| Metric | M390 | S45VN |
|---|---|---|
| Toughness | 3.5 | 4 |
| Edge Retention | 6.5 | 5.5 |
| Corrosion Resistance | 9 | 8 |
| Avg/Target HRC | 60.6 | 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 (4/10 vs 3.5/10 for M390).
- Edge retention: M390 leads (6.5/10 vs 5.5/10 for S45VN).
- Corrosion resistance: M390 leads (9/10 vs 8/10 for S45VN).
Also searched as: M390 (204P, 20CV, Bohler M390, Bohler M390MK, CPM-20CV, CTS-204P)
Also searched as: S45VN (CPM-S45VN, CPM-S45Vn)
FAQ
Is M390 better than S45VN overall?
Toughness: S45VN leads (4/10 vs 3.5/10 for M390). Edge retention: M390 leads (6.5/10 vs 5.5/10 for S45VN). Corrosion resistance: M390 leads (9/10 vs 8/10 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.