POLL: s90v or m390

[Sonnydaze]

I realize that M390 is likely a better choice for an all-around steel. However, when I used to collect PM2's, there was NOTHING that came even close to the desirability of the S90V model. Those were the flagship of their day... You could easily spend $450 for a PM2 in S90V, but the later ones in M390 didn't have much of a "flash factor" and rarely brought more than the high $200's. Of course, it's often a matter of supply and demand, with less thought given to steel parameters.

 

[Cursum Perficio]

I have, use and like both. Each has it's advantages in my amateur experience, the most noticeable to me are M390 or equiv. is definitely easier to sharpen and maintain the edge, and S90V definitely has better (working) edge holding.

I voted S90V. I don't mind taking the time to do the sharpening and I have a WE to do it with, SM to touch it up with, and I'm truly impressed how S90V just cuts 'n cuts 'n cuts...
I can't get it as sharp and as fine an edge as I can M390, so it easily push cuts A4 or slices a cheap paper towel.
I just can't get S90V to be that sharp. Despite that it will cut really well for a long time, in the context of my general use.

I haven't looked for dirty carpet to test edges on or anything like that. I just use my folders for common or garden variety EDC stuff at home and work, cutting open coffee sachets, parcels, 25kg sacks of rock salt, breaking down cardboard boxes, wrapping and plastic strapping, cable ties large and small, gardening jobs, whatever needs cutting. Whatever's in my pocket gets used every day.

It's hard to not vote M390 or equiv. Great edge holding, easy enough to sharpen and maintain, can get heinously sharp, excellent corrosion resistance. I can see why it gets more votes, awesome stuff, big fan myself.

FWIW I tend to include Elmax as a near equivalent to M390 in how I've found it to perform. Just my impression.

I have only few folders in each:

S90V - Military, 940-1, 484-1
M390 - Para2, Barrage 581 and 586, 0770CF
204P - Para2
Elmax - Para2, 0561, 0562

 

[microtech85]

So far s90v has been good for me in many aspects. It cuts very well, holds an edge for a long time, and has not rolled or chipped on me and has had no issues with rust or corrosion. So i really have no complaints about its performance. I assume m390 is a tougher steel but i have had no issues with s90v's toughness. it is quite possible s90v is as tough as needed for average folder use and the m390 toughness advantage may not be realized for many users myself included.

 

[Lapedog]

M390 keep takes and maintains a better edge. I have a PM2(M390) I use for taking insulation off of 1/0 gauge wires and above. No kidding I will touch up that blade about once every month and a half or so. I sadly don't have any experience with 90v but ive heard like others have mentioned it is "tougher" which in my eyes means the steel is more prone to chipping.

Also M390 has some chromium mixed in their for a "true mirror polish" if your into that sort of thing.

I believe as m390 is similar to an Elmax on steroids, and Elmax is one of the toughest pm steels, m390 should be very tough.

M390 seems happier taking a fine edge. S90 wants a toothy edge.

 

[archieblue]

I've used CPM 20CV a good bit on a Survive GSO 3.5 and an XM-18. I also have the CTS 204P Millie which sees very minimal use. It is a good steel fo sho. I sharpen on the Sharpmaker with diamond rods and the med brown stones. I rarely, if ever, use the fine stones. The last S90V knife I had was a CF Sprint run Military back in '08-'09. I also have the Fluted CF/S90V Native 5 headed my way!
I very much remember a "WOW" feeling using S90V back then over its remarkable edge holding. I was also VERY nervous about dulling and being a bear to sharpen so I touched it up daily on the Sharpmaker. I ended up selling it because I felt stuck treating it with kid gloves in fear of difficult to remove edge damage. CPM 20CV has never "wowed" me like that. It's just a good steel. Along side these knives, every step of the way, has been others in S30V and S35VN. I personally will take S35VN over all others. It hits the spot for every desirable aspect of blade steel like no other. It is my understanding that it is both tougher and more rust resistant than M390. I'm not 100% sure about the toughness part because I haven't pushed my knives into that role, but I have snorkled in the Atlantic/Indian ocean dozens of times with both steels and S35VN is practically rust-proof. I have opened several coconuts with each and have not noticed any edge deformation with either.

 

[Lyubomir Trayanov]

My vote is S90V. We have performed some tests with our Manly Peak S90V folder by cutting a 3/4" manila rope. After close to 400 cuts the S90V blade started showing some edge degradation and slightly tearing paper.

 

[Jhansenak47]

wow, the poll result is a lot more one sided than i thought it would be. I would be interested if some people would be willing to compare and contrast the use and maintenance of both steels.

In my experience M390 etc is much easier to deal with. It is easier to sharpen and has good edge retention. S90V tends to plateau to a good working edge and keeps it forever.
IMO S90V is great for a pocket knife that is sharpened occasionally, for everything else M390 etc.

 

[XtianAus]

I've used CPM 20CV a good bit on a Survive GSO 3.5 and an XM-18. I also have the CTS 204P Millie which sees very minimal use. It is a good steel fo sho. I sharpen on the Sharpmaker with diamond rods and the med brown stones. I rarely, if ever, use the fine stones. The last S90V knife I had was a CF Sprint run Military back in '08-'09. I also have the Fluted CF/S90V Native 5 headed my way!
I very much remember a "WOW" feeling using S90V back then over its remarkable edge holding. I was also VERY nervous about dulling and being a bear to sharpen so I touched it up daily on the Sharpmaker. I ended up selling it because I felt stuck treating it with kid gloves in fear of difficult to remove edge damage. CPM 20CV has never "wowed" me like that. It's just a good steel. Along side these knives, every step of the way, has been others in S30V and S35VN. I personally will take S35VN over all others. It hits the spot for every desirable aspect of blade steel like no other. It is my understanding that it is both tougher and more rust resistant than M390. I'm not 100% sure about the toughness part because I haven't pushed my knives into that role, but I have snorkled in the Atlantic/Indian ocean dozens of times with both steels and S35VN is practically rust-proof. I have opened several coconuts with each and have not noticed any edge deformation with either.

I think M390 is actually more rust resistant to be honest.
20% Chromium vs 15%