For knife brands and enthusiasts in the premium market, the choice between CPM S35VN and Bohler M390 is a constant debate. Both are top-tier powder metallurgy steels, and their similar applications often cause confusion about their real-world differences.
The short answer: Choose M390 for maximum edge retention and corrosion resistance. Choose S35VN for a tougher, more balanced, and easier-to-sharpen blade. A manufacturer’s heat treatment and the blade’s geometry are critical in defining the final performance.
This guide breaks down the data, performance, and ideal uses to help you make a winning choice for your knife line or collection.
Steel Overviews
What is S35VN?
CPM S35VN is an American-made steel from Crucible Industries, developed with legendary knifemaker Chris Reeve to improve upon S30V. By adding Niobium (Nb), it achieves a finer grain structure, boosting toughness. Hardened to 59-61 HRC, S35VN is the definition of a balanced premium steel, making it a top choice for high-volume production of EDC and outdoor knives.
What is M390?
Produced by the Austrian-Swedish giant Bohler-Uddeholm, M390 is a third-generation powder metallurgy steel. It’s composition‑equivalent to CPM 20CV and CTS‑204P. Typically hardened to 60-62 HRC, M390 is engineered for one primary purpose: extreme wear and corrosion resistance. This makes it a “super steel” reserved for flagship models and specialized cutting tools.
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Chemical Composition Breakdown
While the elements are similar, the percentages tell the story.
| Element | S35VN | M390 | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.38% | 1.90% | Increases hardness and edge retention |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14.0% | 20.0% | Key to corrosion resistance; forms carbides |
| Vanadium (V) | 3.0% | 4.0% | Forms ultra-hard carbides for wear resistance |
| Niobium (Nb) | 0.5% | — | Refines grain structure, boosts toughness |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0% | 1.0% | Improves toughness and pitting resistance |
| Tungsten (W) | — | 0.6% | Increases wear resistance |
Summary:
S35VN: Uses a moderate alloy recipe with a small amount of niobium (~0.5%). This makes the steel’s hard wear particles (carbides) smaller and more even, so the blade is tougher, handles thinner edges safely, and is easier to grind and sharpen.
M390: Packs in more alloy (about 20% chromium, 4% vanadium, plus a bit of tungsten). This builds more and harder wear particles and a stronger protective anti‑rust film (passive layer), so you get longer edge retention and better corrosion resistance.
Performance comparison
| Metric | S35VN | M390 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | Very good (≈7.5, Knife Steel Nerds) | Excellent (≈9.0) | M390 handles sweat, food acids, and coastal air with more headroom. |
| Typical hardness | 59–61 HRC | 60–62 HRC | M390 often runs slightly harder in production. |
| Toughness | Higher (≈5.0) | Moderate (≈3.5) | S35VN is more forgiving at thin edges and with incidental knocks. |
| Edge retention | High (≈5.0) | Very high (≈6.5) | M390’s higher VC volume outcuts on abrasive media (e.g., cardboard). |
| Sharpening | Easier | Harder | S35VN works well with ceramics; M390 likes diamond/CBN. |
| Price (retail) | Mid‑high | High | M390 typically carries a ~20–40% premium. |
Corrosion Resistance: M390 is Superior
With an exceptional corrosion resistance score of 9.0/10, M390 is nearly rust-proof. Its 20% chromium content creates a powerful shield against moisture, salt, and food acids. While S35VN’s 7.5/10 score is very good for most daily scenarios, M390 offers the ultimate peace of mind in harsh or humid environments.
Edge Retention: M390 Lasts Longer
With an edge retention score of 6.5/10, M390 holds a clear advantage over S35VN’s 5.0/10. This is due to its higher volume of hard vanadium carbides. In practice, this means an M390 blade will stay sharp significantly longer during slicing tasks, especially through abrasive materials like cardboard and rope.
Toughness: S35VN is More Forgiving
Toughness is a steel’s ability to resist chipping and breaking. Here, S35VN has a decisive advantage with a toughness score of 5.0/10, compared to M390’s 3.5/10.
Its lower overall carbide volume makes it less prone to becoming brittle. Crucially, the addition of Niobium promotes a finer, more uniform grain structure. This metallurgical advantage means S35VN is more resistant to chipping and micro-fractures, especially with more acute knife blade shapes like a thin drop point. This makes it a more forgiving steel for tasks that might involve accidental impacts.
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Ease of Sharpening: S35VN is Practical
The trade-off for M390’s world-class wear resistance is that it’s difficult to sharpen. It fights back against abrasives and requires diamond or CBN stones. S35VN is much easier to bring back to a sharp edge, making it more practical for users who value simple maintenance or need to service their tool in the field.
Price
Retail: For the same knife model, upgrading from S35VN to M390 typically adds $20-$60 to the price tag. S35VN knives often fall in the $130–$220 range, while M390 models start around $170 and can exceed $320.
OEM & Manufacturing: The raw cost for M390 steel bars and blanks is often 30-80% higher than S35VN. Furthermore, the specialized heat treatment and grinding processes required for M390 can add 5-15% to the manufacturing cost.
Recommended Use Cases & Applications
Choose S35VN For:
- All-Around EDC Knives: Its superior toughness (5.0/10 score) makes it a forgiving choice for the varied pocket knife uses one encounters daily.
- Hunting & Camping Knives: A fantastic choice. It’s tough enough to handle field dressing (where contact with bone is likely) and light woodwork, and it’s easy enough to sharpen by the campfire. Learn more about the parts of a hunting knife to see how this steel fits in.
- Tactical & Hard-Use Folders: The higher toughness reduces the risk of the blade chipping under stress.
Choose M390 For:
- High-End “Slicers” & Gentleman’s Folders: For knives designed purely for cutting, M390’s 6.5/10 edge retention is unmatched. It’s for the user who demands a razor edge that lasts.
- Professional Kitchen & Fillet Knives: Its 9.0/10 corrosion resistance rating makes it impervious to food acids and moisture, while its edge retention excels in commercial settings. Its lower toughness is not a liability here, as these knives are not typically used for prying or chopping hard objects.
- Premium Collector’s Pieces: M390 is a “flagship” steel. Paired with premium handles like carbon fiber, it signals top-tier quality and commands a higher price.
FAQs
Is M390 better than S35VN?
For edge retention and corrosion resistance, yes. For toughness, thin‑edge tolerance, and ease of sharpening, S35VN wins. “Best” depends on use.
Are M390, CPM 20CV, and CTS‑204P the same?
They’re composition‑equivalent and behave similarly. Heat treat and geometry still create differences.
Related planning reads:
- S35VN vs D2 Steel: A Deep Dive for OEM Knife Buyers
- Nitro-V vs S35VN: The Ultimate Steel Comparison
- S30V vs S35VN
Partner with Keganico for Your Next Knife Line
Understanding the nuances between steels like S35VN and M390 is crucial for creating a successful product line that meets customer expectations. At Keganico, we specialize in turning your vision into a reality. As a leading OEM knife manufacturer, we offer comprehensive services tailored to your brand’s needs:
- OEM & Private Label Manufacturing: We build knives to your exact specifications, helping you select the perfect steel, handle materials, and locking mechanisms.
- Wholesale Knives: We offer a wide range of high-quality knives for bulk purchase, allowing you to stock your inventory with proven sellers.
- Expert Guidance: Our team has deep expertise in materials science and manufacturing. We ensure your chosen steel undergoes a world-class heat treatment process to unlock its maximum potential, whether it’s the balanced toughness of S35VN or the extreme edge retention of M390.
We help you leverage the right materials to create knives that don’t just sell, but build a loyal following.
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