New.Knife.Day

Home Categories Steel Comparisons Steels

100

POINTS

1 ROLL

Elmax vs M390 Knife Steel Comparison

Elmax vs. M390: A Comprehensive Comparison for Knife Enthusiasts

If you’re a knife collector or an enthusiast looking for a high-performance stainless steel blade, chances are you’ve come across Elmax and M390. Both are premium “super steels” that leverage powder metallurgy to provide an excellent combination of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall durability. This article offers a comprehensive comparison of Elmax vs. M390, diving into their chemical compositions, typical hardness ranges, heat treat nuances, and real-world usability.

1. Introduction to Elmax

Elmax is a powder metallurgy stainless steel produced by Bohler-Uddeholm. Known for its well-balanced properties, it offers:

• Chemical Composition:
– Carbon (C): ~1.7%
– Chromium (Cr): ~18%
– Manganese (Mn): ~0.3%
– Molybdenum (Mo): ~1%
– Silicon (Si): ~0.8%
– Vanadium (V): ~3%

• Typical Hardness Range (HRC):
Generally, Elmax can be heat-treated to around 59–61 HRC, though some makers may push it slightly higher (up to ~62 HRC in certain custom applications).

• Key Performance Characteristics:
– Corrosion Resistance: Very good (stainless category)
– Toughness: Fair toughness, making it resilient enough for many cutting tasks without being overly brittle
– Edge Retention: Good (it keeps a fine edge for a respectable amount of time)
– Ease of Sharpening: Good; easier to sharpen than some other high-end stainless steels

2. Introduction to M390

M390, also manufactured by Bohler-Uddeholm, is widely regarded as one of the best steels for premium knives thanks to its excellent wear resistance and stainless properties. It is closely related to CPM 20CV (Crucible) and CTS-204P (Carpenter), which are near-equivalents in composition and performance.

• Chemical Composition:
– Carbon (C): ~1.9%
– Chromium (Cr): ~20%
– Manganese (Mn): ~0.3%
– Molybdenum (Mo): ~1%
– Silicon (Si): ~0.7%
– Tungsten (W): ~0.6%
– Vanadium (V): ~4%

• Typical Hardness Range (HRC):
Commonly hardened to around 60–62 HRC, though some heat treatments can push it even higher (occasionally ~63 HRC).

• Key Performance Characteristics:
– Corrosion Resistance: Excellent (often considered top-tier among stainless steels)
– Toughness: Fair—enough to handle general tasks but with less shock resistance than some tool steels
– Edge Retention: Very good (retains a razor-sharp edge for a long period)
– Ease of Sharpening: Good, though slightly more challenging to sharpen than simpler stainless steels (like 440 or VG-10)

3. Detailed Alloy Element Effects

Understanding how each element in these steels contributes to performance is useful for grasping why they behave the way they do:

• Carbon (C):
– In both Elmax and M390, carbon is relatively high (1.7% for Elmax, 1.9% for M390). Higher carbon improves hardness and edge retention.

• Chromium (Cr):
– Both are stainless steels, with Elmax at ~18% chromium and M390 at ~20%. Chromium increases corrosion resistance and contributes to hardenability.

• Vanadium (V):
– Elmax has ~3% vanadium, while M390 features ~4%. Vanadium forms very hard carbides that dramatically increase wear resistance and edge retention.

• Molybdenum (Mo):
– Both use around 1% Mo, which enhances toughness, machinability, and pitting resistance.

• Silicon (Si) and Manganese (Mn):
– Present in moderate amounts in both steels, mainly to improve deoxidation during manufacturing and add some toughness and hardness.

• Tungsten (W) in M390:
– M390 includes ~0.6% tungsten, adding extra wear resistance and hardness at high temperatures.

Overall, both steels bank on a complex matrix of elements that balance hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance.

4. Heat-Treatment Nuances and Forging

• Elmax:
– Elmax is a powdered metallurgy steel that benefits from precise heat-treatment protocols. It typically has a recommended tempering range that allows fine-tuning hardness versus toughness.
– Warping or cracking risk is relatively low if the steel is handled by experienced professionals. As with any high-end steel, cryogenic (sub-zero) treatments may be used to optimize the carbide structure.
– Different knife manufacturers may adjust tempering temperatures or aim for slightly varied hardness levels to suit specific needs.

