Don't find someone who uses M390 and then ask if they want to make their first blade in this style.
If you are starting a collection, it will be interesting to eventually have a variety of styles and materials.
Already tried both; contacted kwaiken and tanto makers, also tried asking knifemakers who work with high-end stainless steels.
In the former, I asked several dozen knifemakers registered in this forum. Every each one of those that make kwaiken and tanto, don't work with M390. In the latter, I asked what rare and few knifemakers I could find who happen to work with high-end stainless steel; They don't make kwaiken and tanto-style knives. But those that do, S30V is about as high as they go. S30V might've been considered 'super steel' a decade ago, but that is certainly not the case anymore. This whole endeavor has been as if I am searching for a pink unicorn...
I noticed a number of people on this forum casually tossing around statements along the line of "Heat treatment is far more important than the material itself." While I do not disagree with that statement, I think that those who use it to try to dissuade others like me fixated on M390 knives are failing to see the situation from a consumer's point of view. How does an ordinary buyer like myself know whether a knife I just bought was given a proper heat treatment?
When I buy a knife, does it come with detailed documentation detailing the heat treatment process(es) of that particular make and model? NO.
Does a knife manufacturer have details of the heat treatment process(es) used in their products documented somewhere on their website? Again, NO.
As a consumer, I can choose a knife by the brand, blade geometry, length, material, and overall aesthetic. What I CANNOT choose is the heat treatment process the blade supposedly underwent. Because that part is 'well hidden' from the consumers.
On a different note, I managed to 'collect' some knives. I already have plenty of experience working with 'ordinary' stainless steels - they're called kitchen knives, many of which are variants of 440 series. And some 'exotics' such as Shun knives which are VG-10. Like many others, I feel less inclined to collect what I already have plenty of, but more inclined to acquire the high-end exotics that I have yet to own. Hence I tend to gravitate towards Maxamet, S110V, Elmax, etc. precisely because I don't have them, yet.
Here are the two knives I managed to collect this week:
Figure 1: Size Comparison
TOP: Borka Blades SRambit M390 - A fixed-blade production knife designed by Sebastian Berenji, but manufactured in Italy by Fox Knives.
BOTTOM: Spyderco Dragonfly 2 ZDP-189. Very popular folding pocketknife. Manufactured in Seki-City, Japan.
Figure 2: Spine Thickness Comparison
TOP: Dragonfly 2 (2.5 mm)
BOTTOM: SRambit (5.0 mm) - About as thick as a cleaver.
Figure 3: Grind Profile of Borka Blades SRambit
This particular model of SRambit appears to have a Saber grind where the primary bevel is practically flat. If the grind is hollow, then I can't see the concavity. Very unusual for Borka Blades as their primary bevel tend to be hollow.
Figure 4: Grooved Notches on the Spine
The placement of the notches on the rear of the handle appears to be less than optimal. A better placement would be to slide the notches further back and partially on the ring itself for more secure placement of the thumb in a reverse grip.
I think both knives would make for a fine EDC, but I wouldn't dare to carry my SRambit outside unless I plan to go camping. With the local knife laws being the way it is, I wouldn't want to risk having my collection confiscated and fined.
My next acquisition will probably be a custom blade from a renowned knifemaker or a production knife made of exotic stainless steel.
I'm also looking into getting a good sharpening system. Currently looking at KME and Wicked Edge. Currently reading up on convex grind which I am starting to like more and more. As I don't grind knives for a living, I cannot trust myself to grind blades free-hand with a high level of consistency. Hence, going with a guided sharpening system appears to be the logical option.
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