| Metric | K390 | 4V |
|---|---|---|
| Toughness | 5.5 | 7 |
| Edge Retention | 7.5 | 5 |
| Corrosion Resistance | 4 | 4 |
| Avg/Target HRC | 64.0 | 63.9 |
| Manufacturer | Bohler-Uddeholm | Crucible Industries |
| Category | High Alloy Tool Steel | High Alloy Tool Steel |
K390 vs 4V
K390 vs 4V knife steel comparison using sourced ratings and hardness data from Knife Steel Nerds and SteelHardnessLab.
Quick Take
- Toughness: 4V leads (7/10 vs 5.5/10 for K390).
- Edge retention: K390 leads (7.5/10 vs 5/10 for 4V).
- Corrosion resistance: tie (4/10 each).
Also searched as: K390 (Bohler K390, K390 PM)
Also searched as: 4V (CPM 4V, CPM-4V)
FAQ
Is K390 better than 4V overall?
Toughness: 4V leads (7/10 vs 5.5/10 for K390). Edge retention: K390 leads (7.5/10 vs 5/10 for 4V). Corrosion resistance: tie (4/10 each).
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.