• M390:
– M390 also benefits from cryogenic treatment to maximize wear resistance by transforming more austenite into martensite.
– Both steels are primarily stock-removal steels rather than steels that require extensive forging cycles. Knifemakers generally report minimal warping with prudent heat-treating. Careful normalizing cycles are still recommended, though these steels are rarely hammered into shape like traditional carbon steels.
– Similarly, various makers may go for a slightly higher HRC in specialized runs, optimizing for edge retention over toughness.

5. Typical Hardness (Rockwell C) Ranges and Practical Implication

• Elmax: ~59–61 HRC
– At this hardness, Elmax achieves a good balance between edge retention and toughness, making it suitable for everyday use, bushcraft, and general outdoor knives.

• M390: ~60–62 HRC
– M390 often reaches slightly higher hardness levels than Elmax while maintaining superb corrosion resistance. This translates to longer edge life, although sharpening may require more specialized abrasives (e.g., diamond or CBN stones).

In practice, you’ll often see production knives from major brands with Elmax in the 59–60 HRC range and M390 in the 60–62 HRC range. Custom knifemakers might tweak these numbers based on specific usage needs or brand philosophies.

6. Patina Formation and Protective Coatings

• Patina Formation:
– Elmax and M390 are both stainless steels with high chromium contents. As such, they do not readily form patinas like traditional carbon steels (e.g., 1095, O1).
– Minor discoloration is possible if subjected to very harsh conditions—particularly chemicals or extremely salty environments—but in normal knife usage, patina formation is rare.

• Protective Coatings:
– Both steels offer enough corrosion resistance that specialized protective coatings (like DLC or Cerakote) are often optional rather than necessary. Some makers do apply coatings for aesthetic reasons or additional surface hardness, but from a corrosion standpoint, it’s not typically needed.

7. Side-by-Side Comparison: Elmax vs. M390

Below is a quick reference comparison table:

Property	Elmax	M390
Corrosion Resistance	Very Good	Excellent
Toughness	Fair	Fair
Edge Retention	Good	Very Good
Ease of Sharpening	Good	Good
Typical HRC Range	~59–61	~60–62
Alloy Composition	C:1.7, Cr:18,	C:1.9, Cr:20,
(Main Elements)	V:3, Mo:1, Si:0.8	V:4, Mo:1, W:0.6

8. Real-World Scenarios

• Bushcraft:
– Elmax: Its fair toughness and good corrosion resistance handle outdoor conditions well. If you need a blade that’s easier to resharpen around camp, Elmax is a solid choice.
– M390: Holds an edge longer, making it great for extended trips. However, resharpening in the field might be slightly more challenging without proper equipment.

• EDC (Everyday Carry):
– Both steels shine for EDC. M390’s higher corrosion resistance and longer-lasting edge can be a big draw for users who are less inclined to sharpen frequently.
– Elmax’s balance of properties and good ease of sharpening suits users who occasionally need to touch up the blade.

• Kitchen Use:
– M390: Excellent corrosion resistance makes it a top performer in wet or acidic food prep environments.
– Elmax: Also highly resistant to rusting in normal kitchen conditions and is a bit simpler to sharpen if you do a lot of quick touch-ups.

• Survival or Tactical:
– Both steels can handle survival tasks, but if you anticipate extremely harsh environments or want maximum edge retention, M390 has a slight advantage.
– Elmax’s good toughness and simpler sharpening demands can be advantageous if your environment requires repeated edge maintenance without specialized tools.

9. Ease of Sharpening and Wear Resistance

• Elmax:
– Known for a good balance of abrasion resistance without being overly difficult to sharpen. Diamond stones or quality water stones will tackle Elmax well, and a strop can maintain the edge effectively.

