Check out the key characteristics that set M390 steel apart:

What is Bohler M390 Steel?

M390 steel (also known as Bohler M390, M390 steel) — one of the most popular and highly respected knife steels in the world. It is manufactured by the Austrian company Bohler-Uddeholm (now part of the Voestalpine group), which has over a century of experience in metallurgy. M390 belongs to the class of third-generation powder steels and is produced using Microclean technology — Bohler's proprietary powder metallurgy process.

NOJARO store offers M390 knives on the page https://nojaro.com.ua/en/nozhi-zi-stali-bohler-m390/

The essence of Microclean technology is that molten metal is atomized into the finest particles in an inert gas environment. These particles solidify individually, forming a powder with an exceptionally uniform microstructure. The powder is then compressed under high pressure (Hot Isostatic Pressing, HIP) into a solid billet. The result — a Bohler M390 steel with an even distribution of chromium, vanadium, and tungsten carbides, without the large carbide clusters typical of traditional cast steels.

Thanks to this, M390 combines properties that in conventional steels usually contradict each other: exceptional hardness, excellent edge retention, high corrosion resistance, and acceptable toughness. It is precisely this combination that has made M390 the benchmark among premium knife steels, and virtually every new steel entering the market is compared against it.

Chemical Composition and Characteristics of Bohler M390 Steel

The composition of M390 steel — is the foundation that determines all its properties and characteristics. Each alloying element in M390 has been added for a specific purpose. Here is the complete bohler m390 steel composition with an explanation of each component's role:

• Carbon (C) — 1.90%. Very high carbon content. It is responsible for the steel's hardness and the formation of hard carbides that ensure cutting edge wear resistance. For comparison, most stainless steels have a carbon content of 0.5-1.0%.
• Chromium (Cr) — 20.0%. The primary element for corrosion resistance. With content above 13%, steel is considered stainless. 20% chromium provides M390 with excellent rust resistance even in humid environments. Some chromium also forms hard chromium carbides.
• Molybdenum (Mo) — 1.0%. Increases strength, improves resistance to pitting corrosion, and promotes uniform hardening of the steel throughout its thickness.
• Vanadium (V) — 4.0%. Forms extremely hard vanadium carbides (up to 2800 HV on the microhardness scale), which are significantly harder than chromium carbides. They are primarily responsible for cutting edge wear resistance. Vanadium also refines the steel's grain structure.
• Tungsten (W) — 0.60%. Forms additional hard carbides, increases wear resistance and resistance to high temperatures during hardening.
• Silicon (Si) — 0.70%. Increases strength and elasticity of the steel, acts as a deoxidizer during smelting.
• Manganese (Mn) — 0.30%. Improves hardenability and strength, binds harmful sulfur into safe manganese sulfides.

This composition — is a carefully balanced formula. High carbon and vanadium content provides hardness and edge retention, while 20% chromium guarantees corrosion resistance. Microclean powder technology allows all these elements to work together without forming coarse carbide clusters, which would be inevitable with such a composition in traditional cast steel.

Characteristics and Properties of M390

Hardness

M390 can be hardened to 59-66 HRC depending on the heat treatment regimen. In practice, most knife manufacturers choose the 60-62 HRC range as the optimal balance between hardness and toughness. Some custom makers push M390 to 63-64 HRC for maximum edge retention, but this requires flawless heat treatment with precise control of austenitizing temperature (1050-1100 degrees Celsius) and cryogenic treatment.

It is worth noting that the quality of M390 heat treatment is critically important. The same steel from different manufacturers can perform very differently precisely because of differences in heat treatment. Therefore, when choosing an M390 knife, one should pay attention not only to the steel grade but also to the manufacturer's reputation.

Edge Retention

This is arguably the main advantage of M390 steel. Thanks to the large number of hard vanadium and tungsten carbides, the cutting edge maintains its sharpness significantly longer than most other stainless steels. According to independent CATRA (Cutlery and Allied Trades Research Association) tests, M390 demonstrates edge retention at a level that exceeds popular mid-range steels such as VG-10 or 440C by 3-4 times.

In practice, this means that an M390 knife with everyday use can work for weeks without needing sharpening, while a knife made from ordinary stainless steel would require honing every few days.

