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At A Glance
S35VN is a martensitic stainless steel known for its robust toughness, excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and relative ease of sharpening, making it suitable for general-purpose knives. M390, a “super steel”, stands out for its superior hardness, edge retention, and exceptional corrosion resistance. However, its high hardness leads to slightly more brittleness and difficulty in sharpening than S35VN. The choice between S35VN and M390 depends on the intended knife use and personal preferences.
Top Rated Knives
S35VN
M390
Blade steel is of crucial importance when choosing a knife. S35VN and M390 are two prevalent blade steels that are frequently compared. In this article, we will compare S35VN and M390 concerning their composition, hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening to discern which one is superior for knives.
For both the experienced enthusiast and the newcomer, the world of knife-making materials can be intricate and overwhelming.
To simplify this subject, this article will provide an in-depth comparison between two popular knife steel types: Crucible Industries’ S35VN and Bohler’s M390.
We will examine their composition, hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and sharpenability to determine which is more suitable for knives.
Steel Background
Before proceeding to the comparison, it’s important to understand what each steel type is and how they are made.
S35VN
Co-developed by Chris Reeve, a renowned knifemaker, S35VN is a martensitic stainless steel designed to offer improved toughness over CPM S30V. S35VN refers to Crucible Industries’ proprietary Crucible Particle Metallurgy process, which produces highly homogeneous, top-tier steel.
➤ Read More: S35VN Knife Steel Review
M390
Bohler M390 is a third-generation martensitic chromium steel that is often referred to as “super steel”. It was designed to offer exceptional wear resistance and corrosion resistance, making it a favorite among custom knife makers and larger production companies.
Steel Composition
The first comparison point is the chemical makeup of each steel.
S35VN
- Carbon: 1.4%
- Chromium: 14%
- Molybdenum: 2%
- Vanadium: 3%
- Niobium: .5%
- Manganese: .5%
- Silicon: .5%
- Phosphorus: .02%
- Sulfur: .02%
M390
- Carbon: 1.9%
- Chromium: 20%
- Molybdenum: 1%
- Vanadium: 4%
- Tungsten: 0.6%
- Silicon: 0.7%
- Manganese: 0.3%
From the above, we can observe that S35VN has lower Carbon but similar Chromium and Molybdenum content compared to M390. The higher Vanadium content in M390 contributes to its superior wear resistance and edge retention.
S35VN vs M390 – Complete Comparison
Hardness
Hardness is a vital factor of knife steel as it directly affects edge retention and wear resistance.
S35VN has a Rockwell hardness (HRC) of 58-61, which provides a good balance between edge retention and toughness. It is robust steel that can endure heavy use without chipping or breaking.
M390, on the other hand, has a Rockwell hardness (HRC) of 60-62, making it extremely hard and thus offering superior edge retention. However, its high hardness makes it slightly more brittle compared to S35VN.
Toughness
Toughness refers to a steel’s ability to resist chips and cracks during use.
S35VN is a tough steel, designed to withstand heavy use. It is an excellent choice for knives that are used in challenging conditions.
M390, while still robust, falls short when compared to S35VN in terms of toughness due to its high hardness.
Corrosion Resistance
The corrosion resistance of a steel determines its resistance to rust and oxidation.
S35VN, being a stainless steel with 14% Chromium, offers excellent corrosion resistance.
M390 excels in this category with 20% Chromium, making it exceptionally resistant to corrosion.
Ease of Sharpening
Edge retention is the steel’s ability to retain its edge during use. Harder steels maintain their edge better but are more challenging to sharpen.
S35VN is relatively easy to sharpen, given its balanced hardness and toughness. It’s a good choice for general-purpose knives.
M390, with its high hardness, can be difficult to sharpen. However, once sharpened, it retains its edge exceptionally well.
Edge Retention
Edge retention indicates how well a steel maintains its edge during use.
S35VN has excellent edge retention, holding a sharp edge for a substantial period.
M390 has superior edge retention due to its high hardness and Vanadium content, maintaining a sharp edge for an extended period under heavy use.
Price
As premium knife steels, both S35VN and M390 are relatively expensive. However, M390 is generally more costly due to its superior properties.
Conclusion
Both S35VN and M390 are top-quality blade steels, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses. S35VN is a tough, corrosion-resistant steel with excellent edge retention and relatively easy to sharpen. It is a suitable choice for general-purpose knives. M390 is an extremely hard steel, offering superior edge retention and corrosion resistance. However, its high hardness makes it somewhat more brittle and challenging to sharpen than S35VN.
Ultimately, the choice between S35VN and M390 will hinge on the intended use of the knife and personal preferences. Both steels are excellent choices for knives and are utilized by numerous knife makers and manufacturers. When purchasing a knife, it’s crucial to opt for a reputable brand and manufacturer to ensure the full potential of the steel is realized.
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When you visit a merchant by clicking a link on this site we may make a commission on anything you buy (at no additional cost to you). Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to Amazon Associates and the eBay Partner Network.”