| Metric | M390 | D2 |
|---|---|---|
| Toughness | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Edge Retention | 6 | 5 |
| Corrosion Resistance | 8 | 4.5 |
| Avg/Target HRC | 60.7 | 59.8 |
| Manufacturer | Bohler-Uddeholm | Various |
| Category | Stainless | High Alloy Tool Steel |
M390 vs D2
M390 vs D2 knife steel comparison using sourced ratings and hardness data from Knife Steel Nerds and SteelHardnessLab.
Quick Take
- Toughness: tie (3.5/10 each).
- Edge retention: M390 leads (6/10 vs 5/10 for D2).
- Corrosion resistance: M390 leads (8/10 vs 4.5/10 for D2).
Also searched as: M390 (Bohler M390, M390 PM Stainless)
FAQ
Is M390 better than D2 overall?
Toughness: tie (3.5/10 each). Edge retention: M390 leads (6/10 vs 5/10 for D2). Corrosion resistance: M390 leads (8/10 vs 4.5/10 for D2).
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.