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    • Bohler M390MK

    Bohler M390MK Steel Knives: Microtech's Processed M390 for Premium OTF and Folder Production

     

    M390MK is Bohler M390 processed and heat treated by Microtech in-house. The base steel is Bohler's third-generation powder metallurgy stainless — the composition that established the tier for premium production folders — but the heat treat, hardness targeting, and finishing are executed under Microtech's process control rather than Bohler's or a general contract heat treater's. The result is the same core alloy performance tuned to Microtech's specific OTF, dual-action, and framelock production tolerances.

    At Knifeworks, you are buying from an authorized Microtech dealer: every M390MK knife on this page ships with full manufacturer warranty coverage — Microtech's factory warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, covering the Combat Troodon, Ultratech, UTX-85, UTX-70, Socom Elite framelock, Socom Alpha fixed blade, and select Marfione Custom builds. No gray-market sourcing, no voided warranties.

    M390MK sits in the premium production folder steel tier alongside CPM 20CV and CTS-204P — three chemically similar third-generation powder metallurgy stainless steels from different producers. All three deliver very high edge retention, excellent corrosion resistance, and moderate toughness. What distinguishes M390MK on a Microtech is not the steel itself but the complete package: Microtech's heat treat calibrated to the blade geometry, lock mechanism, and platform where the steel is used.

    Why Microtech runs M390MK across the premium lineupMicrotech chose Bohler M390 as the base steel for their premium production because it delivers the highest tier of edge retention available in a stainless. Running it in-house as M390MK — with Microtech's own heat treat calibrated to each platform — lets the brand control the final steel performance rather than accepting whatever the mill or a contract heat treater delivers. Same steel, tighter production control, better real-world consistency across the Combat Troodon, Ultratech, and UTX platforms.

    Call 888-225-9775 — our team can help you choose the right M390MK Microtech platform for your carry.

    Steel type
    PM Stainless
    Producer
    Bohler / Microtech
    Typical hardness
    60–62 HRC
    Edge retention
    Very High
    Corrosion resist.
    Excellent
    Sharpenability
    Moderate
    Compare Selected
    What is M390MK steel?+

    M390MK is Bohler M390 processed and heat treated by Microtech in-house. The base composition is Bohler's third-generation powder metallurgy stainless — the same alloy in standard M390. The MK designation identifies Microtech's processing rather than a separate steel formulation.

    What is the difference between M390 and M390MK?+

    The base steel is identical. M390 is Bohler's third-gen powder metallurgy stainless. M390MK is that same steel with Microtech's in-house heat treat and processing applied to their production tolerances. Practical daily-use performance is essentially the same — the MK marker is a production-source designation.

    How does M390MK compare to CPM 20CV and CTS-204P?+

    M390MK, CPM 20CV, and CTS-204P are chemically near-identical — different producers making versions of the same third-generation powder metallurgy stainless recipe. Real-world performance differences between them come down to heat treat quality and blade geometry, not the steel itself. All three sit in the premium production folder steel tier with very high edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance.

    How does M390MK compare to CPM MagnaCut?+

    M390MK has slightly higher peak edge retention. CPM MagnaCut has significantly higher toughness. Both have excellent corrosion resistance. If you carry a folder or OTF and want maximum edge holding, M390MK is the tier leader. If you use your knife on harder materials or want a stainless that resists chipping better, CPM MagnaCut is the practical choice.

    How do I sharpen M390MK?+

    Diamond plates or fine ceramic rods are the practical choice. Standard aluminum oxide stones will polish the softer matrix while leaving the harder carbides untouched. Guided systems like the Work Sharp Precision Adjust or Wicked Edge with diamond stones all work well. Finish with a diamond-compound strop for the cleanest apex.

    Does M390MK rust?+

    Under normal use conditions, M390MK does not rust. The chromium content puts it in the excellent corrosion resistance tier. Sweat, humidity, and light saltwater exposure will not affect the blade with normal wipe-down maintenance. Unlike carbon steel, M390MK does not require oiling and does not develop patina.

    Which Microtech models come in M390MK?+

    M390MK appears on the Microtech Combat Troodon, Ultratech, UTX-85, UTX-70, Socom Elite framelock folder, Socom Alpha fixed blade, and select Marfione Custom builds. Not every Microtech runs M390MK — the brand also uses CTS-204P, Bohler Elmax, and other steels depending on the model and production year. Check the specific SKU's blade steel specification before assuming M390MK.

    Why do Microtech collectors prefer M390MK?+

    Microtech collectors value M390MK because Microtech's in-house heat treat is calibrated to each specific platform. Buying M390MK on a Microtech means the steel choice, heat treat, blade geometry, and platform tolerances were all controlled by the same production team.

    M390MK premium stainless vs. comparable blade steels

    SteelToughnessEdge RetentionCorrosion ResistanceSharpenability
    M390MK ★ModerateVery HighExcellentModerate
    Bohler M390ModerateVery HighExcellentModerate
    CPM 20CVModerateVery HighExcellentModerate
    CTS-204PModerateVery HighExcellentModerate
    CPM MagnaCutHighHighExcellentModerate
    CPM-S35VNMod-HighHighAbove avgModerate
    D2ModerateHighLow-avgDifficult
    🛡️
    Authorized dealerEvery Microtech M390MK knife ships with full manufacturer warranty coverage.
    🚚
    Same-day shippingShips from Columbia, Louisiana — 888-225-9775
    🏆
    Special runs & Marfione SelectsMicrotech dealer special runs and Marfione Custom Select configurations available at Knifeworks.
    📞
    Call us before you buy888-225-9775 — we carry these knives daily.