When you're diving into the world of pocket knives, one of the most talked-about aspects is the blade steel. And if you've been around the block a few times, or are just starting your journey into premium knives, you've undoubtedly heard whispers, or perhaps even roars, about M390 steel. But what exactly makes M390 so special, and is it truly the king of blade steels for your everyday carry?
Let's cut right to it.
What is M390 Steel?
M390 is a "super steel" manufactured by Böhler-Uddeholm, an Austrian company renowned for its high-quality tool steels. It's a third-generation powder metallurgy steel, which means it's produced through a process that involves atomizing molten steel into a fine powder, then compacting and sintering it. This results in an incredibly homogeneous structure with very fine carbides, a key factor in its exceptional performance.
The Magic Formula: A Look at M390's Composition
M390's impressive properties come down to its carefully balanced alloy composition. While exact percentages can vary slightly, here's a general breakdown of its key elements and what they bring to the table:
- Carbon (C): High carbon content (around 1.9%) contributes significantly to hardness and wear resistance.
- Chromium (Cr): A substantial amount of chromium (around 20%) provides excellent corrosion resistance and also forms hard carbides for wear resistance. This high chromium content also classifies M390 as a stainless steel.
- Molybdenum (Mo): Enhances strength, hardness, and creep resistance.
- Vanadium (V): Forms extremely hard vanadium carbides, dramatically improving wear resistance and edge retention.
- Tungsten (W): Contributes to wear resistance and hot hardness.
Why M390 is a Superstar for Pocket Knives
Now that we understand its makeup, let's explore why M390 is so highly sought after for pocket knife blades:
- Exceptional Edge Retention: Thanks to its high vanadium and chromium carbide content, M390 holds an edge for an incredibly long time. This means less frequent sharpening and more time actually using your knife. For those who rely on their knife for demanding tasks, this is a huge advantage.
- Superior Wear Resistance: M390 stands up remarkably well to abrasion and wear, making it ideal for tasks that would quickly dull lesser steels. This also contributes to its long-term durability.
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance: With its high chromium content, M390 is highly resistant to rust and staining. This makes it a great choice for knives that might be exposed to moisture, humidity, or corrosive environments – perfect for everyday carry where conditions can be unpredictable.
- Good Toughness (for its hardness): While M390 is very hard, the powder metallurgy process helps to maintain a respectable level of toughness, reducing the likelihood of chipping under lateral stress. It's not the toughest steel out there, but for its hardness and wear resistance, its toughness is quite good.
Is M390 the Right Choice for You?
While M390 offers a compelling suite of advantages, it's important to consider both sides:
Pros:
- Unparalleled edge retention
- Excellent wear resistance
- High corrosion resistance
- Premium feel and performance
Cons:
- Difficult to Sharpen: This is the main drawback. M390's extreme hardness and wear resistance mean it takes more effort and the right sharpening equipment (diamond stones are highly recommended) to bring it back to a razor edge.
- Higher Cost: Knives featuring M390 steel typically come with a higher price tag due to the material cost and the specialized manufacturing processes involved.
The Verdict
M390 steel is undeniably a top-tier performer in the world of pocket knife steels. Its incredible edge retention, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance make it an ideal choice for enthusiasts and users who demand the absolute best from their blades and are willing to invest in the upfront cost and the necessary sharpening tools.
If you're looking for a knife that will hold its edge for ages, resist the elements, and provide a truly premium cutting experience, an M390 blade is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared to put in a little extra effort when it comes time to sharpen. For many, the performance benefits far outweigh these considerations, solidifying M390's reputation as a true "super steel" for your pocket knife.