M390 vs S90V Comparison: The Ultimate Guide for EDC, Hunting & Outdoor Knives
An Independent Guide
Choosing a premium knife involves more than selecting the right blade shape or handle material. The steel itself determines how long the edge stays sharp, how well the blade resists corrosion, how difficult it is to sharpen, and how reliably it performs under demanding conditions.
Among modern powder metallurgy steels, M390 and S90V are widely recognized as two of the finest choices for premium folding knives, hunting knives, outdoor blades, and custom designs. Both belong to the highest tier of stainless knife steels and offer exceptional performance, but they achieve it in different ways.
M390 is known for its excellent balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance, making it one of the most popular premium steels for everyday carry (EDC). S90V, on the other hand, pushes wear resistance even further through an extremely high concentration of vanadium carbides, resulting in phenomenal edge retention for users who demand maximum cutting longevity.
Because both steels perform at such a high level, choosing between them can be challenging. Is S90V’s extraordinary edge retention worth the additional sharpening effort? Does M390’s balanced performance make it the better all-around steel? Which one is better for EDC, hunting, bushcraft, or kitchen use?
This in-depth M390 vs S90V guide answers those questions by comparing every important characteristic, including chemical composition, hardness, wear resistance, toughness, corrosion resistance, sharpening, heat treatment, and real-world performance.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which steel best fits your cutting needs.
Quick Comparison Table
| Property | M390 | S90V | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tie |
| Edge Retention | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | S90V |
| Wear Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | S90V |
| Toughness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | M390 |
| Corrosion Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | M390 |
| Sharpening Ease | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | M390 |
| Everyday Carry | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tie |
| Hunting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | M390 |
| Bushcraft | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | M390 |
| Kitchen Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | M390 |
Quick Summary
Choose M390 if you want:
- Better overall balance
- Easier sharpening
- Higher toughness
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- A premium all-purpose knife steel
Choose S90V if you want:
- Maximum edge retention
- Exceptional wear resistance
- Long cutting sessions
- Outstanding slicing performance
- Minimal sharpening frequency
Steel Overview
Although both steels belong to the premium stainless powder metallurgy category, they were developed with different priorities.
M390 was engineered to combine excellent wear resistance with outstanding corrosion resistance and practical toughness. It has become one of the most popular steels for premium everyday carry knives because it performs exceptionally well in nearly every category.
S90V follows a different philosophy. Its alloy composition emphasizes extremely high wear resistance and edge retention by using a larger amount of vanadium. The result is one of the longest-lasting cutting edges available in stainless knife steels.
This difference explains why the M390 vs S90V debate remains one of the most common discussions among knife enthusiasts.
What Is M390?
M390 is a premium stainless powder metallurgy steel originally designed for applications requiring excellent wear resistance, high hardness, and exceptional corrosion protection.
Its combination of performance characteristics quickly made it one of the world’s most respected knife steels.
Today, M390 is widely used for:
- Everyday carry knives
- Premium folding knives
- Hunting knives
- Outdoor knives
- Kitchen knives
- Custom knives
Its biggest strengths include:
- Outstanding edge retention
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- High hardness
- Fine carbide structure
- Superior wear resistance
- Excellent polishability
Because it performs well across nearly every category, many knife enthusiasts consider M390 one of the most balanced premium stainless steels available.
Check Our Guide M390 Steel Review
What Is S90V?
S90V is a premium stainless powder metallurgy steel specifically designed to maximize wear resistance and edge retention.
Its defining characteristic is an extremely high concentration of vanadium carbides.
These carbides are among the hardest particles found in knife steels and significantly increase resistance to abrasion.
As a result, S90V is frequently chosen for:
- Premium EDC knives
- High-performance folding knives
- Professional cutting tools
- Collection-quality knives
- Heavy cardboard cutting
- Industrial cutting applications
Its greatest strengths include:
- Incredible edge retention
- Outstanding wear resistance
- Excellent slicing performance
- High hardness
- Very fine cutting ability
Many enthusiasts consider S90V one of the ultimate steels for users who prioritize long-lasting sharpness above everything else.
Check Our Guide CPM S90V Steel Review
Powder Metallurgy: Why It Makes a Difference
One reason both steels perform so well is the manufacturing process.
Instead of casting molten steel into large ingots, powder metallurgy transforms molten steel into microscopic powder particles.