Corrosion Resistance

With 20% chromium in its composition, M390 has one of the best corrosion resistance ratings among high-carbon steels. It significantly outperforms most carbon and semi-carbon steels (such as 1095, O1, D2) and confidently competes with classic stainless steels. Even when in contact with acidic foods, citrus, or salt water, M390 holds up much better than one would expect from a steel of such hardness.

However, the word "stainless" does not mean "invulnerable." With prolonged contact with aggressive environments without proper care, even M390 can develop stains. But among powder super steels, it — is one of the leaders in corrosion resistance.

Toughness (Impact Strength)

Toughness — is the ability of steel to resist chipping and breaking under impact loads. For a steel with such high hardness and wear resistance, M390 demonstrates acceptable toughness. It is not the best in this category — steels like S35VN or CTS-XHP surpass it in this parameter. But for the vast majority of tasks (EDC knives, kitchen knives, hunting), M390's toughness is quite sufficient.

Toughness issues may arise only with improper heat treatment (hardening to too high a hardness without proper tempering) or with rough use: batoning, opening cans, prying hard materials. For such tasks, it is better to choose a steel with higher toughness.

Advantages of M390 Steel Knives

Summarizing the characteristics, here are the key reasons why M390 steel knives are rightfully considered premium:

• Outstanding edge retention. M390 holds a cutting edge 3-4 times longer than popular mid-range steels. Less time sharpening — more time working.
• High corrosion resistance. 20% chromium provides reliable protection against rust. The knife can be used in humid conditions, in the kitchen, while fishing without constant worry about the blade's condition.
• Ability to take a fine edge. The uniform fine-grained structure of powder steel allows for a very thin and sharp cutting edge that remains stable.
• Optimal hardness. The 60-62 HRC range — is the sweet spot between aggressive cutting and sufficient strength for everyday use.
• Versatility. M390 performs equally well in pocket EDC knives, kitchen chef's knives, hunting blades, and tactical tools.
• Time-tested reputation. M390 has been on the market for over 20 years. It is not a marketing novelty but a steel with a reputation confirmed by years of practice among manufacturers and users worldwide.
• Wear resistance. Hard vanadium and tungsten carbides make M390 resistant to abrasive wear, which is important when cutting cardboard, ropes, and other "aggressive" materials.
• Good balance of properties. Unlike steels that maximize one characteristic at the expense of others, M390 offers a balanced package: hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and acceptable toughness simultaneously.

Comparing M390 with Other Steels: CPM 20CV vs M390, Elmax vs M390

To understand M390 steel's place among other premium knife steels, let's look at a comparison table and detailed analysis. The most common comparisons are CPM 20CV vs M390, M390 vs S35VN, and Elmax vs M390.

CPM 20CV vs M390

CPM 20CV from the American company Crucible Industries — is essentially the closest analog to M390. The chemical composition of these two steels is virtually identical: both contain approximately 1.9% carbon, 20% chromium, and 4% vanadium. The main difference — is in the manufacturer and the specific powder metallurgy process. Bohler uses Microclean technology, while Crucible — uses its proprietary CPM (Crucible Particle Metallurgy) process.

In practice, the difference between M390 and CPM 20CV is minimal, and most users would not be able to distinguish them in a blind test. Both steels demonstrate approximately the same edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. The difference manifests primarily in heat treatment nuances: each steel has its optimal regimens, and the final result depends on the manufacturer's skill.

If you are interested in a more detailed overview of CPM 20CV and knives made from this steel, we recommend checking out our article about CPM 20CV steel knives.

M390 vs S35VN

CPM S35VN — is another powder steel from Crucible, but with a different philosophy. S35VN was designed as a balanced "workhorse" with emphasis on toughness and ease of maintenance, while M390 is oriented toward maximum edge retention and corrosion resistance.

Key differences:

S35VN has lower carbon content (1.4% vs 1.9%) and chromium (14% vs 20%), but contains niobium, which improves toughness. As a result, S35VN is noticeably easier to sharpen — it responds even to simple ceramic honing rods. M390, on the other hand, requires quality abrasives and more time for sharpening.

