| Metric | M390 | S45VN |
|---|---|---|
| Toughness | 3.5 | 7 |
| Edge Retention | 6 | 5 |
| Corrosion Resistance | 8 | 7.5 |
| Avg/Target HRC | 60.7 | 61.8 |
| Manufacturer | Bohler-Uddeholm | Crucible Industries |
| Category | Stainless | Stainless |
M390 vs S45VN
M390 vs S45VN knife steel comparison using sourced ratings and hardness data from Knife Steel Nerds and SteelHardnessLab.
Popular premium stainless comparison for edge retention versus toughness/corrosion balance discussions.
Quick Take
- Toughness: S45VN leads (7/10 vs 3.5/10 for M390).
- Edge retention: M390 leads (6/10 vs 5/10 for S45VN).
- Corrosion resistance: M390 leads (8/10 vs 7.5/10 for S45VN).
Also searched as: M390 (Bohler M390, M390 PM Stainless)
Also searched as: S45VN (CPM S45VN, S-45VN)
FAQ
Is M390 better than S45VN overall?
Toughness: S45VN leads (7/10 vs 3.5/10 for M390). Edge retention: M390 leads (6/10 vs 5/10 for S45VN). Corrosion resistance: M390 leads (8/10 vs 7.5/10 for S45VN).
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.