D2 vs. M390 | Steel Comparison

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D2 and M390 are two knife steels that are known for being overall good steels and they are two of the most popular knife steels on the market. However, they have their differences in many aspects of comparing knife steels. So in this article, we will compare these two steels to see which steel is better and why.

Short Answer

D2 is less expensive than M390. But M390 is better at holding an edge, is tougher, will have much better corrosion resistance, and is just an overall better steel.

Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each knife steel, how these steels compare in-depth, and the best knives in each steel. 

In-Depth Look at D2

Wear Resistance: Being a tool steel, D2 has great wear resistance. It is sure to keep its shape under heavy repetitive use.This means that if you are using your knife for things such as slicing, you will desire D2.

Edge Retention: Because of the composition that gives D2 its wear resistance, it is naturally going to be good at maintaining an edge. Even when compared to higher price steels, D2 can hold an edge very well.

Corrosion Resistance: D2, while it does have a pretty high chromium content, is not a fully stainless steel. So you will need to put in some extra work to make sure your blade doesn’t rust or stain with use. But this isn’t a lot or work, often this means you just have to oil your knife after using it for a while.

Toughness: Due to the carbon content of D2, it is going to be a tough steel that can handle some punishment. This is one of the reasons D2 is popular for bushcrafters, it is cheap, tough, and holds a good edge.

Here is the composition of D2:

Carbon: 1.5%

Chromium: 12.00%

Vanadium: 0.90%

Molybdenum: 0.80%

Magnesium: 0.45%

Silicon: 0.40%

Sulfur: 0.02%

In-Depth Look at M390

Edge Retention: M390 is a steel with exceptional edge retention. In fact, It is one of the most edge retentive steels out there.

Corrosion Resistance: Because of the extremely high chromium content, M390 is a very corrosion resistant steel. It is sure to need little to no maintenance to keep it from rusting or staining. 

Toughness: The carbon content combined with other elements to balance out the negative effects that carbon has, makes M390 an extremely tough steel. 

Wear resistance: M390 is also an extremely wear resistant steel that is sure to hold up to repeated use on anything.

Here is what M390 is made of:

  • 1.9% of Carbon
  • 0.7% of Silicon
  • 0.3% of Manganese
  • 20% of Chromium
  • 1% of Molybdenum
  • 0.6% of Tungsten
  • 4% of Vanadium

In-Depth Comparison of D2 and M390

Wear Resistance: D2 is known for exceptional wear resistance, but M390, with its advanced composition and an overall better balance of elements, makes it much better. 

Edge Retention: M390 outperforms D2 when it comes to edge retention, maintaining sharpness for longer. However, D2 does still have very respectable edge retention.

Corrosion Resistance: M390 has superior corrosion resistance due to its higher chromium content, making it more suitable for environments with high humidity or exposure to water. D2 is not very resistant and must be oiled every time it is exposed to moisture. 

Toughness: While both steels are tough, D2 may be considered more brittle under extreme impact compared to M390 due to the lack of balancing elements. M390 is an overall tougher steel that can handle more punishment. 

Sharpening: D2 is much easier to sharpen than M390. Because M390 can hold an edge longer, it will naturally be harder to sharpen. So for EDC tasks where you are fine with touching up your knife fairly frequently, D2 will work just fine. 

Price: The area where D2 has M390 beat, by a lot, is price. M390’s performance comes at an expensive cost as D2 will be about 150-200 dollars cheaper than M390.

Best knives in each steel

Since we have looked at each knife steel in-depth, and compared both of these steels, we can see what the best knives in each steel are.

Benchmade Bugout (M390)

The Benchmade Bugout is an extremely lightweight high-quality folding knife that can be used for everything from opening boxes to backcountry camping. This knife has a machined aluminum handle, a super smooth opening, easy one handheld opening and closing, and weights only 2.5 ounces.

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

SOG Aegis AT – D2

The Aegis AT is a knife that’s for everyday carry (EDC). It has assisted opening so the knife will spring open and do most of the work of opening it for you. Its other features include SOG’s Cryo D2 blade, a lanyard hole, a thumb stud, and an ambidextrous spine safety.

You can find this knife here (link to Amazon).

Conclusion

M390 is a better overall steel in just about all regards. But keep in mind that M390 comes with a much higher price tag. D2 is a cheaper option that is not going to offer as good of performance but will be easier to sharpen.