| Metric | M390 | Elmax |
|---|---|---|
| Toughness | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Edge Retention | 6 | 5.5 |
| Corrosion Resistance | 8 | 8 |
| Avg/Target HRC | 60.7 | 60.5 |
| Manufacturer | Bohler-Uddeholm | Bohler-Uddeholm |
| Category | Stainless | Stainless |
M390 vs Elmax
M390 vs Elmax knife steel comparison using sourced ratings and hardness data from Knife Steel Nerds and SteelHardnessLab.
Quick Take
- Toughness: Elmax leads (4.5/10 vs 3.5/10 for M390).
- Edge retention: M390 leads (6/10 vs 5.5/10 for Elmax).
- Corrosion resistance: tie (8/10 each).
Also searched as: M390 (Bohler M390, M390 PM Stainless)
Also searched as: Elmax (Bohler Elmax, Elmax PM)
FAQ
Is M390 better than Elmax overall?
Toughness: Elmax leads (4.5/10 vs 3.5/10 for M390). Edge retention: M390 leads (6/10 vs 5.5/10 for Elmax). Corrosion resistance: tie (8/10 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.