M390 vs Maxamet Knife Steel Comparison

M390 vs Maxamet: A Comprehensive Comparison for Knife Enthusiasts

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Chemical Composition & Key Characteristics
3. Ideal Uses and Why Choose These Steels
4. Typical Hardness (Rockwell C) Ranges and Practical Implications
5. Detailed Alloy Element Effects
6. Heat-Treatment Nuances and Forging Challenges
7. Patina Formation and Protective Coatings
8. Real-World Performance Comparison (Bushcraft, EDC, Kitchen, Survival, Tactical)
9. Side-by-Side Comparison Table
10. Pros and Cons: M390 vs Maxamet
    • 10.1 Sharpening Recommendations
    • 10.2 Pricing and Availability Considerations
11. Conclusion & Recommendations

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1. Introduction

Knife steel has come a long way from the simple carbon steels of yesteryear. Today’s premium knife steels often emerge from powder metallurgy processes, offering outstanding performance in edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Two of the most talked-about steels among enthusiasts are Böhler-Uddeholm’s M390 and Carpenter Technology’s Maxamet. Both are high-end, premium steels lauded for exceptional properties, yet each excels in different ways.

This article provides a comprehensive comparison of M390 and Maxamet so you can determine which steel aligns better with your needs—whether you’re into bushcraft, EDC (everyday carry), kitchen work, or heavy-duty survival tasks. We’ll discuss everything from chemical makeup and hardness to practical use cases and sharpening tips.

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2. Chemical Composition & Key Characteristics

M390

• Approximate Composition
  • Carbon ~1.9%, Chromium ~20%, Vanadium ~4%, Molybdenum ~1%, Tungsten ~0.6%, plus smaller amounts of manganese, silicon, etc.
• Key Highlights
  • Manufactured via powder metallurgy, resulting in a fine grain structure.
  • Known for excellent corrosion resistance (around 9/10), fair to moderate toughness (4–5/10), very good edge retention (7–8/10), and manageable sharpening (5/10).
  • Classified as a “stainless” steel due to its ~20% chromium content.

Maxamet

• Approximate Composition
  • Carbon ~2.15%, Chromium ~4.75%, Tungsten ~13%, Cobalt ~10%, Vanadium ~6%, plus trace elements.
• Key Highlights
  • Also a powder metallurgy steel, emphasizing extreme hardness.
  • Good to moderate corrosion resistance (5/10), low toughness (2/10), exceptional edge retention (10/10), and very difficult sharpening (1–2/10).
  • Not fully stainless, so it may require extra maintenance compared to steels like M390.

Note: Rating scales (1–10) are approximations. Actual performance varies with heat treatment, blade geometry, and usage.

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3. Ideal Uses and Why Choose These Steels

M390

• Ideal Uses
  • Everyday carry (EDC) folders where excellent corrosion resistance is crucial.
  • High-end chef’s knives, especially in busy kitchens prone to moisture.
  • Outdoor blades exposed to humidity or wet environments.
• Why Choose M390?
  • Balances strong edge retention with a higher degree of toughness than Maxamet.
  • Easier to sharpen compared to ultra-hard steels, making it more user-friendly for most enthusiasts.

Maxamet

• Ideal Uses
  • Tasks requiring maximum edge retention—extensive cardboard cutting, slicing, or other repetitive work.
  • Specialized EDC knives and collector’s pieces.
  • Scenarios where constant re-sharpening isn’t feasible, and shock-type impacts are minimal.
• Why Choose Maxamet?
  • Unmatched in edge-holding capability, standing out among premium knife steels.
  • Appeals to knife connoisseurs who prize ultimate cutting performance over toughness.

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

M390

• Typical HRC Range: 59–62 (occasionally up to 63–64).
• User Takeaway:
  • Offers a blend of wear resistance and toughness.
  • High hardness without being excessively brittle means fewer chips during normal EDC or light outdoor use.
  • Easier to maintain and sharpen than extremely high-HRC steels.

Maxamet

• Typical HRC Range: 64–68+ (some custom makers push it even higher).
• User Takeaway:
  • This extreme hardness confers phenomenal edge retention.
  • More brittle; unsuited for heavy impact or prying.
  • Demands careful handling to avoid chip-outs or fractures.

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5. Detailed Alloy Element Effects

Both steels blend multiple elements to achieve desired traits:

• Carbon: Boosts hardness and edge retention; higher amounts can also increase brittleness.
• Chromium: Elevates corrosion resistance. M390’s ~20% makes it distinctly stainless, whereas Maxamet’s ~4.75% offers only moderate rust protection.
• Vanadium: Improves grain refinement and wear resistance, contributing to better edge stability.
• Tungsten: Adds hardness and wear resistance; Maxamet’s substantial 13% content helps it reach extreme Rockwell values.
• Cobalt: Enhances overall strength and hardness. Maxamet’s 10% significantly elevates its performance.
• Molybdenum: Assists in maintaining hardness under high temperatures, helpful in steels like M390 for corrosion resistance and strength.

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6. Heat-Treatment Nuances and Forging Challenges

M390

• Requires consistent temperature control to retain the fine grain structure.
• Often finished via stock-removal methods rather than traditional forging.
• Overly high austenitizing temperatures or poor quenching can degrade its otherwise excellent properties.

