M390 Steel Guide: Performance, Properties, and Is It Right for Your Knife?

What Is M390 Steel?

M390 steel is a premium high-alloy powder metallurgy stainless steel manufactured by Böhler-Uddeholm (now voestalpine). Known for its exceptional edge retention, high hardness, and excellent corrosion resistance, M390 has become one of the most sought-after blade steels in the premium knife industry. It is classified as a steel grade with high chromium (20%), vanadium (4%), and molybdenum (4%) content, which gives it outstanding wear resistance and stainlessness.

M390 is produced using the powder metallurgy (PM) process, where molten steel is atomized into fine powder particles and then consolidated under high pressure and heat. This process results in an extremely uniform carbide distribution — far more consistent than conventional ingot-cast steels — which translates to predictable sharpening behavior and consistent edge performance across the entire blade.

M390's powder metallurgy process creates an exceptionally uniform carbide structure.

M390 Steel Properties

M390 vs. Other Premium Steels

M390, 20CV, and 204P are essentially the same steel from different producers — all three perform nearly identically. The choice between them often comes down to brand preference and heat treatment execution.

Is M390 Right for Your EDC?

M390 is ideal if you prioritize edge retention and corrosion resistance above all else. It excels in environments where the knife sees regular use but may not get sharpened frequently — a common scenario for everyday carry. However, it comes at a premium price point. If you frequently sharpen your knives or use them for heavy-duty prying and batoning, a tougher steel like S35VN may serve you better.

Artisan Cutlery offers several models in M390, available in the M390 steel collection. These knives pair the premium blade steel with handle materials ranging from titanium to carbon fiber. Browse the full folding knife lineup to compare M390 models with other steel options.

Sharpening M390

Because M390 has such high wear resistance, it takes longer to sharpen than steels like D2 or 14C28N. Diamond abrasives are strongly recommended — conventional alumina stones struggle to cut the vanadium carbides effectively. For a detailed deep dive into the metallurgy, Knife Steel Nerds has extensive technical analysis of M390's microstructure and carbide composition.