M390 vs CPM S110V Knife Steel Comparison

M390 vs. CPM S110V: Which Premium Knife Steel Is Best for You?

Whether you’re a dedicated blade enthusiast, collector, or simply curious about the differences in these premium powder metallurgy (PM) steels, this article provides a comprehensive comparison of M390 and CPM-S110V. We’ll cover their chemical makeup, typical hardness ranges, performance in various applications, and more. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to decide which steel best suits your cutting needs.

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1. Introduction to M390 and CPM-S110V

Both M390 and CPM-S110V are often classified as “super steels” because they offer:

• High wear resistance
• Exceptional edge retention
• Excellent corrosion resistance

They are made using powder metallurgy processes, which help achieve a uniform distribution of carbides and alloy elements. This refined microstructure generally improves performance across toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance compared to conventional ingot-produced steels.

• M390 (Böhler-Uddeholm) is renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance, balanced toughness, and fairly manageable sharpening properties.
• CPM-S110V (Crucible Industries) excels for its high wear resistance, remarkable edge retention, and excellent corrosion resistance—though it can be more challenging to sharpen because of its higher carbide content.

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2. Chemical Composition Overview

Below is a simplified breakdown of each steel’s composition. Note that small variations can occur depending on the specific heat treatment or manufacturer batch.

M390

• Carbon: 1.9%
• Chromium: 20%
• Molybdenum: 1%
• Vanadium: 4%
• Tungsten: 0.6%
• Manganese: 0.3%
• Silicon: 0.7%

CPM-S110V

• Carbon: 2.9%
• Chromium: 15.25%
• Manganese: 0.4%
• Molybdenum: 2.25%
• Vanadium: 9.1%
• Niobium: 3%
• Cobalt: 2.5%
• Silicon: 0.6%
• Tungsten: 0.2%

Key takeaway: CPM-S110V contains higher levels of carbon, vanadium, and niobium, all of which contribute significantly to its outstanding wear resistance and edge-holding capabilities.

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3. Detailed Alloy Element Effects

Understanding how these steels perform begins with the role of their alloy elements:

• Carbon (C): Improves hardness and edge retention through carbide formation.
• Chromium (Cr): Enhances corrosion resistance. Both M390 and CPM-S110V have enough chromium to be considered stainless.
• Vanadium (V): Forms very hard vanadium carbides, greatly increasing wear resistance and contributing to fine edge stability.
• Molybdenum (Mo): Increases hardness, tensile strength, and helps with corrosion resistance during high-temperature heat treatments.
• Tungsten (W): Adds wear resistance and hardness; forms very stable carbides.
• Cobalt (Co) [CPM-S110V only]: Strengthens the matrix and can contribute to higher achievable hardness.
• Niobium (Nb) [CPM-S110V only]: Creates niobium carbides, some of the hardest carbides, further boosting wear resistance.

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4. Typical Hardness (Rockwell C) Ranges and Practical Implications

• M390: Often hardened between 59–61 HRC (sometimes up to 62 HRC).
• CPM-S110V: Typically hardened between 60–63 HRC, with 61–62 HRC common in production knives.

Practical Implications

• Edge Retention vs. Toughness: Harder steels generally hold an edge longer but can be more prone to chipping under extreme impact or lateral stress.
• Sharpening Difficulty: Higher carbide content (especially vanadium and niobium carbides) makes CPM-S110V more challenging to sharpen than M390. Both steels generally require diamond or ceramic sharpening stones for best results.

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5. Heat-Treatment Nuances and Forging

These high-alloy PM steels demand precise heat-treatment protocols:

1. Preheating in multiple stages.
2. Austenitizing at carefully controlled temperatures (often in a vacuum furnace).
3. Quenching (oil, air, or inert gas).
4. Tempering at recommended temperature ranges.

Forging: While theoretically possible, both M390 and CPM-S110V are typically used in stock-removal processes due to their complex compositions and the risk of stress cracking if not carefully controlled. Makers often rely on specialized equipment such as vacuum furnaces and cryogenic treatments to achieve the high hardness and fine grain structures these steels are known for.

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6. Key Performance Characteristics: M390 vs. CPM-S110V

Performance Metric	M390	CPM-S110V
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent	Excellent
Toughness	Fair	Fair
Edge Retention	Very Good	Very Good (often “Excellent”)
Ease of Sharpening	Good	Fair

• Corrosion Resistance: Both are in the top tier of stainless steels.
• Toughness: Comparable, though neither is specifically designed for extremely high-impact tasks.
• Edge Retention: CPM-S110V generally slightly outperforms M390 in wear resistance due to its higher volume of hard carbides.
• Ease of Sharpening: M390 is noticeably easier to hone and sharpen compared to the more carbide-rich CPM-S110V.

