Among two of the more premium knife steels on the market are S45VN and M390. However, they are not often compared even though they are often found in similar markets and are around the same price range. So in this article, we will compare these two steels.
Short Answer:
S45VN is slightly tougher and a little less expensive. M390 is more corrosion resistant, has better edge retention, and is slightly harder.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look in-depth at each steel, how they compare, and what the best knives in each steel are.
In-Depth Look at S45VN
S45VN is a knife steel that offers Good all-around performance similar to S30V or S35VN.
Here is the composition of S45VN:
- 1.45% carbon
- 14% chromium
- 4% vanadium
- 2.00% molybdenum
- 3.00% Vanadiumniobium
- 0.37% niobium
Edge Retention: S45VN offers good edge retention. Its edge retention is comparable to S35VN or S30V but not as good as M390, S110V, or other higher-end steels.
Corrosion Resistance: Again on the higher end of steel performance, S45VN has good corrosion resistance because of its high chromium content.
Sharpenability: S45VN is designed to be reasonably easy to sharpen while still being able to hold a good edge. This makes it ideal for those who want a high-performance steel but don’t want to spend an entire day resharpening its blade when it requires some touch-up.
Toughness: S45VN is a fairly tough steel but this is one area where it is lacking compared to other premium steels.
Wear resistance: When it comes to wear resistance, S45VN isn’t the best but isn’t the worst. It will stand up to wear well, but will not be as wear resistant as some more expensive steels like S90V or S110V.
In-Depth Look at M390
M390 is a high quality premium steel that is known for its high quality performance across the board.
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
Edge Retention: M390 excels in edge retention. In fact, it is one of the most edge retentive steels on the market, second only to specialty steels like S90V or S110V.
Corrosion Resistance: M390 has a substantial chromium content which makes it a very corrosion resistant steel.
Toughness: Because of the high carbon content as well as the presence of many balancing elements, M390 will be a very tough steel.
Ease of sharpening: As it is with all steels, the better it holds an edge, the harder it will be to sharpen. So, it would only make sense that M390 is very hard to resharpen.
Wear resistance: M390 is extremely wear-resistant and thus can handle lots of repeated use without harm.
In-Depth Comparison of S45VN and M390
Edge Retention: M390 generally offers superior edge retention compared to S45VN, because of its higher carbon content.
Corrosion Resistance: Both steels have good corrosion resistance, but M390 has an advantage due to its higher chromium content.
Sharpenability: S45VN is designed to be easier to sharpen while M390 is not, making it more user-friendly for those who prioritize regular maintenance.
Toughness: M390 is going to be a tougher steel because of the higher presence of carbon as well as more balancing elements in its composition.
Cost: M390 is a much more expensive steel than S45VN. This is because there is more that foes into the process of M390 than there is S45VN. Additionally, M390 is considered to be a better overall steel and thus would cost more.
Best knives in each steel
Now that we have taken a close look at both S45VN and M390 and how these two steels compare, we can look at the best knives in each steel.
Benchmade Bugout (M390)
The Benchmade Bugout is an extremely lightweight 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. The one disadvantage of the Bugout is that it is a more expensive knife compared to others.
Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)
Spyderco Para Military – CPM-S45VN
The Para Military is perhaps Spyderco’s most popular knife. It’s got Spyderco’s signature thumb hole for opening, a reversible pocket clip, a G10 handle, and a smooth-opening compression lock.
Check it out here (link to Amazon).
Conclusion
The choice between S45VN and M390 depends on individual preferences. If a balanced combination of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening is the most desired, S45VN is an excellent choice. On the other hand, for those who prioritize cutting performance at the highest level, especially in edge retention, M390 is the better choice of these two steels.