20CV vs M390 Knife Steel Comparison

Below is a comprehensive comparison of 20CV and M390 steels, two premium “super steels” often chosen by knife enthusiasts for their excellent blend of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall performance. Whether you collect knives, use them for everyday tasks, or rely on them in survival situations, this guide will help you understand how these steels compare and which might be better suited to your needs.

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1. INTRODUCTION TO 20CV AND M390

20CV (often referred to as CPM 20CV when produced by Crucible) and M390 (developed by Böhler-Uddeholm) are both powder metallurgy (PM) steels. This means they are created from finely powdered metal that is consolidated under high pressure and temperature, resulting in a uniform grain structure and high-quality carbide distribution.

• High Chromium and Vanadium: Both contain approximately 20% chromium and 4% vanadium, delivering excellent corrosion and wear resistance.
• Brand Origins: CPM 20CV is typically associated with U.S. manufacturers, while M390 is produced in Europe.

Because they share very similar chemical compositions, 20CV and M390 are often considered near-twins, with performance differences usually coming down to specific heat treatments or minor variations in manufacturing.

Note: If you’re looking for an equally similar steel, you might also encounter Carpenter CTS-204P, which fits into this same family of high-end PM stainless steels.

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2. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION & ALLOY ELEMENT EFFECTS

Despite coming from different manufacturers, the typical compositions for 20CV and M390 are almost identical. Approximate values are:

• Carbon (1.9%): Boosts hardness and edge retention.
• Chromium (20%): Provides stellar corrosion resistance and aids hardness (via chromium carbides).
• Vanadium (4%): Increases wear resistance and refines grain structure.
• Molybdenum (1%): Contributes to hardness, strength, and toughness.
• Tungsten (0.6%): Aids in wear resistance and high-temperature hardness.
• Manganese (0.3%): Helps with deoxidation during steelmaking and improves hardenability.
• Silicon (0.3%–0.7%): Adds to overall strength and assists in deoxidation.

These alloying elements, particularly the high chromium content (about 20%), ensure exceptional corrosion resistance. Meanwhile, the significant vanadium content creates vanadium carbides, which enhance wear resistance and keep the edge sharp for a long time.

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3. TYPICAL HARDNESS (ROCKWELL C) RANGES & PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Both 20CV and M390 are commonly hardened to around 59–62 HRC, with some specialized heat treatments pushing up to 62–63 HRC. Here's what that translates to:

• Excellent Edge Retention: Around 60–62 HRC, these steels will hold an edge for extended cutting sessions.
• Reasonable Toughness: Although not as tough as lower-alloy carbon steels, they’re durable enough for everyday cutting without frequent chipping.
• Sharpenability: A mid-range hardness (59–60 HRC) offers easier sharpening, but slightly less edge retention. Going higher improves edge holding at the expense of toughness.

In practical use, your preferred hardness may depend on the tasks involved. Harder blades resist dulling longer but can be more brittle; slightly softer blades are more forgiving if you accidentally hit harder materials.

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4. PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

Below are general performance ratings for both 20CV and M390. Actual results can vary with heat treatment, blade geometry, and the maker’s quality control.

• Corrosion Resistance: 9/10
• Toughness: 4/10
• Edge Retention: 7/10
• Ease of Sharpening: 5/10

Corrosion Resistance (9/10)

With around 20% chromium, both steels are top-tier stainless options. They’re well-suited for humid or even marine environments where rust or staining is a concern.

Toughness (4/10)

Neither steel is designed for high-impact tasks like batoning large logs or substantial prying. They do have enough toughness for routine EDC use, kitchen slicing, and light outdoor tasks.

Edge Retention (7/10)

One of their standout qualities is long-lasting sharpness. Whether you’re breaking down boxes, slicing up game in the field, or prepping vegetables, these steels will keep cutting for a significant time.

Ease of Sharpening (5/10)

Though not as easy to sharpen as lower-alloy steels (e.g., 154CM, VG-10), 20CV and M390 are more manageable than ultra high-carbide steels like S90V or Maxamet. Diamond or ceramic stones are recommended to maintain or reprofile these edges efficiently.

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5. IDEAL USES FOR 20CV AND M390

Because these steels are so similar, they excel in nearly identical roles:

• Everyday Carry (EDC): Perfect for pocket knives that see high-volume cutting. You’ll enjoy lasting sharpness and minimal rust concerns.
• Kitchen Knives: Excellent corrosion resistance is invaluable in a wet environment, and great edge retention means less frequent sharpening.
• Bushcraft and Outdoor: Adequate for moderate tasks like whittling, slicing, and cutting cordage. However, if you do heavy chopping, you might prefer tougher steels like CPM 3V or A2.
• Survival/Tactical: Good for scenarios where you may not sharpen frequently but still need a dependable stainless edge.

If you’re looking for a steel that balances premium performance (edge retention + corrosion resistance) without the brittleness sometimes associated with harder materials, both 20CV and M390 fit the bill beautifully.

