| Metric | M390 | K390 |
|---|---|---|
| Toughness | 3.5 | 5.5 |
| Edge Retention | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| Corrosion Resistance | 9 | 4 |
| Avg/Target HRC | 60.6 | 64.1 |
| Manufacturer | Bohler-Uddeholm | Bohler-Uddeholm |
| Category | Stainless | High Alloy Tool Steel |
M390 vs K390
M390 vs K390 knife steel comparison using sourced ratings and hardness data from Knife Steel Nerds and SteelHardnessLab.
Quick Take
- Toughness: K390 leads (5.5/10 vs 3.5/10 for M390).
- Edge retention: K390 leads (7.5/10 vs 6.5/10 for M390).
- Corrosion resistance: M390 leads (9/10 vs 4/10 for K390).
Also searched as: M390 (204P, 20CV, Bohler M390, Bohler M390MK, CPM-20CV, CTS-204P)
Also searched as: K390 (Bohler K294, Bohler K390)
FAQ
Is M390 better than K390 overall?
Toughness: K390 leads (5.5/10 vs 3.5/10 for M390). Edge retention: K390 leads (7.5/10 vs 6.5/10 for M390). Corrosion resistance: M390 leads (9/10 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.