Contents
M390 steel is a high-performance stainless steel developed by Böhler-Uddeholm using advanced powder metallurgy. Renowned for its outstanding edge retention, corrosion resistance, and fine carbide distribution, M390 has earned its place among the best steels for premium and custom knives, from EDC folders to high-end fixed blades.
M390 is a third-generation powder metallurgy stainless steel developed by the Austrian company Böhler-Uddeholm for demanding cutting and wear applications.
What is M390 steel made of?
M390 steel contains a highly balanced alloy composition designed to deliver maximum wear and corrosion resistance without sacrificing hardness or toughness. Its chemistry includes:
This mix results in a martensitic stainless steel with high chromium and vanadium carbide formation, providing an exceptional balance of properties.
What company developed M390 and why?
Böhler-Uddeholm, an Austrian steel manufacturer with deep roots in tool and specialty steels, developed M390 to meet the demands of industrial tooling and medical blades. The goal was to create a “super steel” that delivered:
The success of M390 in tooling quickly drew attention from knife makers, who found that the steel excelled in edge stability, fine finishing, and long-term durability.
M390 typically reaches a hardness of 60–62 HRC, offering outstanding wear resistance and long-term edge retention.
What is the typical hardness (HRC) of M390?
When heat-treated properly, M390 can reach 60 to 62 Rockwell hardness (HRC), with some custom makers pushing it as high as 63 HRC. This places it firmly in the high-performance category, capable of maintaining a sharp edge over extended use.
The steel’s carbide structure — notably vanadium and chromium carbides — allows for extremely slow edge degradation.
Does M390 chip or wear out quickly?
Under normal use, M390 is highly wear-resistant and chip-resistant. However, like any high-hardness steel, misuse can lead to micro-chipping, especially at overly thin edge geometries or when used for prying or twisting.
M390 excels in edge retention, resists corrosion better than most steels in its class, and provides consistent cutting performance even under heavy use.
How well does M390 hold an edge?
Edge retention is one of M390’s strongest points. Thanks to its vanadium carbides and ultra-fine grain structure, it stays sharp significantly longer than mainstream steels like S30V or AUS-8. Compared to other premium steels, M390 is often on par with 20CV and S90V, and outperforms most traditional stainless steels.
Is M390 good for corrosion resistance?
With 20% chromium, M390 offers near-marine-level corrosion resistance. In tests and real-world use, it resists pitting, oxidation, and staining—even in humid, coastal, or acidic environments.
Is M390 tough enough for hard use?
While not as tough as carbon steels like 3V or A2, M390 holds its own in standard cutting tasks and even light batoning or woodwork. The high hardness does reduce its impact resistance compared to lower-HRC steels, but it remains serviceable if treated correctly and not subjected to abuse.
M390 is harder to machine and sharpen than simpler steels, but offers excellent results with the right tools and heat treatment.
Is M390 hard to sharpen for beginners?
Yes, M390 can be challenging to sharpen due to its high wear resistance. Standard whetstones or inexpensive sharpeners are often insufficient. To restore a hair-splitting edge, you’ll need:
Expert Tip from Shawn Houston, Founder of Triple B Handmade, sharpening expert: “Sharpening M390 isn’t a job for your kitchen pull-through. Use diamond or CBN stones and take your time—the steel rewards precision, not shortcuts.”
What’s the best heat treatment for M390 steel?
The best heat treatment requires:
This produces a refined martensitic matrix with excellent carbide dispersion, maximizing both edge retention and corrosion resistance.
Is M390 difficult to machine or grind?
Yes, M390 is tough on grinding belts and milling tools. It’s vanadium carbides wear down abrasive tools quickly. However, its fine carbide structure allows for an extremely smooth final finish, which is why many makers still prefer it for showpiece knives.
M390 is ideal for EDC, tactical, culinary, and survival knives where long-term edge retention and stainless performance are critical.
Is M390 good for EDC or tactical knives?
Yes — M390 is one of the top steels used in premium EDC folders, or hunting knives due to its balance of sharpness, corrosion resistance, and wear performance. Brands like Benchmade, Zero Tolerance, and Microtech have embraced it for their flagship models.
See M390 knives in stock.
Is M390 suitable for kitchen knives?
Absolutely. For high-end chef’s knives, M390 is favored for its corrosion resistance and fine edge capability. However, its difficulty to sharpen may deter some home cooks without sharpening gear or experience.