Maxamet

• Prized for very high attainable hardness but can be finicky in heat treatment.
• Demands precise temperature control and multiple temper cycles to reduce brittleness without sacrificing too much hardness.
• Not typically hand-forged due to its high tungsten and carbon content, which can lead to warping or cracking if mishandled.

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7. Patina Formation and Protective Coatings

M390

• Boasts about 20% chromium, so it rarely forms a patina under normal use.
• Additional coatings are usually unnecessary unless you’re in extremely salty or corrosive conditions.
• Ideal for users who prefer minimal upkeep.

Maxamet

• Not fully stainless; may show patina or discoloration with acidic foods or prolonged moisture exposure.
• Light oiling or protective coatings (DLC, PVD) can help prevent rust spots.
• Important to dry promptly after exposure to water or corrosive environments.

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8. Real-World Performance Comparison (Bushcraft, EDC, Kitchen, Survival, Tactical)

Bushcraft

• M390: Possesses respectable toughness for controlled wood carving and moderate impact tasks, although not as tough as some simpler carbon steels.
• Maxamet: Delivers mind-blowing slicing performance but can chip if used for batoning or heavy impact tasks.

EDC (Everyday Carry)

• M390: A top-tier EDC option—stainless, smooth cutting, and less prone to chipping from random impacts (staples, hard plastics, etc.).
• Maxamet: Exceptional for long-term slicing (e.g., cardboard), but micro-chips can occur with sudden impact or twisting motions.

Kitchen

• M390: Great choice for premium kitchen knives—high corrosion resistance and decent toughness ensure longevity even in damp conditions.
• Maxamet: Outstanding slicing capability but more prone to discoloration. Requires disciplined care—wash and dry immediately.

Survival/Tactical

• M390: A good all-around performer; manages moderate impacts without significant edge damage and resists rust in harsh weather.
• Maxamet: Offers extraordinary edge longevity but is less suitable for extreme impact or prying. Works well if you need a slicing beast and can mitigate shock loads.

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9. Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Property	M390	Maxamet
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent (9/10)	Moderate (5/10)
Toughness	Fair (4/10 or 5/10)	Poor (2/10)
Edge Retention	Very Good (7–8/10)	Exceptional (10/10)
Ease of Sharpening	Good/Moderate (5/10)	Difficult (1–2/10)
Typical HRC	~59–62 (up to 63–64)	~64–68+

These scores are broad guidelines. Actual performance varies by heat treatment, blade geometry, and usage.

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10. Pros and Cons: M390 vs Maxamet

M390 Pros

• Exceptional corrosion resistance
• Holds a sharp edge for a long time yet is still reasonable to sharpen
• Balanced enough for EDC, kitchen, and outdoor applications
• Widely used by major knife brands (e.g., Benchmade, Microtech, Zero Tolerance)

M390 Cons

• Does not match Maxamet’s extreme edge retention
• Premium cost compared to more standard stainless steels
• Still requires quality sharpening stones for best results

Maxamet Pros

• Unrivaled edge retention for high-volume slicing or extended cutting tasks
• Can reach extremely high Rockwell hardness
• A collector’s favorite due to its top-tier slicing capabilities

Maxamet Cons

• Low toughness; prone to chipping under heavy impact
• Not fully stainless, so requires extra care to prevent rust
• Very difficult to sharpen; diamond or CBN abrasives strongly recommended
• Generally more limited availability and higher cost

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10.1 Sharpening Recommendations

• M390
  • Responds well to ceramic or conventional sharpening stones, though diamond stones can speed up the process.
  • Frequent light maintenance prevents the blade from becoming too dull, simplifying future sharpening.
• Maxamet
  • Incredibly hard steel demands diamond or CBN stones; conventional stones often struggle.
  • Patience and proper technique are key—rushing can lead to overheating or edge damage.
  • Strop with diamond paste can help maintain that razor-sharp edge.

10.2 Pricing and Availability Considerations

• M390
  • Widely offered by production knife companies, making it easier to find diverse models at various price points.
  • Still a premium steel but typically less expensive than highly specialized steels.
• Maxamet
  • Featured mostly by select brands (Spyderco is well-known for Maxamet offerings) and custom makers.
  • Generally higher-priced due to specialized production and smaller production runs.
  • Often produced in fewer designs, so you may have limited style options.

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11. Conclusion & Recommendations

Choosing between M390 and Maxamet boils down to your priorities and expertise:

• Opt for M390 if you want a steel that balances high corrosion resistance, decent toughness, and long-lasting edge retention with relatively easier sharpening. It’s a fantastic all-rounder for EDC, kitchen, and outdoor use where maintenance simplicity and reliability matter.

• Opt for Maxamet if you prioritize the absolute longest possible edge life, don’t mind challenging sharpening sessions, and can handle its lower toughness and more involved care regimen. It’s ideal for specialized slicing tasks, repetitive cutting, or enthusiast collections.

In short, M390 delivers a worry-free balance of performance, while Maxamet pushes the envelope of what’s possible in edge retention—at the expense of ease-of-use and toughness. Many knife aficionados ultimately add both steels to their arsenal, ensuring they always have the right tool for the job.

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Disclaimer: Rockwell hardness readings, rating scales, and usage recommendations can vary based on blade geometry, manufacturing processes, and real-world handling.