These particles are compressed under high pressure and temperature to create an exceptionally fine and uniform microstructure.
Advantages include:
- Smaller carbides
- Better edge stability
- Improved wear resistance
- Higher toughness
- More consistent heat treatment
- Cleaner microstructure
- Better overall cutting performance
Compared with conventionally produced stainless steels, powder metallurgy enables significantly higher performance without sacrificing reliability.
Check Our Guide Powder Steels for Kitchen Knives
Chemical Composition
Although both steels are premium stainless alloys, their chemical compositions reveal different priorities.
| Element | M390 | S90V |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 1.90% | 2.30% |
| Chromium | 20.0% | 14.0% |
| Vanadium | 4.0% | 9.0% |
| Molybdenum | 1.0% | 1.0% |
| Tungsten | 0.6% | — |
The most obvious difference is vanadium.
S90V contains more than twice as much vanadium as M390.
This single difference dramatically influences wear resistance, sharpening difficulty, and cutting longevity.
Understanding the Alloy Elements
Carbon
Carbon increases hardness and contributes to carbide formation.
M390
Approximately 1.90% carbon provides excellent hardness while maintaining balanced toughness.
S90V
With roughly 2.30% carbon, S90V produces even more carbides, increasing wear resistance and edge retention.
Chromium
Chromium improves corrosion resistance and stainless performance.
M390
About 20% chromium gives M390 outstanding protection against rust and staining.
S90V
Approximately 14% chromium still qualifies as stainless but provides slightly less corrosion resistance than M390.
Vanadium
Vanadium forms extremely hard carbides that dramatically improve wear resistance.
M390
Around 4% vanadium creates excellent abrasion resistance.
S90V
With approximately 9% vanadium, S90V becomes one of the most wear-resistant stainless knife steels available.
This enormous carbide volume explains its legendary edge retention.
Molybdenum
Both steels contain approximately 1% molybdenum, helping improve:
- Corrosion resistance
- Hardness
- High-temperature stability
- Overall durability
Tungsten
M390 includes a small amount of tungsten.
This contributes slightly to wear resistance and improves stability during heat treatment.
Hardness (HRC)
Hardness plays a major role in determining cutting performance and edge retention.
Typical production hardness:
| Steel | Hardness |
|---|---|
| M390 | 60–62 HRC |
| S90V | 60–62 HRC |
Premium heat treatments commonly achieve:
- M390: 63–64 HRC
- S90V: 62–64 HRC
Both steels can reach very high hardness while maintaining excellent edge stability.
Winner: Tie
Check Our Guide Carbon Steel Myths: The Complete Truth for Knife Buyers
Edge Retention
Edge retention measures how long a knife remains sharp during cutting.
This category is where S90V truly excels.
M390
M390 already ranks among the best stainless steels for long-lasting sharpness.
Advantages include:
- Excellent slicing ability
- Outstanding abrasion resistance
- Long sharpening intervals
- Reliable cutting performance
Most users will find M390 stays sharp significantly longer than traditional stainless steels.
S90V
S90V takes edge retention to another level.
Its extremely high concentration of vanadium carbides allows the edge to continue cutting long after many other premium steels begin losing sharpness.
Advantages include:
- Exceptional cutting longevity
- Incredible abrasion resistance
- Outstanding slicing performance
- Ideal for heavy cardboard, rope, and fiber cutting
For users who prioritize maximum edge life, S90V is one of the very best choices available.
Winner: S90V
Wear Resistance
Wear resistance measures how well a blade withstands abrasion during repeated cutting.
Common abrasive materials include:
- Cardboard
- Rope
- Plastic
- Carpet
- Leather
- Synthetic fibers
M390
M390 provides outstanding wear resistance thanks to its balanced carbide structure.
It performs exceptionally well during prolonged cutting sessions while remaining relatively practical to sharpen.
S90V
S90V is widely regarded as one of the highest wear-resistant stainless knife steels ever produced.
Its large volume of vanadium carbides significantly slows edge wear during abrasive cutting.
Users who spend hours breaking down cardboard or cutting synthetic materials often notice that S90V maintains peak performance noticeably longer than M390.
Winner: S90V
Toughness
Toughness measures resistance to chipping, cracking, and breaking during demanding use.