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7. Patina Formation and Protective Coatings

High chromium content (typically above 11–13%) qualifies these as stainless steels. As a result:

• Patina Formation: Uncommon in both; they naturally resist rust and staining in most environments.
• Protective Coatings: Often unnecessary from a corrosion standpoint, though some manufacturers apply coatings for tactical aesthetics or to reduce reflective glare.

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8. Cost, Availability, and Maintenance

Cost

• M390: High-end production and custom knife material. Availability has grown, making it somewhat more attainable than a decade ago.
• CPM-S110V: Priced similarly but can sometimes be more expensive due to its complex manufacturing and very high carbide content.

Availability

• M390: Used extensively across many knife brands (e.g., Benchmade, Zero Tolerance, etc.).
• CPM-S110V: Popularized in some production models (e.g., Spyderco), though slightly less common than M390 overall.

Maintenance

• M390: Minimal maintenance required. More forgiving to sharpen than steels like S90V or S110V.
• CPM-S110V: Also low-maintenance in terms of corrosion but more demanding when it comes to sharpening. Diamond or ceramic stones are recommended.

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9. Ideal Uses and Application Scenarios

Everyday Carry (EDC)

• M390: Great for frequent users who value long edge life plus easier sharpening.
• CPM-S110V: Preferable if you focus on maximum edge retention, and don’t mind tougher sharpening.

Bushcraft and Survival

• M390: Fair toughness—suitable for slicing, whittling, and general tasks.
• CPM-S110V: Also fair in toughness but can be prone to microchipping with heavy impact (batoning).

Kitchen Use

• M390: Popular among kitchen knife makers for its stainless properties, refined grain, and good edge life.
• CPM-S110V: Excellent for corrosion resistance and edge holding, yet time-consuming to sharpen on larger blades.

Tactical or Military

• M390: Balances edge retention with field sharpenability.
• CPM-S110V: Superior for abrasive cutting tasks where sharpening opportunities are limited. However, proper sharpening tools are essential.

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10. Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Performance Metric	M390	CPM-S110V
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent	Excellent
Toughness	Fair	Fair
Edge Retention	Very Good	Very Good
Ease of Sharpening	Good	Fair
Typical HRC Range	59–61 (62)*	60–63
Availability	Wide	Moderate
Cost Category	High	High
Common Use Cases	EDC, Kitchen,	EDC, Tactical,
	Fixed Blades	Fixed Blades

Custom heat treating can push M390 to 62 HRC.

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11. Pros and Cons

M390

Pros:

1. Excellent corrosion resistance.
2. Very good edge retention.
3. Easier to sharpen than many other “super steels.”

Cons:

1. Only fair toughness—may chip with heavy impacts.
2. Still more expensive than mid-tier steels (e.g., VG-10, 154CM).

CPM-S110V

Pros:

1. Excellent corrosion resistance.
2. Elite edge retention—especially effective for abrasive cutting tasks.
3. Extremely wear-resistant, thanks to niobium and high vanadium.

Cons:

1. Fair toughness—similar limitations in impact tasks.
2. More challenging to sharpen; diamond or ceramic stones strongly recommended.
3. Can be pricier or harder to find in specific models.

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12. Summary and Recommendations

M390 and CPM-S110V are both top-performing stainless steels that offer excellent corrosion resistance and outstanding edge retention. They are ideal for enthusiasts who want a premium cutting experience.

• Choose M390 if:

  • You want a balance of edge retention and relatively easier sharpening.
  • You require a steel that is widely available and still at the top tier of performance.
  • You’ll be maintaining the blade yourself without specialized sharpening tools.

• Choose CPM-S110V if:

  • You need extreme wear resistance and don’t mind the extra effort in sharpening.
  • You often cut highly abrasive materials and can’t sharpen frequently.
  • You have access to or are willing to invest in high-grade sharpening systems.

Ultimately, both steels are excellent choices for EDC knives, kitchen blades, and outdoor gear. Deciding factors often boil down to your specific use cases, your willingness to sharpen a harder steel, and your budget. You can’t go wrong with either one—they are both hallmark examples of modern metallurgy and continue to set high standards in the premium knife market.

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Additional Notes for Enthusiasts

1. Equivalent Steels:

   • M390 is essentially the European equivalent of 20CV (Crucible) or CTS-204P (Carpenter).
   • CPM-S110V can be seen as an evolution of S90V, incorporating niobium for even higher wear resistance.

2. Geometry Matters:

   • Even an excellent steel performs poorly if the edge geometry is not suited to the tasks. Consider edge angles (e.g., 15° vs. 20° per side) based on your usage.

3. Sharpening Systems:

   • For M390, high-quality ceramic stones are usually sufficient.
   • For CPM-S110V, diamond stones or CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) abrasives often yield the best results.

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With these updates, the article now presents a more thorough, accurate, and user-friendly comparison of M390 and CPM-S110V. Readers looking for a premium steel choice will appreciate the added depth on chemical composition, heat treatment, sharpening considerations, and practical applications.