M390 Super Steel

M390 is a high-performance stainless steel that is known for its excellent balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. It is made by the Austrian steel manufacturer Bohler-Uddeholm, and it’s a third-generation powder metallurgy (PM) steel. This steel is made using a unique process that involves the use of fine particles of the alloy that are then consolidated under high pressure and heat to create a homogenous microstructure. This process improves the steel’s properties and performance. M390 steel is considered to be premium steel due to its excellent performance and high price.

Properties: M390 steel has a high carbon content and is high in chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium, which gives it excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. It is a hard steel, with a Rockwell hardness of about 60-62 HRC.

Advantages:

  • Excellent edge retention: M390 steel is known for its excellent edge retention, which means that it can hold a sharp edge for a longer period of time than other types of steel.
  • Corrosion resistance: M390 steel has high levels of chromium, which provides excellent corrosion resistance.
  • Toughness: M390 steel is known for its excellent toughness, which means that it can withstand heavy use and resist chipping and breaking.

Disadvantages:

  • Expensive: M390 steel is a premium steel that is more expensive than other types of steel.
  • Difficult to sharpen: M390 steel is a hard steel that can be difficult to sharpen and maintain a sharp edge, which can make it less suitable for those who do not have access to professional sharpening services.

Best use cases:

  • High-end knives: M390 steel’s excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness make it a great choice for high-end knives that will be used for heavy cutting tasks and exposed to high levels of wear and tear.
  • Tactical knives: M390 steel’s excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness make it a great choice for tactical knives that will be used for heavy cutting tasks and exposed to rough conditions.
  • Collectible knives: M390 steel’s excellent performance and unique properties make it a great choice for collectible knives that will be used for display or occasional use.

Average retail cost range: The average retail cost range for knives made with M390 steel can vary widely depending on factors such as the design, the quality of the craftsmanship, and the brand. However, generally, knives made with M390 steel can be found for an average retail cost range between $200 to $800, due to its premium price and difficulty to machine and sharpen.

In conclusion, M390 steel is a high-performance steel that is known for its excellent balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. It is a premium steel that is more expensive than other types of steel, but its excellent properties make it worth the investment for those who want a knife that can withstand heavy use and maintain a sharp edge for a long time. Due to its price and difficulty to sharpen it’s not recommended for the general public but for the enthusiasts and professionals who appreciate its unique properties.