M390 Stainless Steel
M390 is a premium powder metallurgy stainless steel developed by Böhler-Uddeholm and widely regarded as one of the top “super steels” in the knife industry. It is designed to deliver exceptional edge retention, high corrosion resistance, and strong overall performance.
Thanks to its advanced composition and manufacturing process, M390 contains a high volume of very hard carbides, which significantly improve wear resistance. This allows the blade to stay sharp for a long time, even under heavy use.
Technical Profile
Hardness: 60–62 HRC (★★★★★)
Edge retention: ★★★★★
Corrosion resistance: ★★★★★
Toughness: ★★★★☆
Sharpening: ★★☆☆☆
What Makes M390 Special
M390 stands out because it combines extreme edge retention with excellent corrosion resistance — something that is difficult to achieve in most steels. Many high-wear steels sacrifice corrosion resistance, but M390 manages to excel in both areas.
The powder metallurgy process ensures a fine and uniform microstructure, which improves edge stability and overall consistency. In real-world use, this means the blade stays sharp longer and performs predictably across different tasks.
Best Uses for M390
– Premium everyday carry (EDC)
– High-end folding knives
– Professional and heavy-use applications
– Users who want maximum edge retention
It is commonly found in higher-end knives where performance is a priority.
Advantages
– Outstanding edge retention
– Excellent corrosion resistance
– Premium, high-performance steel
– Long-lasting cutting performance
Disadvantages
– More difficult to sharpen
– Higher cost
– Not as tough as some dedicated hard-use steels like CPM 3V
Maintenance Tips
M390 is highly stainless and low maintenance. Regular cleaning is usually enough. Due to its high wear resistance, sharpening requires quality stones or diamond systems.
Well-Known Knives From Your Brand Portfolio Using M390
• Bestech Seraph Framelock Ti
• Vosteed Vombat Crossbar Lock
• Microtech Amphibian S/E Ram-Lok
• Reate Bushido Linerlock
• Kubey Steeltle Framelock
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