M390 Steel Guide: Properties, Edge Retention, and Best Uses

Among premium blade steels, M390 steel has earned an almost legendary reputation. Developed by Böhler in Austria, this powder metallurgy stainless steel is widely considered one of the best all-around knife steels available today. If you are shopping for a high-end folding pocket knife and see M390 in the specifications, here is everything you need to know about what makes it special.

What Makes M390 Steel Unique?

M390 is a martensitic stainless steel produced using the powder metallurgy (PM) process. Unlike conventional ingot steels, PM steels are made by atomizing molten metal into fine powder, then compacting it under high heat and pressure. This process creates an extremely homogeneous microstructure with very fine, evenly distributed carbides.

• Manufacturer: Böhler Uddeholm (Austria)
• Production method: Powder metallurgy (PM)
• Hardness range: 60–62 HRC at optimal heat treat
• Type: Stainless (high corrosion resistance)
• Primary carbides: Chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum

M390 Steel Chemical Composition

Element	Percentage	Role in Performance
Carbon (C)	1.90%	Hardness and edge retention
Chromium (Cr)	20.0%	Corrosion resistance
Molybdenum (Mo)	1.0%	Toughness and wear resistance
Vanadium (V)	4.0%	Wear resistance and edge stability
Tungsten (W)	0.6%	High-temperature hardness
Silicon (Si)	0.7%	Deoxidation and hardenability

How M390 Compares to Other Premium Steels

Steel	Edge Retention	Toughness	Corrosion Resistance	Sharpening Ease
M390	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Moderate (hard, high-wear carbides)
S35VN	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good	Easy
20CV	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Moderate
D2	Good	Fair	Moderate (semi-stainless)	Moderate
CPM-20CV	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Moderate

Best Uses for M390 Steel

M390 excels in applications where edge retention and corrosion resistance are top priorities. It is an ideal choice for:

• Everyday carry (EDC) knives: Holds an edge through extended use between sharpenings
• Premium folding pocket knives: Justifies the higher price point with long-term performance
• Kitchen cutlery: Excellent corrosion resistance handles acidic foods well
• Collector pieces: M390 is a mark of quality that serious knife enthusiasts seek

Sharpening M390 Steel

The same properties that make M390 excellent at holding an edge — high carbide volume and hardness — also make it more challenging to sharpen. Diamond abrasives are strongly recommended. Ceramic stones work but take longer. Standard aluminum oxide stones will struggle to cut the vanadium carbides effectively. Plan for longer sharpening sessions, but enjoy the extended time between them.

Is M390 Worth the Premium?

For the dedicated knife enthusiast, absolutely. M390 delivers exceptional edge retention that outlasts most conventional steels by a wide margin, combined with outstanding corrosion resistance. If you use your knife daily and want to sharpen less often, M390 is one of the best investments you can make. Browse our collection of folding pocket knives featuring premium steel options for your next EDC upgrade.

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