• M390:
– Has very high wear resistance thanks to the higher vanadium content and tungsten. Still considered “good” in terms of sharpenability, especially compared to ultra-high-vanadium steels like CPM S90V or Maxamet.
– You may need diamond or CBN abrasives for the best results, as these stones reduce sharpening time and ensure a proper edge.

10. Cost and Availability

• Pricing:
– Both Elmax and M390 are premium steels, commanding higher prices compared to mid-range steels like VG-10, 154CM, or D2.
– M390 has become very popular in the knife industry (used by brands like Benchmade, Zero Tolerance, and many custom makers), so it may appear slightly more frequently in production knives. Elmax still appears in high-end customs and small-batch production runs.

• Availability:
– M390’s reputation for top-tier performance has driven widespread adoption, so you can find many knives from both large manufacturers and custom shops using it.
– Elmax is somewhat less ubiquitous but still commonly found in premium knives, especially in certain European-made blades or boutique knife brands.

11. Pros and Cons at a Glance

Elmax

Pros:
1. Very good corrosion resistance
2. Good edge retention
3. Fair toughness
4. Easier to sharpen compared to some super steels
Cons:
1. Still premium-priced
2. Slightly lower wear resistance than M390

M390

Pros:
1. Excellent corrosion resistance
2. Very good edge retention
3. Fair toughness
4. Widely used and recognized for high performance
Cons:
1. Premium price tag
2. Slightly more challenging to sharpen than simpler stainless steels

12. Ideal Uses and Why Someone Would Pick Each

• Elmax:
– Ideal for users who want a well-rounded super steel that’s still comparatively user-friendly to sharpen. Great for EDC, bushcraft, and kitchen tasks where you want a combination of decent toughness, stainless properties, and maintainability.

• M390:
– Suited for those who value the longest edge life with outstanding corrosion resistance. Perfect for extended outdoor trips, everyday carry in high-humidity regions, or professional kitchen environments where frequent deep sharpening sessions may be inconvenient.

13. Conclusion and Recommendations

Deciding between Elmax and M390 ultimately hinges on your priorities:

• If you prioritize extreme corrosion resistance and extended edge retention, M390 stands out as the superior choice.
• If you value a slightly easier sharpening experience with still-impressive performance (particularly in bushcraft or general-purpose contexts), Elmax is a fantastic option.

Both steels are top-tier: they’re stainless, have fair toughness, and offer above-average edge retention. The differences, while present, are subtle enough that many knife users will be delighted with either steel. However, if you prize that extra bit of retention and are willing to pay a premium (and do a bit more work on the stone), M390 likely has the edge. On the other hand, those who do occasional—rather than constant—hard use or who appreciate an easier sharpening experience may find Elmax more appealing.

Regardless of which you pick, you’ll enjoy a high-performance blade that will serve you for years, if not decades, with routine maintenance and care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is M390 the same as CPM 20CV or CTS-204P?
They are very similar “cousin” steels with closely matched compositions and performance; all three are known for top-tier edge retention and corrosion resistance.
Which steel is better for heavy chopping?
Neither is specifically designed for extreme impact resistance. If forced to choose, a slightly lower-hardness Elmax blade may handle heavier shocks a bit better.
Does either steel need protective coatings?
Not typically. Both have high chromium levels that make them inherently corrosion-resistant. Coatings can be added for aesthetics or extra surface hardness but aren’t strictly needed.
Are there differences in real-world sharpening difficulty?
Yes. M390’s higher vanadium content and tungsten make it more wear-resistant. Elmax is somewhat easier to sharpen with basic stones, whereas M390 benefits from diamond or CBN abrasives.
Is one steel definitively “better”?
It depends on your needs. M390 has an edge in durability and corrosion resistance, while Elmax is slightly more forgiving to sharpen and still delivers excellent overall performance.

Word Count: ~1,200

In summary, Elmax and M390 are both excellent powdered metallurgy steels with overlapping strengths. They deliver everything a serious knife enthusiast might want—high hardness, solid toughness, and excellent corrosion resistance—while retaining enough practicality for real-world tasks. Ultimately, picking one over the other often comes down to small differences in edge retention, corrosion resistance, and sharpening preference, along with what’s available on the market at your chosen price point.