M390 Vs. S30V Knife Comparison: When it comes to choosing the right type of steel for your knife, you will likely be faced with a variety of choices. There are many different types of steel out there, each with its own pros and cons. For example, some steels are known for being extremely resistant to corrosion, while others are known for their exceptional edge retention or ability to take an extremely sharp edge.
Based on my experience using a wide range of pocket, kitchen, survival, and outdoor knives over the years, I’ve found two steels that stand above the rest as my go-to options for most tasks: M390 and S30V. Both are high-end premium knife steels that offer exceptional properties and performance under most circumstances.
They are both high-end metals with properties that make them well-suited to knife blades. Depending on your needs, either one is the perfect choice for your next knife. Let’s take a look at their similarities and differences in detail.
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Is S30V Stainless Steel Good for Knife?
One of the most common materials in the knife-making industry is Stainless-steel. There are many different kinds of stainless steel out there designed to excel in certain knife applications. One of the most popular stainless steel used in knife making is S30V steel.
S30V is premium-grade stainless steel that is often used in high-end pocket knives. The combination of Carbon, Molybdenum, and Vanadium in the S30V steel formula creates an exceptionally tough and corrosion-resistant knife blade.
Although, it is much more difficult to work with than other knife steels. Because S30V steel is designed to resist corrosion, it has a lower Carbon content than most other knife steels. This means that it will tend to need more frequent sharpening and will not be as strong or durable as some of the other options.
Is M390 Stainless Steel Good for Knife?
M390 stainless steel is also a high-end premium-grade stainless steel that is often used in high-end folding knives. This steel is known for being extremely resistant to corrosion and is often used in marine or saltwater knives.
Furthermore, it is also highly resistant to wear and will hold its edge very well over long periods of time. M390 is a very tough stainless steel that is well known for its ability to retain its strength even when used in extremely harsh environments.
M390 steel is also relatively easy to sharpen and will hold its edge very well over long periods of time. M390 steel is not as corrosion-resistant as S30V steel. This means that it will be less appropriate for marine use and will require more regular sharpening. However, it is less difficult to work with than S30V.
Chemical Composition of S30V
S30V is high-alloy stainless steel that contains a high percentage of Carbon (1.45%), Chromium (14%), and Vanadium (4%). This combination results in very strong and durable steel that is extremely resistant to corrosion and wear.
S30V steel is known for being very difficult to work with and is often much more expensive than other common knife steels. However, it is perfect for knives that need to hold an extremely sharp edge for long periods of time or survive harsh marine environments.
S30V is not the easiest steel to sharpen. However, it is extremely durable and can be used to create very strong and durable blades for a wide variety of cutting applications.
Chemical Composition of M390
M390 steel is also high-alloy stainless steel that contains a high percentage of Carbon (1.9%), Chromium (14%), and Vanadium (4%). This combination results in a very tough and corrosion-resistant knife steel that is easier to work with.
Moreover, M390 is a very affordable knife steel that is often used in marine or saltwater knives due to its exceptional corrosion resistance.
Similar to S30V, M390 steel also has molybdenum(1%) which makes it easy for you to sharpen the knife very easily and also withstand high-range temperatures.
Advantages of A S30V Knife
- Anti-wear and anti-corrosion
- No regular sharpening required
- Excellent edge retention
- Greater than or equal to 440C or D2 steel
Advantages of A M390 Knife
- Better corrosion resistance than S30V steel
- Edge retention is also better than other steels due to the high presence of Vanadium
- Easily bear blending, twister, and beating.
Best S30V Knives In The Market
1. Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Knife
The Spyderco Para Military knife is the best S30V knife which comes with military-grade sharpness and durability. This steel blade has a robust blade and handle, and the handle offers a firm grip.
Moreover, this knife has 3.42 inches large, extremely sharp edges which can smoothly cut anything like a slice of butter.
2. Benchmade 940 EDC Manual Open Folding Knife
Benchmade is one of the best knife brands that offer quality knives. So the 940 EDC knife is a great knife that comes with S30V steel. This is a USA-made knife with a reverse tanto blade.
Further, it has a locking feature for safety purposes. On top of that, it offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance for controlled cutting.
Best M390 Knives In The Market
1. Benchmade Barrage 581 Knife
The Benchmade Barrage 581 is one of the best M390 knives available in the market. It is a made-in-USA knife with 3.2 ounces of weight. The knife handle is made up of high-grade aluminum. Moreover, it is a folding knife with a plain edge that offers extreme sharpness.
2.Kizer Begleiter Mini EDC Knife
The KizerBegleiter Mini EDC knife is another best M390 knives on our list. This M390 knife comes with a titanium handle which offers a firm grip. Moreover, this knife is suitable be used as a pocket knife. The knife has a 2.91 inches large blade which comes with an extremely sharp edge design.
Differences Between M390 Vs. S30V Knife
Toughness
While the M390 and S30V knives look almost similar and have identical designs, they differ in terms of toughness. The S30V steel knives are generally tougher than M390. However, toughness can vary depending on the heat treatment.
Edge Retention
M390 knives offer superior heat retention when compared to S30V knives because of higher Vanadium and carbide contents, powder metallurgy production, and higher Rockwell hardness.
Corrosion Resistance
When it comes to anti-corrosion properties, the M390 has more of them because it contains more chromium elements, so it better protects the knife against corrosion and rust.
Ease of Sharpening
Sharpening S30V is very easy in comparison to M390 because it comes with a fine-grain design which will consume less effort and time to sharpen it.
Price
The price can vary depending on the region, store, and other factors. But generally, the M390 is cheaper than S30V steel knives. The price difference varies from $20 to $100.
Reasons to Choose S30V
- Easy to sharpen
- Cheap and affordable
- First knife-grade super steel
Reasons to Choose M390
- A better and improved prototype.
- Edge retention properties.
- Better friction resistance
Which is the Best, the M390 or the S30V?
Overall, both S30V and M390 are high-quality knife steels that are very resistant to corrosion and will hold their edge for a very long time. They are both very easy to sharpen and are very strong steels that are designed to be extremely durable and long-lasting.
Both of these steels are very tough and can be used to create blades that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They are also extremely strong steels that are designed to be highly resistant to breakage or chipping.
There are some crucial differences between the two sheets of steel that make each one more appropriate for certain usage situations. S30V is slightly stronger steel that is easier to sharpen but is less corrosion-resistant than M390. M390 is more corrosion-resistant steel that is easier to sharpen but is slightly less strong than S30V.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is M390 Tougher than S30V knife?
The S30V is a tougher steel knife. However, it completely depends upon the heat treatment. If M390 gets better heat treatment, then it can be tougher than S30V.
Does S30V or M390 Steel get rust?
Not just S30V or M390 steel but every other steel, even if you take proper care, will rust. Both S30V and M390 steel come with a 14% chromium blend which allows them to resist corrosion.
M390 Vs. S30V: Which has better corrosion resistance?
M390 has better edge retention. However, it is not highly corrosion resistance.
Conclusion
Overall, both S30V and M390 are extremely strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant knife steels that can be used to create extremely durable blades. They are both easy to sharpen and will hold their edge for a long time.
S30V is slightly stronger and more durable steel than M390. However, it is slightly less corrosion-resistant than M390 and requires more frequent sharpening.
M390 is more corrosion-resistant steel than S30V. However, it is slightly less strong than S30V and requires more frequent sharpening.
In the end, both S30V and M390 are excellent blade steels with a wide variety of uses. The best thing to do when deciding which one is best for you is to consider your specific needs and then select the steel that best suits those needs.