M390
Despite its excellent wear resistance, M390 retains respectable toughness.
Advantages include:
- Good edge stability
- Better resistance to chipping
- More forgiving during lateral stress
- Reliable all-around performance
S90V
Because S90V contains such a high volume of hard carbides, it sacrifices some toughness.
While perfectly suitable for normal cutting, it is somewhat more susceptible to edge chipping under heavy impact or twisting forces.
Proper edge geometry and heat treatment become especially important.
Winner: M390
Corrosion Resistance
Both steels belong to the premium stainless category and resist rust extremely well.
M390
With approximately 20% chromium, M390 provides exceptional corrosion resistance.
It performs excellently in:
- Everyday carry
- Food preparation
- Humid climates
- Coastal environments
- Outdoor use
S90V
S90V also offers excellent corrosion resistance.
Although its chromium content is lower than M390, it still performs very well with routine maintenance.
For most users, rust is unlikely to be an issue if the blade is cleaned and dried after use.
Winner: M390
Sharpening
Even the best knife steel eventually requires sharpening. The amount of time and effort needed depends largely on wear resistance and carbide content.
One of the biggest practical differences in the M390 vs S90V debate is how each steel responds to sharpening.
Sharpening M390
Although M390 is considered a high wear-resistant steel, it remains relatively manageable to sharpen compared to ultra-high vanadium steels.
Advantages
- Produces an extremely refined edge
- Takes a very sharp polish
- Responds well to diamond and ceramic stones
- Easier to maintain than S90V
Challenges
- Requires more effort than mid-range stainless steels
- Diamond stones are recommended for faster sharpening
Fortunately, M390 holds its edge so well that sharpening sessions are relatively infrequent.
Sharpening S90V
S90V is famous for extraordinary edge retention—but that performance comes with a cost.
Its extremely high vanadium carbide content makes it one of the most challenging stainless knife steels to sharpen.
Advantages
- Exceptional edge durability
- Excellent polished edge
- Extremely long intervals between sharpening
Challenges
- Slow material removal
- Diamond or CBN stones strongly recommended
- Requires patience and good sharpening technique
- Less forgiving for beginners
Many users find S90V worth the extra sharpening effort because it needs maintenance far less often.
Sharpening Comparison
| Category | M390 | S90V | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpening Speed | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | M390 |
| Beginner Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | M390 |
| Edge Refinement | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tie |
| Maintenance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | M390 |
For users who sharpen their own knives regularly, M390 provides a noticeably easier maintenance experience.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is just as important as the steel itself.
A properly heat-treated blade can outperform a poorly treated blade made from a more expensive steel.
Always choose knives from manufacturers or custom makers known for consistent heat treatment.
Check Our Guide Cryogenic Treatment Explained
Typical M390 Hardness
Production knives:
60–62 HRC
Premium heat treatment:
63–64 HRC
Benefits include:
- Excellent wear resistance
- Outstanding edge stability
- High corrosion resistance
- Reliable cutting performance
Typical S90V Hardness
Production knives:
60–62 HRC
Premium heat treatment:
62–64 HRC
Benefits include:
- Maximum wear resistance
- Outstanding edge retention
- Stable cutting performance
- Long service life
Both steels respond exceptionally well to quality heat treatment.
Real-World Performance
Laboratory testing provides valuable information, but real-world cutting performance is what truly matters.
Let’s examine how these steels perform during common knife tasks.
Everyday Carry (EDC)
Most everyday carry knives are used for:
- Opening packages
- Cardboard
- Rope
- Plastic
- Food
- Utility cutting
M390 for EDC
M390 has become one of the most respected EDC steels because of its excellent balance.
Advantages include:
- Outstanding edge retention
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Easier sharpening
- Reliable toughness
- Long cutting life
For most EDC users, M390 delivers nearly ideal performance.
S90V for EDC
S90V excels when edge retention is the highest priority.
Advantages include:
- Incredible slicing endurance
- Outstanding abrasion resistance
- Extremely long-lasting edge
However, users should remember that sharpening requires more time.
Winner: Tie
Hunting
Hunting knives require:
- Sharp edges
- Corrosion resistance
- Toughness
- Reliable field performance
M390
M390 performs exceptionally well for:
- Skinning
- Caping
- Meat processing
- Food preparation
Its balanced toughness helps reduce the risk of edge damage around joints and bone.
