ZT0562CF M390 value

kent_michaels

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is the M390 worth a lot more than the 204p or the 20CV version. I only ask because one on the big auction site just sold for $326 which seems nuts to me.
 
I wouldn't pay anything more than what I would pay for the 204p version. It's a production knife wearing the exact same steel with a different name. That's just me.

A collector may disagree, however, I'd imagine it would carry a 25% mark up over retail. I see regular 0562s going for around $175, therefore, I see the rarer variant going for $200-225.

$326 seems outlandish.
 
I've had both. I like the 204P better, for what that's worth. I really don't understand why the M390 would cost more.
 
I have heard some people claiming the m390 version is worth more, so there are atleast some people out there who believe it is worth more.
 
It may be priced higher at the secondary market only because KAI switched from M390 to 204p and 20cv, i.e., M390 ZT 0562cf is no longer at dealers. It has nothing to do with m390 being better than the latter two steels (which is not true).
 
M390 is not discontinued, zt just doesnt have availability of it. Benchmade is getting the majority of m390 as they have an agreement between the manufacturer. So zt have chosen to use a usa steel 20cv.

The m390 versions are not more expensive and people who raise the price of sorts are only collectors collecting what is not being made anymore.

All three steels are exactly the same and only differ in the heat treatment. Of which 20cv is at 62hrc and m390 at 60-61 from zt. It would be my opinion that the 20cv is better in that regard. Though the higher the HRC the lower the toughness. If that makes sense to you.
 
I know this is apples to oranges but from my experience, ZT 20cv seems to take more time to sharpen than Benchmade m390.
 
I know this is apples to oranges but from my experience, ZT 20cv seems to take more time to sharpen than Benchmade m390.

The same steel will have different properties depending on the heat treatment. Benchmade is not exactly known for having on-point heat treatments on their higher-tier blade steels.

20CV, M390, 204P - all basically identical. The reason M390 0562s took a price jump was because they were discontinued after a comparatively short run. The scarcity makes them more valuable to people who collect, but, to a user, there is no difference.
 
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If the 0562CF M390 is BNIB it has a mild collector's value tied to it, but if it is used then it's worth what a normal used 0562CF is. For use, M390, 20CV, and 204P are virtually identical both in composition and properties (20CV is rumored to have slightly worse carbide distribution, but I can't tell a lick of difference outside of difference in geometry between knives) so M390 only has the collector's value from being an unintentional limited run.
 
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