Expert Tip from Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors (Pete) – Knife testing authority: “If you want a chef’s knife that never rusts and almost never dulls, M390 is a dream. But don’t use it on bones or frozen food — that’s not its world.”
What knife brands use M390 steel?
What are the best M390 knives available?
| Knife Model | Brand | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 940-1 | Benchmade | Folder | $280–320 |
| Ultratech | Microtech | Auto Folder | $300–400 |
| 0562CF | Zero Tolerance | Folder | $280–350 |
| SR11 | LionSteel | Fixed | $200–250 |
| M7 | LionSteel | Tactical Fixed | $250–300 |
Is M390 worth the premium price?
Yes — if you value longevity, stainless performance, and minimal maintenance. It’s a steel that performs exceptionally with proper care, but if sharpening scares you, consider 14C28N or MagnaCut instead.
In the realm of knife making, choosing the right steel is pivotal for achieving the desired balance of edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance. M390 steel stands out for its exceptional properties, but how does it compare to other premium steels like Elmax, CPM S30V, and Magnacut? This comparative analysis delves into the strengths and weaknesses of M390 steel in relation to these other high-end materials, offering knife makers and enthusiasts a clearer perspective on its standing in the knife-making hierarchy.
M390 sits alongside 20CV and CTS-204P as part of the “super steel trio,” and often outshines steels like Elmax or S35VN in edge holding and corrosion resistance.
M390 vs 20CV – Are they the same?
M390 and CPM 20CV are nearly identical in composition, with minor differences in trace elements. In practice, they offer comparable performance:
| Property | M390 | 20CV |
|---|---|---|
| Edge Retention | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Corrosion Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Toughness | ⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆ |
| Ease of Sharpening | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Typical Use Cases | Premium folders | American EDC |
Expert Tip from Jim Skelton, Knife reviewer and custom knife enthusiast: “Don’t let marketing hype mislead you—20CV and M390 are virtually twins. Choose based on the knife maker, not the steel stamp.”
M390 vs S90V – Which is better for edge retention?
S90V has better edge retention due to its massive vanadium content (~9%), but:
M390 vs MagnaCut – Which should I choose?
MagnaCut is newer and more versatile. It trades a bit of edge retention for higher toughness and easier sharpening. Choose:
Video credit: Rollshambo EDC
| Steel | Wear Resistance | Edge Retention | Corrosion Resistance | Toughness | Sharpening Difficulty |
| M390 | Very High | Very High | Very High | Medium | Hard |
| S90V | Extremely High | Extremely High | High | Medium | Very Hard |
| MagnaCut | High | Very High | Very High | High | Medium |
| Elmax | Very High | Very High | Very High | Medium-High | Hard |
| K390 | Extremely High | Very High | Moderate | Medium | Very Hard |
| S35VN | High | High | High | High | Medium |
| N690 | High | High | Very High | Medium | Easy |
| S30V | High | High | High | Medium-High | Medium |
| 20CV | Very High | Very High | Very High | Medium | Hard |
Read more: Best Knife Steel
Is Elmax comparable to M390?
Yes. Both are powdered stainless steels from Böhler. Elmax offers:
Some knife makers prefer Elmax for its grindability and more forgiving nature.
How does CPM S35VN compare to M390?
M390 outperforms S35VN in edge holding and corrosion resistance, but:
M390 offers near-perfect stainless performance for knives but comes with a price—and learning curve.
What are the biggest advantages of M390?
✅ Exceptional edge retention
✅ High corrosion resistance
✅ Clean polish and finish
✅ Widely used and trusted
✅ Works well in both folders and fixed blades
Are there any drawbacks or myths about M390?
❌ Hard to sharpen without proper tools
❌ Expensive to produce and buy
❌ Lower impact resistance than carbon steels
❌ Performance varies depending on heat treat quality
Expert Tip from Dr. Larrin Thomas – Metallurgist, Author of Knife Engineering: “Not all M390 knives are created equal. A great steel with a poor heat treat will underperform—always research the maker’s reputation first.”
Q: Is M390 steel better than S35VN?
A: Yes, in edge retention and corrosion resistance. But S35VN is easier to sharpen and more affordable.
Q: Is M390 stainless or semi-stainless?
A: M390 is a true stainless steel with 20% chromium.
Q: Can you strop M390?
A: Yes, stropping with diamond paste works well for maintenance.
