M390 and s35vn

secretagentmann007

secretagentmann007

Chief wire twister
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Oct 6, 2006
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Mawnin my fellow blade loving gents.
I'm currently drooling over two different knives. One in s35vn (which I have plenty of experience with) and one in m390, which I have limited experience with.
I've owned numerous s30v which I think is pretty close to s35vn. S30v is probably my favorite steel at the present with 35vn an extremely close second if not a tie.
The only knife I've ever owned in m390 was a bm grip, and I was not super impressed... Although I will admit, my ability to sharpen effectively was not as good as it is now.. and I understand it's quite a tough one to sharpen.
This issue I've remidied with a good work sharp system and quite a bit more practice, so toughness to sharpen isn't an issue., But I don't want to be constantly sharpening it.

So, question is. Which would you pick and why?
Two choices are between arcane anti matter and we chimera.
 
It all depends on use and heat treat for me

For my daily uses at work the majority of my cutting is thin paper, plastic, and masking tape so I need something that holds a razor edge for a good bit. For me m390 and family (20cv 204p) do a great job of that especially my spydercos and trm atom, over the s35v I own

But if you're ok with a good working edge and make heavier cuts I have no problem with s35vn
 
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yoko said:
It all depends on use and heat treat for me

For my daily uses at work the majority of my cutting is thin paper, plastic, and making tape so I need something that holds a razor edge for a good bit. For me m390 and family (20cv 204p) do a great job of that especially my spydercos and trm atom, over the s35v I own

But if you're ok with a good working edge and make heavier cuts I editor have no problem with s35vn
Click to expand...
When you say "heavier cuts"
S35vn will hold up better with heavier cuts? I thought m390 had the better edge retention and toughness?
 
I've got both, and M390 is a lot tougher to dull...
... and a lot tougher to sharpen.
 
It depends on exactly who's steel you are employing; not all M390 and S35VN are equal. Elements such as heat treat, edge geometry and the factory grind really play a role.

If it is a knife you like, I personally wouldn't let the type of steel detract from what you want.
 
They are both excellent choices. Given a good heat treat for both, I actually prefer S35Vn. M390 will hold an edge longer and is more corrosion resistant, but I have had it chip on me quite a bit compared to S35Vn. S35Vn is not a super tough steel by any means, but in my experience, and in Larrin's data, it is tougher than M390. A byproduct of this is it's easier to sharpen too. I guess the choice for me would come down to what you plan on doing with the knife.
 
I can attest that WE does a good job with the heat treat of M390, and all of their steels in my experience. I like the Arcane Anti-matter, but know nothing about them so can't say one way or another. At the price those are, I'd hope the heat treat is good.
 
S35vn every day. Had quite a few blades with it. Tough enough, stainless enough, holds an edge long enough and easy to sharpen.
I wasn't impressed with m390, except for edge holding.
 
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