Check Our Guide Best Hunting Knife Features Explained
S90V
S90V’s exceptional edge retention makes it attractive for processing large animals.
However, its lower toughness means users should avoid unnecessary twisting or lateral stress.
Winner: M390
Bushcraft & Outdoor Use
Bushcraft knives experience repeated impacts through:
- Feather sticking
- Carving
- Fire preparation
- Camp chores
- Food preparation
M390
M390 performs reliably during moderate outdoor use.
Advantages include:
- Better toughness
- More forgiving edge
- Excellent corrosion resistance
S90V
S90V is capable of outdoor work but is optimized primarily for slicing rather than repeated impact.
Heavy batoning or aggressive carving places greater stress on its high-carbide edge.
Winner: M390
Kitchen Use
Kitchen knives require:
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Fine cutting ability
- Long edge life
- Easy cleaning
M390
M390 performs beautifully in the kitchen.
Advantages include:
- Excellent stain resistance
- Smooth slicing
- Long-lasting edge
- Easy maintenance
S90V
S90V also performs exceptionally well.
Advantages include:
- Incredible edge retention
- Outstanding slicing
- Excellent wear resistance
Professional chefs who sharpen infrequently often appreciate S90V’s extremely long-lasting edge.
Winner: Tie
Wet & Humid Environments
Both steels perform very well around moisture.
M390
Excellent resistance to:
- Rain
- Humidity
- Coastal climates
- Food acids
S90V
Also provides excellent stainless performance.
Although slightly behind M390 in corrosion resistance, the difference is relatively small during normal use.
Winner: M390
Best Uses
Choose M390 For
- Everyday carry
- Hunting
- Outdoor knives
- Utility work
- Kitchen knives
- General-purpose folders
- Users who sharpen at home
Choose S90V For
- Long cutting sessions
- Cardboard processing
- Rope cutting
- Collection-quality folders
- Heavy slicing tasks
- Users who prioritize maximum edge retention
Pros & Cons
M390 Pros
- Outstanding edge retention
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Better toughness
- Easier sharpening
- Excellent balance
- Great all-around performance
M390 Cons
- More difficult to sharpen than mid-range steels
- Premium price
- Slightly lower wear resistance than S90V
S90V Pros
- Exceptional edge retention
- Extremely high wear resistance
- Outstanding slicing ability
- Excellent stainless performance
- Long intervals between sharpening
S90V Cons
- Difficult to sharpen
- Lower toughness
- More prone to edge chipping under abusive use
- Premium price
Performance Scorecard
| Property | M390 | S90V |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Edge Retention | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Wear Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Toughness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Corrosion Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Sharpening | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ |
| Hunting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Bushcraft | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Kitchen | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Everyday Carry | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Which Steel Should You Choose?
There is no universal winner.
Both steels belong among the finest powder metallurgy knife steels available today, but each excels in different situations.
Your ideal choice depends on how you use your knife.
Choose M390 If…
M390 is an excellent choice for users seeking a premium all-around knife steel.
Choose M390 if you:
- Want excellent edge retention without sacrificing toughness
- Prefer easier sharpening than ultra-high wear-resistant steels
- Frequently use your knife for everyday carry
- Need excellent corrosion resistance
- Want one steel that performs well in almost every application
- Use your knife for hunting, camping, food preparation, and utility tasks
- Value balanced performance over maximum edge retention
M390 is often the better choice for users who own only one premium knife because it performs exceptionally well across a wide range of cutting tasks.
Choose S90V If…
S90V is ideal for users who prioritize edge retention above everything else.
Choose S90V if you:
- Cut large amounts of cardboard or rope
- Want the longest possible edge life
- Don’t mind spending more time sharpening
- Appreciate premium slicing performance
- Mainly perform slicing rather than heavy-impact work
- Prefer sharpening less often
For users whose primary goal is maximum cutting longevity, S90V remains one of the very best stainless knife steels available.
Best Steel by Application
Everyday Carry (EDC)
Both steels excel for everyday carry.
Choose:
🏆 Tie
M390 offers easier maintenance and better toughness.
S90V offers longer edge life.
Either steel makes an outstanding EDC knife.
Hunting
A hunting knife requires:
- Excellent edge retention
- Toughness
- Corrosion resistance
- Easy maintenance
Winner:
🏆 M390
Its additional toughness provides greater confidence during field dressing and processing game.
