M390 vs S90V
M390 is tougher, resists corrosion better and is easier to sharpen; S90V holds an edge longer. Choose M390 for corrosion resistance, S90V for edge retention.
Who wins each property
Side by side
| M390 | S90V | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Powder metallurgy stainless steels | Powder metallurgy stainless steels |
| Hardness | 60–62 HRC | 59–62 HRC |
| Edge retention | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Toughness | 4/10 | 3/10 |
| Corrosion resistance | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Ease of sharpening | 3/10 | 2/10 |
| Price tier | Premium | Premium |
| Maker | voestalpine Bohler Edelstahl | Crucible |
Composition
| Element | M390 | S90V |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.9 | 2.3 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 20 | 14 |
| Vanadium (V) | 4 | 9 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1 | 1 |
| Tungsten (W) | 0.6 | — |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.7 | 0.5 |
| Phosphorus (P) | — | 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | — | 0.03 |
Property by property
Edge retention
S90V holds an edge longer: 9/10 against 8/10 for M390, a 1-point gap. Vanadium: 4% vs 9%; more vanadium carbide generally means more wear resistance.
Toughness
M390 is tougher: 4/10 against 3/10 for S90V, a 1-point gap.
Corrosion resistance
M390 resists corrosion better: 9/10 against 7/10 for S90V, a 2-point gap. Chromium: 20% vs 14%, though what matters is the chromium left in solution, not the total.
Ease of sharpening
M390 is easier to sharpen: 3/10 against 2/10 for S90V, a 1-point gap.
Knives in each steel
M390
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benchmade Narrows | Benchmade | 3.43" | 2.41 oz | AXIS lock | $525 | Blade HQ |
| Microtech Ultratech Gen IV S/E | Microtech | 3.55" | — | OTF automatic | $367 | Blade HQ |
| WE Knife Suisei | WE Knife | 3.28" | 3.55 oz | Liner lock | $350 | Blade HQ |
S90V
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benchmade 940-1 Osborne | Benchmade | 3.4" | 2.9 oz | AXIS lock | $350 | Blade HQ |
| Benchmade Lowden | Benchmade | 2.79" | 2.55 oz | AXIS lock | $300 | Blade HQ |
| Benchmade Bugout Taiga Green | Benchmade | 3.24" | 2.52 oz | AXIS lock | $400 | Blade HQ |
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FAQ
Which is better, M390 or S90V?
M390 is tougher, resists corrosion better and is easier to sharpen; S90V holds an edge longer. Choose M390 for corrosion resistance, S90V for edge retention.
Which is harder, M390 or S90V?
M390 is typically run at 60–62 HRC and S90V at 59–62 HRC.
Is M390 or S90V more rust resistant?
M390 (9/10). Both are powder metallurgy stainless steels.