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M390
- Thread starter jth250
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2009
- Messages
- 44,314
There is no definitive or easy answer, everyone uses a knife to cut different things. Holding an edge compared to what exactly? Specific questions lead to much better discussions overall. I've used the M390 from Spyderco and Benchmade, both hold an edge much better than S30V overall.
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2010
- Messages
- 3,959
Longer than any steel I have ever used. I'd say if it's the same blade, same edge, and same cutting medium m390 will hold it's razor edge about 3 times as long as steel like S30V. At least this has been my experience using identical knives.
It's a really noticeable difference. m390 keeps it's razor edge for a very long time.
It's a really noticeable difference. m390 keeps it's razor edge for a very long time.
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2006
- Messages
- 6,214
It holds a cutting edge for a very looooooong time. Dunno about razors. I use safety razors myself.
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2005
- Messages
- 7,425
Yes...it is not clear that holding a razor edge is a useful measure of anything, other than ability to serve as a razor.
M390 is a steel that I would not hesitate to choose for a knife.
Very good cutter. Stainless. Should stay sharp better than most steels in cutting use.
Pretty decent selection of knives out there in M390 now.
I haven't bought one myself yet, but I have been studying about it, because I'm planning a purchase.
Very good cutter. Stainless. Should stay sharp better than most steels in cutting use.
Pretty decent selection of knives out there in M390 now.
I haven't bought one myself yet, but I have been studying about it, because I'm planning a purchase.
Almost two years of carrying an m390 bladed Benchmade 755 MPR as my preferred EDC, I've put it to some use. It is a teeny bit better than it's Bohler brother N690, which is certainly better than my long time favorite S30V. Better at holding an edge - and better, ie, faster, at being re-edged. I have had to re-sharpen my 755 several times - on my Spyderco Sharpmaker. I clean the files quite often - it really helps - and go from the grey file corners to the white file corners - and stop. My CTS problems gave an awkward twist or two while using the flats - often dulling what I had just done. I resharpened a week or so back - and broke down boxes, etc, afterwards. I just checked - it still raises hairs on my arm. S30V wouldn't last as long - and it would take a lot more time to resharpen. The 581 below has never been resharpened - still a razor (I don't EDC it due to it's assisted function... just don't like it. I'll de-assist it one day - neat knife otherwise!). The 480-1 Shoki has been resharpened... it's a small razor. Great 'dress-up' EDC knife.
Bohler steels are great - m390 being my favorite. That's only because I haven't had to resharpen but one ElMax blade on my ZT-0551's yet, my recent 0561 coming razor sharp and not having much use yet. ElMax may be better. N690 is no slouch - I have had to initially sharpen several such bladed Boker knives that came dull, ranging from a little work to reprofiling, tedious on a basic Sharpmaker. The N690 does keep it's edge well, too. My household uses range from opening mail to carving/whittling soft maple limbs to kitchen uses in the home and outside. Hope this helps!
Stainz
Bohler steels are great - m390 being my favorite. That's only because I haven't had to resharpen but one ElMax blade on my ZT-0551's yet, my recent 0561 coming razor sharp and not having much use yet. ElMax may be better. N690 is no slouch - I have had to initially sharpen several such bladed Boker knives that came dull, ranging from a little work to reprofiling, tedious on a basic Sharpmaker. The N690 does keep it's edge well, too. My household uses range from opening mail to carving/whittling soft maple limbs to kitchen uses in the home and outside. Hope this helps!
Stainz
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2011
- Messages
- 647
Benchmade and Spyderco make some nice blades in M390.
BM 710, BM 805, BM 806, BM 581 and others come in M390. I several of these knives. The nice thing about BM is that they have production blades are M390.
Spyderco Military and Paramilitary limited runs come in M390 and a not yet released PM2 in Green will have the Carpenter equivalent of M390. I have both the M390s and will be testing my friend's green PM2 when it's released.
Both Spyderco and Benchmade have nice HTs on their M390s and they hold a razor's edge as long as any other steel (I'm comparing it against S90V, ZDP189, 154CM, 3V, A2). I consider a blade "razor sharp" if I can shave my face cleanly with it. I'm not saying this is a useful measure of sharpness...but I find it interesting nonetheless.
It is clear to see, my favorite steel is M390. It is very corrosion resistant (supposedly...I don't corrosion issues in my dry climate with any steel), holds an edge for a long time and takes on a very fine edge. I keep trying to find steels that take on a finer edge (hence my 3V and ZDP purchases), but I keep coming back to M390.
If you can swing it, I'd HIGHLY recommend the PM2 in M390 that is still in stock at the exclusive dealer. The blue makes it look less threatening (for whatever reason) and the steel is fantastic! In fact, I'm EDCing it right now.
BM 710, BM 805, BM 806, BM 581 and others come in M390. I several of these knives. The nice thing about BM is that they have production blades are M390.
Spyderco Military and Paramilitary limited runs come in M390 and a not yet released PM2 in Green will have the Carpenter equivalent of M390. I have both the M390s and will be testing my friend's green PM2 when it's released.
Both Spyderco and Benchmade have nice HTs on their M390s and they hold a razor's edge as long as any other steel (I'm comparing it against S90V, ZDP189, 154CM, 3V, A2). I consider a blade "razor sharp" if I can shave my face cleanly with it. I'm not saying this is a useful measure of sharpness...but I find it interesting nonetheless.
It is clear to see, my favorite steel is M390. It is very corrosion resistant (supposedly...I don't corrosion issues in my dry climate with any steel), holds an edge for a long time and takes on a very fine edge. I keep trying to find steels that take on a finer edge (hence my 3V and ZDP purchases), but I keep coming back to M390.
If you can swing it, I'd HIGHLY recommend the PM2 in M390 that is still in stock at the exclusive dealer. The blue makes it look less threatening (for whatever reason) and the steel is fantastic! In fact, I'm EDCing it right now.
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