Bushcraft & Camping
Bushcraft places greater stress on knife edges than normal everyday cutting.
Winner:
🏆 M390
Better toughness makes it more forgiving during carving, feather sticking, and demanding outdoor tasks.
Kitchen Knives
Both steels perform exceptionally well in food preparation.
Winner:
🤝 Tie
Both provide:
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Outstanding slicing performance
- Long edge life
- Easy cleaning
Heavy Cardboard Cutting
Breaking down boxes is extremely abrasive.
Winner:
🏆 S90V
Its enormous wear resistance allows it to maintain sharpness longer than almost any other stainless knife steel.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which steel holds an edge longer?
S90V generally provides longer edge retention due to its extremely high vanadium carbide content.
2. Is M390 tougher than S90V?
Yes.
M390 offers better toughness and greater resistance to edge chipping during hard use.
3. Which steel is easier to sharpen?
M390.
Its lower carbide volume makes sharpening noticeably easier than S90V.
4. Is S90V worth the extra sharpening effort?
For users who prioritize maximum edge retention, absolutely.
Many owners sharpen S90V far less frequently than other premium steels.
5. Which steel is better for beginners?
M390.
It provides excellent performance while being easier to maintain.
6. Which steel is better for hunting?
M390 is generally preferred because of its improved toughness and balanced performance.
7. Which steel is better for bushcraft?
M390.
Its greater resistance to chipping makes it more suitable for demanding outdoor tasks.
8. Which steel has better corrosion resistance?
Both steels resist rust very well, but M390 has a slight advantage due to its higher chromium content.
9. Can both steels be used in the kitchen?
Yes.
Both perform exceptionally well for food preparation and resist staining with normal care.
10. Which steel offers the best overall value?
That depends on your priorities.
If maximum edge retention is your goal, S90V offers outstanding value.
If you prefer the best balance of toughness, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance, M390 is usually the better investment.
11. Which steel is better for everyday carry?
Both perform exceptionally well.
Choose M390 if you prefer balanced performance.
Choose S90V if maximum edge retention is more important than sharpening convenience.
12. Is the difference noticeable in everyday use?
For casual users, both steels perform at an extremely high level.
Heavy users who frequently cut abrasive materials are more likely to notice S90V’s superior edge retention, while outdoor users may appreciate M390’s added toughness.
Final Comparison Table
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Hardness | 🤝 Tie |
| Edge Retention | 🏆 S90V |
| Wear Resistance | 🏆 S90V |
| Toughness | 🏆 M390 |
| Corrosion Resistance | 🏆 M390 |
| Sharpening | 🏆 M390 |
| Everyday Carry | 🤝 Tie |
| Hunting | 🏆 M390 |
| Bushcraft | 🏆 M390 |
| Kitchen | 🤝 Tie |
| Heavy Cardboard Cutting | 🏆 S90V |
Final Verdict
The M390 vs S90V comparison highlights two of the most capable premium stainless knife steels available today. Both deliver exceptional performance, but they are designed with different priorities and excel in different types of cutting tasks.
M390 stands out as one of the best-balanced premium knife steels on the market. It combines excellent edge retention, outstanding corrosion resistance, good toughness, and easier sharpening than many ultra-high wear-resistant steels. These qualities make it an outstanding choice for everyday carry, hunting, outdoor use, food preparation, and users who want one knife capable of handling almost any task.
S90V, on the other hand, is engineered for exceptional edge retention and wear resistance. Thanks to its extremely high vanadium carbide content, it remains sharp through prolonged cutting sessions and excels when working with abrasive materials such as cardboard, rope, leather, and synthetic fibers. The trade-off is that it requires more time and effort to sharpen and is somewhat less forgiving during heavy-impact tasks.
If your priority is maximum edge retention with the fewest sharpening sessions, S90V is one of the best stainless knife steels available.
If you prefer the best balance of edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance, M390 remains one of the strongest all-around choices for premium knives.
Ultimately, there is no single winner in the M390 vs S90V comparison. Both steels represent the highest level of modern powder metallurgy technology, and either will provide years of outstanding performance when paired with quality heat treatment, proper blade geometry, and regular maintenance.
This article is for independent informational purposes only and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any steel manufacturer. All product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.