Easier steel to field sharpen CPM 3V vs M390

P

PatrickKnight

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Jan 24, 2012
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Which of these would be easier to put an edge back on the field given limited sharpening tools. I know both hold an edge well and are some of the more difficult steel to sharpen but which one edges out the other in ease of sharpening.
 
M390 has a little more V, but their probably won't be a noticeable difference, at least I haven't noticed much of difference with mine on a sharpmaker or belt.
 
On diamonds, I can't really tell the difference between them--much would, probably, depend on what you were using to sharpen them if you were really hunting for a difference in sharpenability.
 
My guess is m390 would be quite a bit more difficult than 3v because m390 contains 20% of Cr for excellent wear resistant, thereby would resists against abrasion/abrade from abrasive, especially non-diamond type. Of course an extra 1.25% V add more resistant. Non-diamond abrasives with sizes 25um or larger would sharpen both steels fine; however higher-grit/more-polish sharpening can be challenging.
 
M390 has more than twice the carbon, two & a half times the chromium, and more vanadium - the carbide volume, which will greatly determine the difference in wear for these two PM steels that are likely in the range of 58-61 in most knives, is in favor of the 3V being less time consuming to grind down
 
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