In terms of edge retention, M390 surpasses S35VN by approximately 30-40%. But S35VN is significantly tougher and better handles impact loads. In corrosion resistance, M390 is also ahead thanks to 20% chromium versus 14%.

The choice between them depends on priorities: if the main goal — is maximum edge retention and working in humid conditions, choose M390. If ease of maintenance, toughness, and a somewhat lower price are more important — S35VN will be an excellent choice.

Elmax vs M390

Bohler Elmax — is another powder steel from the same manufacturer. It can be considered M390's "younger sister." Elmax contains less carbon (1.7% vs 1.9%) and vanadium (3.0% vs 4.0%), but has a similar chromium content (17.8%). This makes it somewhat easier to sharpen and slightly tougher, but with somewhat lower edge retention.

Elmax — is an excellent option for those who want the advantages of Bohler powder steel but without the extreme sharpening demands that M390 requires. The difference in edge retention between them is approximately 15-20% in favor of M390, but Elmax is noticeably easier in everyday maintenance.

Brief Notes on Other Steels

CPM S90V — for those who need absolutely maximum edge retention and are willing to put up with sharpening difficulty. S90V surpasses M390 in wear resistance but falls behind in corrosion resistance and is significantly harder to sharpen.

RWL34 — a Swedish powder stainless steel from Damasteel. Often used as a component in Damascus steel. In terms of characteristics, it is closer to S35VN than to M390: easier to sharpen but with lower edge retention.

How to Care for an M390 Steel Knife

Despite its outstanding characteristics, an M390 steel knife requires proper care. Here are the main recommendations.

Sharpening

Sharpening M390 — is perhaps its only serious "downside." The hard vanadium carbides that provide excellent edge retention also complicate the sharpening process. Here is what you need to know:

1. Use diamond or CBN abrasives. Regular water stones (aluminum oxide) will work but significantly slower. Diamond plates remove M390 metal much more effectively. A good option — DMT diamond plates or Atoma stones for flattening, and for finishing — ceramic stones or fine water stones with 3000-6000 grit.
2. Optimal sharpening angle — 15-20 degrees per side. For EDC knives, 20 degrees is suitable; for kitchen knives — 15-17 degrees. M390 allows maintaining even a very acute angle thanks to its hardness and fine-grained structure.
3. Don't postpone sharpening until the blade is completely dull. It is much easier to maintain sharpness with regular honing on a ceramic rod or fine stone than to resharpen a knife from scratch. Honing takes 1-2 minutes, while a full resharpening of M390 can take 30-40 minutes even for an experienced sharpener.
4. Avoid cheap pull-through sharpeners. They remove too much metal, form an uneven edge, and can damage the hardened blade. M390 deserves quality sharpening.
5. Consider professional sharpening. If you lack experience or equipment, entrust your knife to a professional. Improper sharpening of M390 can ruin the cutting edge, and correction will cost more effort than the initial sharpening.

Storage

Store your knife in a dry place. Although M390 has high corrosion resistance, prolonged storage in a humid environment (wet leather sheath, closed plastic container with residual moisture) can lead to staining. For kitchen knives, the ideal option — is a magnetic holder or a dedicated knife block. For folding knives — dry storage in the open position or with a thin coat of mineral oil applied to the blade.

Daily Care

After each use, rinse the blade with warm water and a small amount of soap, then wipe dry. Do not leave the knife dirty or wet. Avoid contact with excessively aggressive chemicals and do not wash the knife in a dishwasher — high temperatures and aggressive detergents can damage both the steel and the handle.

Who Are M390 Steel Knives For?

M390 — is not a "knife for everyone." It is a premium steel for those who understand what they want and are ready to invest both in the knife itself and in its maintenance. Here are the main categories of users for whom M390 will be the ideal choice:

EDC (Every Day Carry) enthusiasts. If you carry a knife every day and want it to remain sharp for weeks of active use — M390 was made for exactly this. Opening packages, cutting ropes, small household tasks — the M390 edge will handle all of this without noticeable loss of sharpness.

Knife collectors. M390 — is a grade that adds value to any knife. Knives made from this steel by well-known manufacturers hold their value well on the secondary market and are desirable specimens for any collection.

