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    • Bohler M390

    M390 Knives: Bohler's High-Carbide Stainless Steel Built for Maximum Edge Retention

    M390 is a third-generation powder metallurgy stainless steel produced by Bohler in Austria, engineered to deliver exceptional edge retention through a high-vanadium, high-chromium carbide structure. With roughly 4% vanadium content and a chromium level above 20%, M390 holds a refined, acute edge longer than nearly any other production knife steel — a property that made it the gold standard for serious EDC folders for over a decade.

    At Knifeworks, you are buying from an authorized dealer: every M390 knife on this page ships with full manufacturer warranty coverage — Benchmade LifeSharp (free lifetime sharpening and mechanical repair), Spyderco's manufacturer warranty, and WE Knife's limited warranty. No gray-market sourcing, no voided warranties.

    M390 is the steel found in Benchmade Gold Class folders, Spyderco sprint runs and premium production models, and WE Knife's flagship titanium collaborations. It is sister steel to 20CV (Crucible) and 204P (Carpenter) — nearly identical compositions produced by different mills, all sharing the same excellent edge retention profile and all demanding quality abrasives at the sharpening bench.

    Why M390 holds an edge longer than most stainless steelsM390's edge retention advantage comes from its dense network of vanadium carbides and chromium carbides, which are significantly harder than the steel matrix around them. As the edge wears, these carbides remain in place longer, slowing abrasion. The tradeoff is toughness — the same carbide density that resists wear also creates potential initiation points for micro-chipping under hard lateral impact.

    Call 888-225-9775 — we carry M390 knives daily and can help you choose the right model.

    Steel type
    PM Stainless
    Produced by
    Bohler (Austria)
    Typical hardness
    60–62 HRC
    Edge Retention
    Excellent
    Corrosion resist.
    Very Good
    Sister steels
    20CV / 204P
    Compare Selected

    M390 Steel: Frequently Asked Questions

    What is M390 steel and who makes it?＋

    M390 is a third-generation powder metallurgy stainless steel produced by Bohler in Kapfenberg, Austria. It is part of Bohler's "Microclean" family of steels, engineered specifically for knife blades where maximum edge retention and corrosion resistance are priorities. The composition includes approximately 1.9% carbon, 20% chromium, 4% vanadium, 1% molybdenum, and 0.6% tungsten — a combination that produces a dense, fine carbide structure responsible for its wear resistance.

    M390 is essentially the same steel as 20CV (made by Crucible Industries) and 204P (made by Carpenter Technology). All three share near-identical chemistry and performance characteristics — the differences come down to mill tolerances and heat treat response, which can vary slightly between makers. Most knife buyers treat them as interchangeable when comparing models.

    How does M390 compare to CPM MagnaCut?＋

    CPM MagnaCut matches or exceeds M390 on edge retention at the same hardness, and dramatically outperforms it on toughness. M390 at 62 HRC is noticeably more brittle than CPM MagnaCut at 64 HRC — a real-world difference for anyone using a knife at acute edge angles or subjecting it to hard lateral stress. CPM MagnaCut also has superior corrosion resistance: M390's chromium is partially tied up in carbides, reducing the free chromium available for rust protection. CPM MagnaCut has no chromium carbides, so all chromium works in the matrix.

    For most buyers today, CPM MagnaCut is the superior all-around choice. M390 remains excellent for collectors and buyers who prioritize edge retention above all else and sharpen on quality diamond abrasives.

    How does M390 compare to CPM-S35VN and CPM-S30V?＋

    M390 significantly outperforms both CPM-S35VN and CPM-S30V on edge retention — laboratory CATRA testing places M390 well above both in total edge life. The tradeoff is toughness and sharpenability: CPM-S35VN and CPM-S30V are notably tougher and easier to restore at the bench, which is why they remain popular for hard-use and outdoor knives where impact resistance matters more than maximum edge life.

    SteelEdge RetentionToughnessSharpenability
    M390ExcellentModerateDifficult
    CPM-S35VNModerateHighEasy
    CPM-S30VModerateMod–HighModerate
    Is M390 hard to sharpen?＋

    Yes — M390 is one of the more challenging stainless steels to sharpen at home. Its high vanadium and chromium carbide content resists abrasion from standard aluminum oxide whetstones and most ceramic rods. Diamond abrasives or CBN (cubic boron nitride) stones are the recommended choice at 60–62 HRC. With the right abrasives, M390 sharpens predictably and takes a very refined edge — but it takes more time and effort than CPM-S35VN or 154CM.

