Uddeholm ELMAX SuperClean




Basic parameters:
- Thickness tolerance: 0/+0,2 mm (the surface is not precision ground)
- Cutting tolerance: we cut the steel on band saws to a tolerance of 0/+3 mm (width x length)
- Delivery conditon: steel in non-hardened condition (steel requires hardening)
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| 44.97 zł | 23 % | 55.31 zł | 326 | ||||||
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| 608.35 zł | 23 % | 748.27 zł | 27 | ||||||
| 687.70 zł | 23 % | 845.87 zł | 23 | ||||||
| 846.40 zł | 23 % | 1,041.07 zł | 19 | ||||||
| 1,895.12 zł | 23 % | 2,331.00 zł | 2 |
OUR STEEL IS FOR YOU, IF:
| You value precisely cut material We cut steel using band saws, ensuring straight edges. We do not use guillotine shears, which can warp sheets and round their edges. |
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| Minor scratches or residue are not an issue for you Sometimes, a single steel sheet passes through the saw multiple times, which may cause slight surface scratches. Occasionally, delicate spot traces of surface corrosion (thin residue) may appear on the steel due to coolant remnants from the cutting process. Both scratches and residue can be easily removed during grinding. If you require steel with a perfectly clean surface, our product will not meet your expectations. |
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| You can straighten minor surface deviations yourself We strive to deliver perfectly flat steel pieces, but we cannot guarantee 100% flatness. Any slight surface curvature is not a material defect but rather a result of mill tolerances (flatness tolerances for rolled products). An experienced knifemaker can handle such a curvature in no time. |
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| You want to buy steel from trusted supplier We source our steel from the largest manufacturers in Europe and beyond. Each delivery is precisely marked with an industrial hand jet printer to prevent errors during cutting and storage. |
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| You don't like overpaying Our mission is to provide you with a piece of steel that is as close as possible to the shape of the knife you want to make. With us, you don't have to buy a large piece of steel and make unnecessary supplies or throw unnecessary surpluses in the trash. |
Example photo of a steel sheet:

Elmax Steel – Premium Choice for Knife Making
Elmax SuperClean steel from Uddeholm is one of the most sought-after materials in the world of knife making. Renowned for its exceptional hardness, outstanding corrosion resistance, and high wear resistance, Elmax is a favorite among professionals and hobbyists alike. This article explores its chemical composition, heat treatment process, achievable hardness, comparison with other steels, and its applications in various types of knives.
Chemical Composition of Elmax Steel – What Makes It Exceptional?
| Element |
Composition |
| Carbon (C) | 1,70% |
| Manganese (Mn) |
0,30% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0,80% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18,00% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1,00% |
| Vanadium (V) | 3,00% |
Elmax is a premium-grade powdered metallurgy (PM) steel, offering a unique combination of properties thanks to its advanced manufacturing process. Its chemical composition includes:
- Carbon (C): 1.7% – Enhances hardness and wear resistance.
- Chromium (Cr): 18% – Provides excellent corrosion resistance.
- Molybdenum (Mo): 1% – Improves hardenability and wear resistance.
- Vanadium (V): 3% – Increases edge retention and toughness.
- Silicon (Si): 0,8% and Manganese (Mn): 0.3% – Stabilize the steel's structure.
This composition creates a fine, uniform microstructure that enhances both performance and durability, making Elmax one of the top choices for knife makers worldwide.
Heat Treatment of Elmax Steel
Heat treatment difficulty shown at the top of this page reflects the most common choice in our survey of Polish knifemakers, prepared with input from an experienced heat treater. Please treat it as community guidance, not a specification.
“EASY-TO-HARDEN” denotes a more forgiving steel — one that delivers predictable, useful results even with minor deviations in process parameters.
“DIFFICULT-TO-HARDEN” calls for tight process control; small mistakes can quickly degrade the final outcome.
A FEW WORDS ON HEAT TREATMENT
Heat treatment is as much craft as it is science. Results depend on many variables: steel grade, blade thickness, furnace and atmosphere, soak temperature and time, quench medium and its temperature, and the tempering schedule.
At IK STAL we value transparency and reliable sources. Rather than promising one-size-fits-all recipes, we share manufacturers’ baseline data so you can adapt it to your own workshop. However, the data provided by manufacturers is not always detailed enough to constitute a complete “recipe” for heat-treating a thin knife. For specific settings, we encourage you to consult an experienced heat treater.
Hardening of Elmax Steel
Austenitizing
Preheating: 600-850°C (1110-1560°F).
The austenitizing temperature of Elmax steel is 1050-1100°C (1920-2010°F), but usually 1080°C (1980°F).
The manufacturer's technical specifications state that the austenitizing time (holding time) is 30 minutes for temperatures in the range 1050–1080°C (1920–1980°F), although the dimensions of the hardened part are not specified. The time is measured from the moment the steel reaches uniform temperature.
At high temperature, steel is prone to oxidation and
changes in carbon content (carburization or decarburization). Vacuum
heat treatment largely eliminates this risk.
During heating in a
muffle furnace, the part can be protected by sealing it in stainless
heat-treating foil. Remove the foil immediately before quenching, as it
slows heat transfer.
Practical austenitizing guidelines:
- The thicker the blade, the longer it should stay in the furnace.
- Keeping the steel in the furnace too long can lead to grain growth; too short a time leads to incomplete austenitizing (incomplete microstructural transformation). Put simply: at the correct temperature, leaving the steel in the furnace a little longer usually does less harm than taking it out too early. The biggest mistake is using an incorrect austenitizing temperature.
Quenching
Quenching media:
- Martempering bath or fluidized bed at approx. 200–550°C (390–1020°F), then cool in air;
- Forced air/gas.
To obtain optimal properties, cool as fast as possible, cooling too slowly will result in a hardness lower than the values shown on the tempering curve.
The above quenching media are recommendations taken directly from the manufacturer’s technical datasheets. This does not mean that Elmax steel cannot be oil-quenched. From our customers’ experience, we know they do quench this steel in oil.
Sub-zero Treatment (Optional)
Sub-zero treatment of Elmax steel can be carried out at different temperature levels:
- Cryogenic treatment (“cryo treatment”) at -150°C to -196°C (-240°F to -320°F) – this range is recommended by the manufacturer;
- Cold treatment at -40°C to -80°C (-40°F to -112°F) – used mainly due to limitations of the cooling medium and available equipment.
A sub-zero treatment lasting 1–3 hours increases hardness by approximately 1-3 HRC. For complex geometries there is a risk of cracking.
Sub-zero treatment reduces the amount of retained austenite and enhances dimensional stability during tempering. It should be carried out immediately after hardening and prior to tempering. In practice, this process is an extension of hardening to a lower temperature, so any delay between hardening and sub-zero treatment may reduce its effect.
Tempering of Elmax Steel
Tempering is the controlled reheating of a hardened blade to a chosen temperature and holding it for a set time to reduce brittleness and stresses from hardening and increase the knife’s impact toughness.
The steel should be tempered immediately as soon as its temperature after hardening reaches 50-70°C (120-160°F).
The tempering temperature should be selected according to the required hardness, using the tempering chart as a reference.
The manufacturer’s preferred tempering temperature is 250°C (480°F) or higher; however, this mainly applies to components for industrial applications.
According to the manufacturer, in exceptional cases a minimum tempering temperature of 180°C (350°F) may be used for small, simple parts where toughness is of lesser importance.
Temper twice for 2 hours each.
Elmax SuperClean Steel Tempering Chart
Below are the tempering curves for Elmax steel for the following heat-treatment conditions:
- Austenitizing at 1050°C (1920°F) / 30 min / cooling in forced air; tempering 2 × 2 h;
- Austenitizing at 1100°C (2010°F) / holding time not specified / cooling in forced air; tempering 2 × 2 h;
Quenched sample with dimensions 15 × 15 × 40 mm.
For more details about the heat treatment process please visit the manufacturer's website: Uddeholm.
TU WKLEIĆ WYKRES
Comparing Elmax with Other Popular Knife Steels
Elmax is often compared to other premium steels like M390, S30V, and D2. Here’s how it stacks up:
Elmax vs. M390
While both steels offer superior performance, M390 has slightly better wear resistance, making it ideal for applications requiring extreme durability. However, Elmax is easier to sharpen and provides similar corrosion resistance, making it more user-friendly.
Elmax vs. S30V
Elmax surpasses S30V in corrosion resistance and is more versatile, making it suitable for various environments. It also offers comparable edge retention while being easier to maintain.
Elmax vs. D2
D2 is a tool steel known for its wear resistance, but it falls short in corrosion resistance compared to Elmax. For knives used in humid or wet conditions, Elmax is the superior choice.
Applications of Elmax Steel in Knife Making
Elmax is an incredibly versatile steel, suitable for a wide range of knife types. Below are some of its most common applications:
Outdoor and Survival Knives
Elmax's exceptional wear resistance and ability to maintain a sharp edge make it perfect for outdoor and survival knives. Its corrosion resistance ensures longevity in harsh conditions.
Kitchen Knives
Elmax is an excellent choice for kitchen knives, offering superior edge retention and corrosion resistance, even in environments exposed to moisture and acidic foods.
Hunting Knives
For hunting knives, Elmax provides the durability needed for tasks like skinning and processing game. Its toughness prevents chipping during heavy-duty use.
Tactical Knives
Elmax is widely used in tactical knives due to its combination of strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for demanding operations.
Caring for Knives Made with Elmax Steel
Although Elmax offers excellent corrosion resistance, proper care will ensure your knife lasts a lifetime:
- Cleaning – Wash and dry your knife thoroughly after each use.
- Oiling – Apply a thin layer of protective oil to prevent potential surface oxidation.
- Sharpening – Use diamond or ceramic sharpening stones to maintain the blade’s edge.
Summary – Why Choose Elmax Steel?
Elmax is an outstanding material that combines corrosion resistance, high hardness, and exceptional edge retention. Its versatility makes it ideal for crafting high-performance knives, whether for tactical, hunting, outdoor, or kitchen use.
If you’re a knife maker or enthusiast seeking a reliable, top-tier steel, Elmax delivers unmatched quality and performance. Invest in Elmax steel and experience the difference for yourself!

Elmax steel offers a unique combination of high hardness (58–62 HRC), excellent edge retention, outstanding corrosion resistance, and exceptional wear resistance. It’s also easier to sharpen than some other premium steels, making it a versatile choice.
Yes, Elmax is an excellent material for kitchen knives due to its superior resistance to corrosion and ability to maintain sharpness over time, even with frequent use in a moist environment.
To keep your Elmax knife in top condition:
- Clean it after each use and dry thoroughly.
- Oil the blade periodically to add extra protection.
- Sharpen with diamond or ceramic stones for the best results.
- Compared to M390, Elmax is easier to sharpen, although it offers slightly lower abrasion resistance.
- Compared to S30V, Elmax provides better corrosion resistance and is more versatile in use.
Elmax is ideal for a wide range of knives, including:
- Outdoor and survival knives – Durable and resistant to harsh conditions.
- Kitchen knives – Long-lasting sharpness and corrosion resistance.
- Hunting knives – Tough enough for heavy-duty tasks.
- Tactical knives – Reliable in demanding scenarios.