Chefs and culinary enthusiasts. For kitchen use, M390 offers a rare combination: long-lasting sharpness (less time sharpening, more time cooking) and resistance to corrosion from contact with food. A chef's knife made from M390, sharpened to 15 degrees, cuts products with surgical precision.

Hunters and fishermen. Working in humid conditions, contact with blood and salt water — M390 will handle this better than most other steels thanks to 20% chromium. And long-lasting edge retention means the knife won't let you down in field conditions where there is no opportunity to resharpen it.

Professionals who work with a knife every day. Electricians, installers, rescue workers — everyone for whom a knife is a working tool will appreciate the reliability and durability of the M390 cutting edge.

Questions and Answers About M390 Steel

Is M390 suitable for kitchen knives?

Yes, M390 is excellent for kitchen knives. High corrosion resistance makes it convenient in the kitchen, where the knife constantly contacts moisture and acids. Long-lasting edge retention means the knife will stay sharp significantly longer than counterparts made from simpler steels. The only nuance — sharpening will require diamond or quality ceramic abrasives. Kitchen knives made from M390 are best suited for those who are willing to invest in quality maintenance or have access to professional sharpening.

How to sharpen an M390 steel knife?

The most effective method — diamond stones or plates for primary sharpening and ceramic or fine water stones (3000-6000 grit) for finishing. The optimal angle — 15-20 degrees per side depending on the knife's purpose. The main advice: don't wait until the knife is completely dull. Regular honing on a ceramic rod or fine stone maintains the edge in working condition and requires only 1-2 minutes. A full resharpening from scratch — is a longer and more complex process.

M390 or S35VN — which is better?

There is no definitive answer — it all depends on your priorities. M390 is better in edge retention (by 30-40%) and corrosion resistance. S35VN is better in toughness, significantly easier to sharpen, and costs less. If you are willing to invest time and effort in sharpening and want maximum edge longevity — choose M390. If convenient maintenance and a lower price are more important — S35VN will be a more practical choice.

Does M390 rust?

M390 — is a stainless steel with 20% chromium, so under normal conditions it does not rust. But "stainless" does not mean "invulnerable." With prolonged contact with salt, acids, or storage in a humid closed environment, stains or pitting corrosion may appear. With basic care (rinse, wipe dry after use), M390 will remain in impeccable condition for years.

What is the optimal hardness for M390 (HRC)?

M390 hardness of 61 HRC — is approximately the sweet spot. Most experts and manufacturers agree on the 60-62 HRC range. At this hardness, M390 demonstrates excellent edge retention with acceptable toughness. Hardening to 63-64 HRC provides even better edge retention but increases the risk of micro-chipping during aggressive use. Below 60 HRC, the steel loses its main advantage — exceptional wear resistance.

Why are M390 knives so expensive?

The price is composed of several factors. First, M390 steel itself costs significantly more than ordinary knife steels — production using the Microclean powder method is technologically complex and energy-intensive. Second, machining M390 requires specialized equipment: hard vanadium carbides quickly wear out standard tooling. Third, heat treatment of M390 requires precise equipment and high qualifications. All of this increases manufacturing costs compared to knives made from simpler steels.

Are CPM 20CV and M390 the same thing?

Not exactly. CPM 20CV from Crucible and M390 from Bohler have virtually identical chemical compositions but are produced by different companies using different powder metallurgy processes. In practice, the difference between them is minimal, and distinguishing them in a blind test is nearly impossible. Both steels provide a similar level of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. The choice between them is more often determined by the availability of a specific steel from the knife manufacturer rather than objective advantages of one over the other.

Bohler M390 steel is rightfully considered one of the best in the world for knife manufacturing. It offers a rare combination of outstanding edge retention, high corrosion resistance, and balanced working characteristics. If you are looking for a knife that will perform at the highest level for years — M390 will be an excellent choice.

The NOJARO store offers a catalog of Bohler M390 steel knives from trusted manufacturers. We will help you choose a model for your needs, provide free delivery across Ukraine, and offer a quality guarantee. And if your knife needs sharpening — NOJARO customers receive a 30% discount on professional sharpening.