kitchen knife santoku M390 premium steel. 7.6 inches. G10 handle.  Amazing edge retention. Scratch resistant coating. Beautiful kitchen knife premium materials.A Brief Overview of M390 Steel

Where traditional steels rely on ingot casting methods to shape, the manufacturers at Bohler-Uddenholm developed a technique that ensures an excellent spreading of carbides. They call this the powder metallurgical process, and it goes some way to explaining exactly why M390 steel is so different. M390 was first developed as a more hardened, stronger, more wear-resistant metal that could be used in the development of tools that undergo high-stress. What we have found is that it makes a sturdy, hardened knife that is not quick to lose its edge.

Bohler themselves maintain that there are many benefits to using this type of steel. Some of these are as follows:

M390 steel is durable, more so than many other types of metal.

It performs very well when ground.

It is extremely tough and hardy, meaning it will last a long time.

M390 steel is very resistant to corrosive materials and rusting.

It can be polished to a mirror shine – not that important, but a high-quality blade should have an excellent finish, and it does make the end product more visibly appealing.

You can learn more about how traditional steel is made by visiting our Blade Steel Information page.

The Chemical Composition of M390

Sometimes known as the new 'super steel,' M390 performs well in most categories. This powdered steel is incredibly tough, hard wearing and corrosion resistant, as well as being great at keeping an edge. Many users report that after a months of hard outdoor use a knife cast in M390 steel barely needs a stropping. Although this gives us a little insight into how tough the material is, it doesn't tell us how it is made.

The unique method of manufacturing this steel allows the producer to use several different metals melted together so that they can get the benefits of each type. We sourced the chemical composition of M390 steel and found it to be as follows:

Carbon to 1.9%: Found in all steel types in differing quantities. Reduces toughness but increases hardness and wear.

Silicon to 0.7%: Adds to the hardness of steel and prevents air bubbles forming while it smelts.

Manganese to 0.3%: just enough to help tensile strength but not enough to lead to brittleness.

Chromium to 20%: Again, Chromium is found in all types of steel and is used to increase hardness, tensile strength, and corrosion resistance at the cost of toughness.

Molybdenum to 1%: A little of this helps keep that edge sharper than sharp, as well as making the steel stronger under high temperatures, allowing ease of molding; one of the industrial applications of M390.

Tungsten to 0.6%: Usually found wherever high amounts of Chromium are used. Tungsten increases the wear resistance of the knife, making up for the lack in the toughness of the Chromium.

Vanadium to 4%: Is used to produce fine-grained steel during heat treatment. Since powdered steel relies on the proper distribution of fine grains, Vanadium is a must. It makes for extra wear resistance and edge, too.

As you can see, the composition of M390 steel goes some way to explaining why it is so often chosen in the production of knives. Due to its hard-wearing nature, M390 steel knives are often favored by hunters and extreme outdoor use.

How is M390 Made?features trumpeted by the manufacturer; grindibility is. For steel of this particular hardness, M390 ought to be harder to grind than it is, but the composition and careful consideration of materials used has managed to combat this problem and produce a knife that does sharpen reasonably well.

Some consumers have reported that the M390 does hold a sharp edge for a while; . What we do know is that it is easier to grind than other knives of similar steels – so if it does blunt, it will take less time to sharpen again. A good knife and an inferior knife will all need to be sharpened; the key is in how for how long it keeps the edge. The M390 steel knife will save you lots of elbow grease by comparison to other steel types. 

M390 Steel Type

As we previously covered, M390 is technically tool steel. This class means that it has been crafted with a focus towards hard use and wear and tear. It also scores highly in corrosion resistance, saying that it ought to be a knife that will last you for a long, long time.

Key Features of M390 At A Glance

At a glance, the key features of this steel type with regards to knife production are as follows:

• Hard wearing, built to last knife that will last you many years if properly maintained.

• Easy to grind, meaning you spend less time and energy sharpening it.

• Extremely corrosion resistant in fresh water, rain or other elements. We would not recommend it for ocean use.

• Will polish up to a mirror shine; if you want a knife for display purposes, M390 won't let you down.

• Resistant to vibrations and mechanical shocks.

Cons of an M390 Knife:

• It may spot or rust if used consistently in salt water without proper care or treatment.

• Water resistance has been described as 'good enough.'