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6. SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON TABLE

Below is a concise overview of key properties. As you’ll see, they’re nearly identical:

	20CV	M390
Typical HRC Range	59–62	59–62
Corrosion Resistance	9/10	9/10
Toughness	4/10	4/10
Edge Retention	7/10	7/10
Ease of Sharpening	5/10	5/10
Composition	Very similar; near-	Almost identical;
	mirror matches	near "twin" to 20CV
Ideal Uses	EDC, Kitchen,	EDC, Kitchen,
	Light Bushcraft	Light Bushcraft

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7. HEAT-TREATMENT NUANCES & FORGING

Both 20CV and M390 require precise heat treatment for optimal performance. As high-carbide, powder-metallurgy steels, the following steps are typically taken during heat-treating:

1. Preheating/Normalizing: Helps relieve internal stresses before the critical austenitizing phase.
2. Austenitizing: Typically in the range of 2100–2150°F (1148–1177°C), depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. Cryogenic Quench: Sub-zero treatments are often applied to convert retained austenite into martensite.
4. Multiple Tempering Cycles: Balances hardness, toughness, and stress relief.

Owing to their high carbide volume, these steels are more commonly processed via stock removal rather than forging. Mistakes in temperature control or quench timing can lead to warping, cracking, or subpar performance, so professional heat-treat services or strictly controlled in-house processes are preferred by many makers.

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8. PATINA FORMATION & PROTECTIVE COATINGS

Because both steels are classified as true stainless (approximately 20% chromium), they:

• Will Not Form a Patina: You won’t see the gray or blue patina typical of carbon steels (such as 1095 or O1).
• Rarely Require Protective Coatings: Although some knives may have Cerakote or DLC coatings for aesthetic or extra scratch resistance, these coatings aren’t essential to prevent rust.

If you love the look of a natural patina, you’ll need to use a non-stainless steel. However, if the convenience of highly stainless properties is a priority, 20CV and M390 are superb choices.

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9. EASE OF MAINTENANCE, COST & AVAILABILITY

Maintenance

• A simple wipe-down after use is generally enough.
• In saltwater or high-humidity environments, occasional oiling or a corrosion inhibitor can be helpful.
• Diamond or ceramic stones are recommended for sharpening due to the hardness of the carbides in these steels.

Cost

• Being premium steels, both increase a knife’s price.
• The difference in cost between 20CV and M390 is often negligible; brand reputation and supply chain factors typically play a bigger role in final retail pricing.

Availability

• M390: Commonly seen in European and global knife brands.
• CPM 20CV: Widely used by U.S. knife makers.
• CTS-204P: A similar steel from Carpenter, commonly found in some U.S.-made and custom knives.

Because they’re so prevalent in mid-range to high-end production, you won’t have too much trouble finding quality knives in either steel.

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10. PROS AND CONS OF EACH STEEL

20CV

• Pros:
  • Outstanding edge retention (7/10) and corrosion resistance (9/10).
  • Strongly represented in U.S.-made knives.
  • Great balance for EDC tasks.
• Cons:
  • Similar to M390 in cost and sharpening difficulty.
  • Only moderate toughness (4/10), limiting very heavy or abusive tasks.

M390

• Pros:
  • Highly regarded worldwide for its wear resistance and rust prevention.
  • Equally excellent at maintaining a shaving-sharp edge over prolonged use.
  • Commonly available in various premium knife brands.
• Cons:
  • Like 20CV, more difficult to sharpen than simpler stainless steels.
  • Not the best for continuous prying or aggressive batoning (limited toughness).

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11. RECOMMENDATIONS & FINAL TAKEAWAYS

Overall, 20CV and M390 are functionally siblings. They’re so similar that any real-world difference often comes down to:

1. Specific Blade Geometry: Thicker or thinner edges can emphasize either durability or slicing performance.
2. Manufacturer’s Heat Treat: Expert heat-treat methods can coax out marginal gains in toughness or hardness.
3. Brand/Availability: Some models are offered only in one steel.
4. Your Actual Cutting Needs: If you need extreme toughness for prying or repeated impact, consider tool steels like CPM 3V or A2.

When to Choose 20CV/M390

• EDC: You’ll appreciate the excellent edge holding and rust resistance in daily tasks.
• Kitchen: Less time on maintenance, more time slicing and chopping.
• Outdoor Light Duty: Perfect for whittling, cordage cutting, and general field tasks if heavy impacts aren’t frequent.
• Collectibility: Both have “premium steel” credentials that seasoned knife enthusiasts often seek.

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CONCLUSION

If you’re searching for a top-tier stainless knife steel, you can’t go wrong with either 20CV or M390. Their nearly identical compositions and performance profiles make them some of the most coveted “super steels” on the market. From everyday carry to fine kitchen cutlery, they effortlessly blend:

• Outstanding Corrosion Resistance
• Impressive Edge Retention
• Moderate Sharpening Difficulty

Ultimately, the choice may come down to which specific knife model appeals to you, which brand’s heat treatment you trust, or minor variations in handle design and geometry. Whatever you decide, you’ll be getting a blade that stands at the forefront of modern metallurgy—ready to serve you reliably and hold its own in any premium knife collection.