    For field touch-ups, a fine diamond card works reasonably well. For full re-profiling or thinning behind the edge, plan for a quality diamond bench stone and patience. If you want a steel that holds an exceptional edge and you have the tools to maintain it, M390 delivers. If you sharpen infrequently with basic tools, CPM-S35VN or CPM-S30V will serve you better.

    What is the difference between M390, 20CV, and 204P?＋

    M390 (Bohler, Austria), 20CV (Crucible Industries, USA), and 204P (Carpenter Technology, USA) are three trade names for near-identical steel compositions. All three have approximately the same carbon, chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum content and deliver the same edge retention and corrosion resistance profile. The differences are mill-specific: slight variations in powder particle size, inclusion control, and heat treat response mean one mill's version may perform marginally better or worse in a specific maker's hands, but for the end user the performance is functionally equivalent.

    Benchmade and WE Knife tend to use M390. Spyderco uses 20CV in many of their sprint runs and Gold Class models. For buyers, the brand and the heat treat matter more than which mill produced the bar stock.

    Does M390 rust or stain easily?＋

    M390 has very good corrosion resistance for a high-performance stainless steel — significantly better than tool steels like D2 or CPM-3V, and comparable to CPM-S35VN in real-world carry. Its 20% chromium content provides strong protection against sweat, humidity, and mild food acids. However, because a portion of that chromium is locked in carbides rather than free in the matrix, its corrosion resistance is slightly below CPM MagnaCut under the same conditions.

    In practical EDC use, M390 will not rust under normal conditions. Wipe the blade after extended saltwater or acidic food exposure, keep the pivot lubricated, and the steel will stay clean through years of carry.

    What brands use M390 steel in their knives?＋

    Benchmade uses M390 extensively in their Gold Class line — premium production folders with carbon fiber or exotic handle materials and elevated fit and finish. WE Knife uses M390 in many of their flagship collaboration models. Spyderco frequently uses 20CV (the Crucible equivalent of M390) in sprint runs and their premium Mule Team and Gold Class offerings. Civivi also produces M390 variants on popular models.

    BrandNotable M390 ModelsWarranty
    BenchmadeGold Class 940, Gold Class Bugout, 15080LifeSharp — free lifetime sharpening & repair
    Spyderco (20CV)Para 3, PM2 sprint runs, Mule TeamManufacturer limited warranty
    WE KnifeBanter, Elementum, BeaconWE Knife limited warranty
    Which M390 knife should I buy at Knifeworks?＋

    For a Gold Class Benchmade with M390, the Gold Class 940 Osborne is the flagship choice — carbon fiber scales, AXIS Lock, and a proven 3.4-inch reverse tanto blade geometry that has defined the premium EDC category for 20 years. It ships with Benchmade LifeSharp warranty: free lifetime sharpening and mechanical repair, as an authorized Knifeworks dealer.

    For a titanium-frame option with M390, WE Knife models deliver exceptional fit and finish at a competitive price point. If you are comparing M390 to CPM MagnaCut and are not sure which direction to go, call 888-225-9775 — we carry both daily and can walk you through the real-world differences based on how you use your knife.

    M390 vs. comparable blade steels

    SteelToughnessEdge RetentionCorrosion ResistanceSharpenability
    M390 ★ModerateExcellentVery goodDifficult
    CPM MagnaCutExceptionalHighExcellentModerate
    20CVModerateExcellentVery goodDifficult
    CPM-S35VNHighModerateHighEasy
    CPM-S30VMod–HighModerateHighModerate
    154CMMod–HighModerateAbove avgVery easy
    VG-10ModerateModerateHighEasy
    M390 and 20CV: same steel, different millsM390 (Bohler), 20CV (Crucible), and 204P (Carpenter) share near-identical chemistry. If you see a Spyderco sprint in 20CV or a Benchmade Gold Class in M390, the edge retention and corrosion performance will be functionally the same — the mill name on the steel bar does not change what the knife does in your hand.
    ⚔
    Benchmade, Spyderco & WE KnifeAuthorized M390 catalog across Gold Class folders, sprint-run production models, and titanium-frame collaborations.
    Authorized Dealer — Full Warranty CoverageBenchmade LifeSharp: free lifetime sharpening and mechanical repair. Spyderco and WE Knife manufacturer warranties on every knife.
    M390 vs. CPM MagnaCut — We Know the DifferenceNot sure which steel fits your use? Call 888-225-9775 — we carry M390 and CPM MagnaCut daily and can tell you which performs better for your tasks.
    Same or Next Business Day ShippingShips from Columbia, Louisiana. Order by 2 PM CT and your M390 knife is on its way today.