Q: Is M390 overhyped?
A: Not if it’s heat-treated correctly and you understand its pros and cons.
Q: Does M390 rust?
A: Very rarely. It’s one of the most corrosion-resistant stainless steels available.
M390 is a benchmark stainless steel for high-performance knives. If you’re ready to invest in a blade that holds its edge, shrugs off rust, and performs for years, M390 is absolutely worth it.
Just make sure it’s heat-treated properly and that you’re equipped to maintain it. Whether you’re an EDC nerd, kitchen knife snob, or tactical operator, M390 has something for you—if you can tame it.
Author: Aleks Nemtcev | Knifemaker with 10+ Years of Experience | Connect with me on LinkedIn |
References and Credits:
Images and specifications: Böhler Edelstahl GmbH & Co KG
American Society for Metals International (ASM International).
Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A: Physical metallurgy and materials science .
“Knife Engineering: An Illustrated Guide to Design, Materials, and Performance” by Richard S. Frederick.
“The Complete Modern Knifemaker’s Guide” by Alexander G. Weygers.
Thank you for the advice! I actually really like the Adira looks wise and i feel it would be a great EDC in spite of not needing it for aquatic duties. The issue I’ve read is that people say it’s not all that ‘grippy’, which concerns me, and for some it just didn’t feel great in the hand. I have medium sized hands for the record. If you were deciding (based on my use case in the previous post) between the magnacut Adira and the Osborne with the m390 steel and denim micarta handle, which one would you choose? Side note: the only reason I was against an assisted knife is because it’s a possible failure point, and I’ve read that’s why the PSK by Benchmade isn’t more popular, even though the Axis system is supposed to be quite robust. Otherwise, the PSK might be my top choice.
Awesome write up– so helpful. I currently EDC an Emerson Karambit, which I believe has 154cm steel, which is a fairly easy steel to sharpen from what I’ve heard (haven’t had to yet). I’m now looking at a more premium steel EDC for carry away from home (I live in one state but work far away in another for 2 weeks a month) and have been trying to narrow it down to a Benchmade Magnacut vs M390 steel variant. In terms of Magnacut, the options seem to be the Adira– which gets mixed reviews– and the PSK, which I don’t love b/c I don’t want an assisted opening EDC. I work in a region with high humidity and so corrosion resistance is important, as is edge retention. I’m not experienced at sharpening with tools like diamond stones, etc, but I can’t imagine it would be that difficult to learn? My knife is more a do everything knife, including for personal protection, but I want something more robust in case I need it when I’m out hiking, etc. Grip material is important for when it gets sweaty/wet, etc. I was sure Magnacut was the right option for me, but a well made M390 steel from a reputable company like Benchmade might be the better option ? I would love to hear any any suggestions.
I’d say you’re thinking about it exactly the right way, and you’re not wrong: MagnaCut is the better fit for your conditions, but Benchmade M390 is the safer bet right now in terms of proven execution.
For your mix of high humidity, sweaty hands, travel, hiking, and “do everything including personal protection,” MagnaCut really shines: better rust resistance than M390, tougher, and a bit nicer to sharpen for most people once you get a basic diamond setup. The downside is more about the specific knives (Adira/PSK) than the steel itself.
If you don’t love assisted opening and you’re not 100% sold on the Adira, I’d lean toward a Benchmade in M390 with a grippy G-10 or micarta handle. You’ll get great edge retention, very solid corrosion resistance, and a platform that’s well tested. You won’t feel under-knifed coming from 154CM, that’s for sure.
Does this steel come in bars with a diameter of 3 mm?
I bought a knife from Temu, the blade says M390 — what kind of steel is that, is it real?
Very good article and very interesting discussion on different steels.
I always hesitate between M390 and CPM Magnacut.
Apparently, the manufacturing methods for both steels are similar.
M390 contains more carbon than Magnacut, which contains nitrogen. It seems that Magnacut is more appealing for purchasing a knife, even though it has less carbon.
My question is: Should I buy an M390 or a CPM Magnacut blade?
Thank you in advance for more information on these two high-end steels.
CPM Magnacut offers better toughness and corrosion resistance, while M390 provides higher wear resistance and edge retention. If you need a tough, rust-resistant blade for outdoor use, choose Magnacut. If edge retention is the priority, go with M390.
A very good article, extremely helpful when you’re undecided but interested in steels.