| Metric | K390 | 3V |
|---|---|---|
| Toughness | 5.5 | 9 |
| Edge Retention | 7.5 | 4.5 |
| Corrosion Resistance | 4 | 5.5 |
| Avg/Target HRC | 64.0 | 60.7 |
| Manufacturer | Bohler-Uddeholm | Crucible Industries |
| Category | High Alloy Tool Steel | High Alloy Tool Steel |
K390 vs 3V
K390 vs 3V knife steel comparison using sourced ratings and hardness data from Knife Steel Nerds and SteelHardnessLab.
Quick Take
- Toughness: 3V leads (9/10 vs 5.5/10 for K390).
- Edge retention: K390 leads (7.5/10 vs 4.5/10 for 3V).
- Corrosion resistance: 3V leads (5.5/10 vs 4/10 for K390).
Also searched as: K390 (Bohler K390, K390 PM)
Also searched as: 3V (CPM 3V, CPM-3V)
FAQ
Is K390 better than 3V overall?
Toughness: 3V leads (9/10 vs 5.5/10 for K390). Edge retention: K390 leads (7.5/10 vs 4.5/10 for 3V). Corrosion resistance: 3V leads (5.5/10 vs 4/10 for K390).
Where do these values come from?
Ratings are attributed to Knife Steel Nerds; hardness measurements are attributed to SteelHardnessLab testing by u/679696 and u/Skylark427.