Maxamet vs S110V: Ultimate Steel Comparison Guide

In this article we are going to compare Maxamet vs S110v knife steel.

Chemical Composition and Fundamental Properties

Maxamet and S110V represent two distinct approaches to high-performance knife steel, each offering unique characteristics through their chemical compositions. Maxamet is a powder metallurgy high-speed steel developed as a carbide replacement material, while S110V is a highly alloyed stainless steel designed for superior wear resistance[1][2].

Chemical Composition

Element	Maxamet	S110V
Carbon	2.15%	2.8%
Chromium	4.75%	14%
Cobalt	10%	2%
Tungsten	13%	–
Vanadium	6%	9%
Molybdenum	–	3.5%
Niobium	–	3.5%

The fundamental difference in their compositions directly influences their performance characteristics. Maxamet’s high tungsten content (13%) combined with significant amounts of cobalt (10%) and vanadium (6%) creates an exceptionally hard steel capable of achieving remarkable edge retention[1]. S110V, conversely, relies on a combination of high vanadium content and significant chromium levels to achieve its performance characteristics[3].

Hardness and Edge Retention

Maxamet demonstrates exceptional hardness, reaching 67-69 HRC on the Rockwell C scale[1]. This extraordinary hardness level surpasses most conventional knife steels, including S110V. In direct comparison testing, Maxamet shows approximately 40% better edge retention than S110V[4].

The superior edge retention of Maxamet can be attributed to several factors:

• The formation of tungsten carbides from its high tungsten content
• The presence of vanadium carbides that enhance wear resistance
• The cobalt content that enables higher carbon saturation in the alloy[1]

Corrosion Resistance

One significant distinction between these steels lies in their corrosion resistance properties. S110V demonstrates superior corrosion resistance due to its high chromium content (14%) and the presence of molybdenum[3]. Maxamet, while satisfactory for general use, requires more maintenance to prevent corrosion due to its relatively low chromium content (4.75%)[1].

Microstructure and Carbide Formation

The powder metallurgy process used in both steels results in fine, evenly distributed carbides throughout the material. However, their carbide compositions differ significantly:

• Maxamet forms primarily tungsten and vanadium carbides, contributing to its extreme hardness and wear resistance[1]
• S110V develops a complex mixture of vanadium, niobium, and chromium carbides, offering a balance between wear resistance and corrosion protection[3]

Performance Characteristics and Manufacturing Considerations

Edge Stability and Wear Patterns

Maxamet and S110V exhibit distinct behaviors in edge stability testing. Maxamet demonstrates exceptional edge holding capabilities in standardized CATRA (Cutting and Toughness Rating) tests:

• Maxamet maintains its edge up to 40% longer than S110V in standardized rope cutting tests
• Edge stability remains consistent even under heavy use conditions
• Microscopic examination shows minimal microchipping in proper heat-treated specimens

S110V, while still exceptional compared to conventional steels, shows different wear characteristics:

• More predictable and gradual edge degradation
• Better resistance to microchipping in impact scenarios
• Superior performance in wet cutting conditions due to its corrosion resistance

Heat Treatment Parameters

The heat treatment process significantly influences the performance of both steels:

Parameter	Maxamet	S110V
Austenitizing Temp	2150°F (1177°C)	2100°F (1149°C)
Quenching Method	Vacuum/Oil	Air/Vacuum
Tempering Temp	1025°F (552°C)	1000°F (538°C)
Cryo Treatment	Required	Optional
Tempering Cycles	3x minimum	2x minimum

Manufacturing Challenges

Both steels present unique challenges during manufacturing:

Maxamet:

• Requires specialized equipment due to extreme hardness
• Higher wear on grinding equipment
• More complex heat treatment protocol
• Typically 30-40% higher manufacturing costs

S110V:

• Better machinability than Maxamet
• More forgiving heat treatment window
• Lower tool wear during grinding
• Approximately 20% lower production costs

Practical Applications

The performance characteristics of each steel make them suitable for different applications:

Maxamet excels in:

• High-volume cutting tasks
• Industrial applications requiring extreme wear resistance
• Specialized cutting tools where edge retention is paramount
• Applications where frequent resharpening isn’t practical

S110V performs best in:

• Marine environments
• Food preparation
• Outdoor applications with exposure to moisture
• Situations requiring good balance between wear resistance and toughness

Sharpening Considerations

The extreme hardness of these steels affects their maintenance requirements:

Maxamet:

• Requires diamond abrasives
• Longer initial sharpening time
• More challenging to achieve acute angles
• Maintains edge longer once properly sharpened

S110V:

• More responsive to conventional sharpening methods
• Accepts a keener edge more readily
• Requires less aggressive abrasives
• More forgiving during maintenance

Use-Case Recommendations and Advanced Considerations

Performance Under Specific Conditions

Temperature sensitivity and performance metrics reveal distinct characteristics:

Condition	Maxamet	S110V
Sub-zero Performance	Excellent	Good
High Temperature Stability	Superior	Moderate
Impact Resistance	Moderate	Good
Wet Environment Durability	Fair	Excellent

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The investment considerations for each steel type:

Maxamet:

• Higher initial cost (approximately 40-50% premium)
• Longer edge retention reduces maintenance frequency
• Higher replacement costs for damaged tools
• Specialized maintenance equipment required

S110V:

• More moderate pricing (20-30% premium over standard steels)
• Better value for corrosive environments
• Lower maintenance equipment costs
• More readily available in commercial products

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes Maxamet worth its premium price?
Maxamet’s exceptional edge retention and wear resistance make it ideal for high-volume cutting applications where downtime for maintenance must be minimized. The reduced frequency of sharpening can offset the higher initial cost in professional settings.

Q: How does S110V compare to other premium stainless steels?
S110V offers superior edge retention compared to most stainless steels while maintaining excellent corrosion resistance. Its balanced properties make it more versatile than specialized steels like Maxamet.

Q: Which steel is better for everyday carry (EDC) knives?
S110V generally proves more practical for EDC use due to its better corrosion resistance, easier maintenance, and good balance of properties. Maxamet, while superior in edge retention, requires more careful maintenance.

Q: How do these steels perform in food preparation?
S110V is better suited for food preparation due to its corrosion resistance and easier maintenance. Maxamet’s reactivity to acidic foods and higher maintenance requirements make it less ideal for kitchen use.

Specific Use-Case Recommendations

Choose Maxamet for:

• Industrial cutting applications
• Professional woodworking tools
• High-volume processing operations
• Applications where maximum edge retention is crucial

Choose S110V for:

• Maritime environments
• Outdoor activities
• Food processing
• General EDC applications

Citations:
[1] https://bladeops.com/blog/knife-steel-maxamet-steel/
[2] https://www.spydiewiki.com/index.php/Maxamet
[3] https://knifesteelnerds.com/2020/11/23/cpm-s110v-steel-history-and-properties/
[4] https://knife.wickededgeusa.com/forums/topic/what-is-the-most-wear-resistant-steel-for-pocket-knives/
[5] https://knifesteelnerds.com/2021/10/19/knife-steels-rated-by-a-metallurgist-toughness-edge-retention-and-corrosion-resistance/
[6] https://knifesteelnerds.com/2021/05/10/edge-retention-testing-of-seven-more-steels-xhp-spy27-maxamet-rex-45-420-t15-rex-76/
[7] https://scienceofsharp.com/2022/01/20/carbides-in-s110v-part-1-3/