There are a lot of different factors that go into choosing the right knife steel for you and your needs. Two of the most popular options on the market right now are M390 and S35VN. Both steels have their pros and cons, so it really comes down to what you value most in a knife.
Here’s a breakdown of each steel to help you make a decision.
If you’re a knife enthusiast, then you know that there are many different types of steel to choose from. Two of the most popular options on the market today are M390 and S35VN. So, which one is better?
In general, M390 is considered to be superior to S35VN. It has better edge retention and wear resistance, meaning that your knife will stay sharper for longer. Additionally, M390 is easier to sharpen than S35VN.
However, it should be noted that S35VN is less expensive than M390, so if cost is a factor in your decision-making process, then S35VN may be the better option for you.
Ultimately, the best steel for your needs depends on what you plan to use your knife for. If you need a blade that can stand up to heavy use and won’t dull quickly, then M390 is a good choice.
However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, then S35VN may be the way to go.
Comparing My Old "Companion" To The New One (S35VN Vs 20CV Vs M390???)
What Steel is Better Than M390?
M390 is a popular choice for knife making because of its excellent wear resistance and high hardness, but it’s not the only option out there. Other steels like CPM S90V and Elmax offer even better performance in these areas, making them worth considering if you’re looking for the best possible blade. Here’s a quick rundown of how these three steels compare:
CPM S90V offers superior wear resistance to M390, thanks to its vanadium carbides. It also has slightly higher hardness (62-64 HRC), which gives it an edge in terms of edge retention. However, it’s more difficult to sharpen than M390 and isn’t as tough, so it can be more prone to chipping under heavy use.
Elmax has similar properties to M390, but with slightly higher carbon content (1.7% vs 1.9%). This gives it better edge retention and toughness at the expense of increased brittleness. Elmax is also easier to sharpen than S90V, making it a good middle ground between the two.
So, which steel is best? It really depends on what you’re looking for in a blade. If you need the absolute best wear resistance and don’t mind sacrificing some ease of sharpening, then go with S90V.
If you want great all-around performance with no major drawbacks, then either M390 or Elmax will serve you well.
What Steel is Better Than S35Vn?
There isn’t a definitive answer to this question as it depends on what you’re looking for in a steel. S35VN is a tough, wear-resistant steel that is well-suited for use in knives and other cutting tools. However, it isn’t the best choice for every application.
If you need a steel with higher corrosion resistance, for example, another option might be better.
Is M390 the Best Blade Steel?
M390 is a high-performance stainless steel that offers excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance. It is often used in knives and other cutting tools because of its ability to maintain a sharp edge for a long time. Many knife makers consider M390 to be the best blade steel because it provides an excellent balance of these properties.
Does M390 Chip Easy?
M390 is a high-speed, general purpose steel that offers good wear resistance and toughness. It is often used in knives and other cutting tools because of these properties. While M390 is considered easy to sharpen, it is not the easiest steel to work with.
It can be difficult to get a consistent edge on M390 due to its hardness. However, once you have mastered sharpening it, M390 will provide you with a long-lasting, razor-sharp edge.
Is M390 Worth It
M390 is a high-end stainless steel that offers excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance. It is often used in knives and other cutting tools. Many knife makers consider M390 to be the best all-around stainless steel for knives.
It is also one of the most expensive stainless steels on the market.
M390 Vs 20Cv
M390 and 20CV are two very popular stainless steel grades, often compared and specified against each other. Here is a detailed comparison of the two grades that should help you decide which one is best suited for your particular application.
Both M390 and 20CV boast excellent wear resistance properties, making them ideal for use in cutting tools, surgical instruments and high-wear applications.
M390 exhibits slightly better wear resistance than 20CV, thanks to its higher vanadium content. However, both steels will provide superior wear resistance when compared to other popular stainless steel grades such as 440C or 154CM.
In terms of corrosion resistance, M390 again comes out on top thanks to its higher chromium content.
However, both steels will offer good corrosion resistance in most environments unless they are exposed to strong acids or chlorides (such as seawater).
When it comes to hardness, M390 is the clear winner with a Rockwell hardness of 60-62 HRC. 20CV can reach similar hardness levels but only through a more difficult heat treatment process.
This makes M390 the easier steel to work with if you require a hard wearing knife or tool.
So, which grade should you choose? If you need the absolute best wear resistance possible then M390 is probably the way to go.
However, if you don’t mind sacrificing some wear resistance for an easier heat treatment process then 20CV may be a better option.
K390 Vs S35Vn
When it comes to choosing a steel for your knife, there are many options on the market. But two of the most popular choices are K390 and S35VN. So, what’s the difference between these two steels?
K390 is a high-carbon, high-chromium stainless steel that offers excellent wear resistance and toughness. It is often used in knives that will see heavy use, such as hunting or tactical knives.
S35VN is also a high-carbon stainless steel, but with the addition of vanadium and niobium for improved hardness and wear resistance.
It is a great choice for knives that will see regular use, such as everyday carry knives.
So, which one is right for you? It really depends on how you plan to use your knife.
If you need a tough knife that can stand up to heavy use, then K390 is a great option. But if you need a knife that is slightly more resistant to wear and tear, then S35VN might be the better choice.
Conclusion
It’s a tough question to answer, as both M390 and S35Vn are great steels. They’re both high-end materials that offer excellent wear resistance and edge retention. So, which one is better?
M390 is often lauded for its superior edge retention, but S35Vn has better toughness. This means that S35Vn is less likely to chip or break under heavy use. For this reason, many people believe that S35Vn is the better choice for hard-use knives.
However, M390 does have some advantages over S35Vn. It’s easier to sharpen, meaning you won’t have to work as hard to keep your knife sharp. Additionally, M390 holds an edge for longer than S35Vn before it needs to be touched up.
In the end, it’s really up to personal preference. Both M390 and S35Vn are great steels that will serve you well. If you can’t decide between the two, go with the one that feels best in your hand – you can’t go wrong either way!