!!

 

[Ernie Swanson]

Ok, Today I attacked some PVC, a cardboard tube and another 2X4, It did well.
It would not shave after the pvc but after a quick sharpening it was back to shaving sharp.

I would have to say this is my favorite Steel that I have had the oppertunity to try out.
It holds an edge really good and was fairly easy to sharpen, I never tried a stone though.

I am going to order some more so I can try a mirror finish on it. I think this steel would make awesome kitchen knives and even better hunting knives.

Thanks again Tracy for letting me try this steel out, It really opened my eyes to what else is out there.

 

[HELLGAP]

Very nice Ernie I have a couple coustomers that have been asking for big blades . Its not for me cuzz its way to heavy to carry to gut a deer . Believe it or not I had one of them 2 dollar ruko knives I used to gut deer lmao . Well its changed now I have a knife for each job . By the way your leather work had improved 10 fold .