Böhler Elmax · model-tuned heat treatment
Elmax fixed-blade knives
A balanced powder stainless selected for several TRC blade sizes, with heat treatment tuned for edge stability, toughness and practical maintenance.
From €170 to €700
Why choose an Elmax fixed blade?
Böhler Elmax is a powder-metallurgy stainless steel from Austria, known for a practical balance of edge retention, toughness and enhanced corrosion resistance. TRC tunes its heat treatment by model, from 57–58 HRC on M-1XT Tanto to 60–61 HRC on selected Apocalypse models.
Common uses
- Outdoor utility
- Larger Apocalypse models for camp tasks and controlled cutting.
- Compact utility
- Mini models for precise everyday cutting.
- Edge stability
- Model-specific heat treatment balances toughness and edge retention.
Customer rating
Verified reviews
Store reviews
Live Judge.me data
TRC heat treatment
57–58 HRC (M-1XT Tanto)
Crafted in
Lithuania
Material profile
One steel. Three practical strengths.
Outdoor
The APOCALYPSE family pairs substantial geometry with controlled camp and food-preparation tasks.
Compact
Signature Edition Mini models bring precise utility to a smaller format.
Balanced
Model-specific heat treatment balances toughness, edge stability and sharpening.
“Elmax is the steel that taught us hardness without brittleness is possible.”
TRC Workshop
Choose your knife
Choose your Elmax knife
Compare blade size, heat treatment, handle and finish across the current Elmax collection. Live stock is shown on every model.
Technical evidence
Inside Böhler Elmax
Elmax balances corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and toughness more evenly than almost any other premium stainless. Composition (Uddeholm): C 1.7 · Si 0.8 · Mn 0.3 · Cr 18.0 · Mo 1.0 · V 3.0.
Performance profile
Editorial estimate · not a sourced industry rating
Elmax offers enhanced corrosion resistance. Keep the blade clean and dry, and use diamond or ceramic stones for efficient sharpening.
Composition and heat treatment
Why TRC chose Elmax
Balanced by design.
Elmax combines powder metallurgy with balanced chromium, vanadium and molybdenum chemistry. The result is a stainless steel that holds a refined edge while remaining practical to maintain.
TRC uses model-specific heat treatment for Elmax. M-1XT Tanto is set at 57–58 HRC, most Apocalypse variants at 59–60 HRC, and Apocalypse Prime plus Signature Edition Mini models at 60–61 HRC.
Independent perspective
Elmax reviews and coverage
BEST Knife of 2019!?!? BIG surprise! | TRC Apocalypse
Dutch Bushcraft Knives
Dutch Bushcraft Knives
"Best knife of 2019"
I spent $420 on a Survival Knife - Lionsteel M7 vs TRC Apocalypse
Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors
Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors
Financial Apocalypse? Is the TRC Apocalypse $450 of knife?
Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors
Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors
Lamnia Edge Awards 2026
In customer voting, Apocalypse Elmax won both the Fixed Blade category and Most Popular Fixed Blade over €200; Polheim MagnaCut and Classic Freedom M390 also placed in the latter category's top five.
Camp Knife Trifecta
A field comparison of the TRC Apocalypse with camp knives from Bark River and Spartan, including its performance while building an emergency dog stretcher.
TRC Knives – A Customer Success Story
How an unwavering pursuit of quality grew into a thriving knife business, including the origin of the Apocalypse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Our Customers Say
Verified reviews from knife enthusiasts around the world
Made for use
Find your Elmax fixed blade
Compare the details, check current availability, and choose the knife that fits the work ahead.
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