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M398 vs Maxamet Knife Steel Comparison

M398 vs. Maxamet: A Comprehensive Guide

Knife steel enthusiasts and collectors are always on the lookout for exotic alloys that offer next-level performance. Two high-end steels that often appear in these discussions are Böhler-Uddeholm’s M398 (sometimes referred to as “M398 Microclean”) and Carpenter’s Maxamet. Both are powdered metallurgy (PM) steels that push the boundaries of hardness, wear resistance, and edge retention—but they differ in several key ways. Below, we’ll explore their compositions, typical performance, and best-use scenarios, helping you decide which one suits your needs.

1. Introduction to M398

M398 is a powdered metallurgy stainless steel developed by Böhler-Uddeholm. It builds on the success of the well-known M390 family by offering even greater wear resistance and edge retention, thanks to a higher carbon and vanadium content. According to Böhler specifications, M398 typically has around 2.6–2.7% carbon, 7.2% vanadium, and ~20% chromium, forming a high volume of wear-resistant carbides while still retaining stainless properties.

Key points for M398:

Extremely high wear resistance and excellent edge retention.
Comparable corrosion resistance to other high-chromium stainless steels, thanks to ~20% chromium.
Moderate-to-lower toughness (typical of ultra high-carbide steels).
Challenging to sharpen, though not impossible with diamond or CBN abrasives.

Ideal uses of M398:

High-end EDC (Everyday Carry) blades requiring minimal maintenance.
Extended cutting tasks (e.g., slicing cardboard, rope, or other abrasive materials).
Kitchen knives for users who prioritize edge longevity over easier sharpening.

Why pick M398 over other options?

Offers near top-tier edge retention with stainless properties.
Less rust-prone than many ultra-hard, lower-chromium steels.
Increasingly available in custom and mid-tech knives for enthusiasts.

2. Introduction to Maxamet

Maxamet is a unique powdered “high-speed” steel produced by Carpenter. Often considered one of the hardest and longest-wearing steels on the market, Maxamet can reach extraordinary hardness levels (commonly 66–70 HRC). Its composition typically includes around 2.15% carbon, 6% vanadium, 10% cobalt, and 13% tungsten, all of which contribute to its phenomenal edge retention.

Key points for Maxamet:

Exceptional edge retention (often referred to as 10/10).
Very brittle (around 2/10 for toughness).
Not fully stainless (moderate corrosion resistance, ~5/10).
Extremely difficult to sharpen without high-end diamond abrasives.

Ideal uses of Maxamet:

Precision cutting in controlled environments (e.g., fine woodworking, detailed slicing).
EDC for users who demand extreme sharpness and can handle meticulous maintenance.
Collector’s knives showcasing cutting-edge metallurgy.

Why pick Maxamet over other options?

Near-unrivaled ability to maintain a razor-sharp edge under extended or extreme use.
An excellent choice for steel aficionados who appreciate its advanced metallurgy and aren’t deterred by challenging sharpening demands.

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

M398: Commonly hardened around 62–64 HRC. Specialized heat-treatment protocols may push it slightly higher, but 62–64 HRC is already quite high for a stainless blade.
Maxamet: Often found between 66–70 HRC—exceptional levels of hardness. This grants legendary edge retention at the expense of increased brittleness.

Practical implications of higher HRC:

Greater cutting power and slower wear over time.
Brittle edges more prone to chipping under lateral stress or impact.
Specialized sharpening typically required (diamond/cubic boron nitride stones).

4. Detailed Alloy Element Effects

Both M398 and Maxamet are “recipe” steels where each element alters performance characteristics:

Carbon (C)

Elevates hardness and wear resistance.
In M398 (2.6–2.7% C), supports a dense carbide structure, offering top-tier wear resistance.
In Maxamet (2.15% C), combined with tungsten and cobalt, achieves extremely high hardness potential.

Chromium (Cr)

Enhances corrosion resistance. Steels with ≥11% chromium are classed as stainless.
M398 (~20% Cr) provides robust rust resistance.
Maxamet (~4.75% Cr) offers limited stainless properties, meaning more care is needed.

Vanadium (V)

Creates very hard vanadium carbides that significantly improve wear resistance.
M398 (~7.2% V) helps it rank near the top for stainless edge retention.
Maxamet (~6% V) also achieves extreme edge longevity.

Tungsten (W)

Increases hot hardness (common in high-speed tool steels).
Maxamet (13% W) contributes significantly to its wear resistance and hardness.
M398 (~0.7–1% W) uses tungsten but relies more on its high vanadium and carbon content.

Cobalt (Co)

Improves hot hardness and overall strength.
Maxamet (10% Co) partly explains why it can push HRC to ~70.
M398 contains little or no added cobalt specifically for hardness purposes.

Other Elements (Molybdenum, Silicon, Manganese)

Fine-tune heat-treatment response, grain structure, toughness, and hardness levels.
M398 uses small but balanced amounts for improved stainless properties and controlled carbide formation.
Maxamet carefully balances these for extremely high hardness and wear resistance.

5. Heat-Treatment Nuances and Forging

M398: As a high-carbon, high-vanadium, PM stainless steel, it typically isn’t hand-forged. Heat treatment requires precise temperature control (often in vacuum or inert atmospheres) to ensure proper carbide formation and minimal distortion.
Maxamet: Infamously difficult to heat treat correctly. Achieving 66+ HRC necessitates sophisticated equipment with multiple preheating and soaking stages. Even slight errors can cause cracking or suboptimal hardness. Forging is impractical in small shops due to brittleness and high hardenability.

6. Performance Characteristics: Side-by-Side

a) Edge Retention

M398: Extremely high among stainless steels, aided by large volumes of vanadium carbides.
Maxamet: Among the absolute top in the industry (10/10). Outlasts nearly any other alloy in abrasive cutting tests.

b) Toughness

M398: Moderate-to-lower toughness. Prone to chipping if subjected to impacts or twisting.
Maxamet: Rated ~2/10 on typical scales. Very brittle and susceptible to fracture or chipping with misuse.

c) Corrosion Resistance

M398: Firmly in the stainless category with ~20% chromium.
Maxamet: ~5/10. Not stainless and will rust if neglected but resists corrosion slightly better than simple carbon steels.

d) Ease of Sharpening

M398: Challenging but somewhat more forgiving than Maxamet. Diamond or CBN stones highly recommended.
Maxamet: Very difficult (1/10). Even small missteps can cause micro-chipping or uneven edges.

7. Patina Formation and Protective Coatings

M398: Resists patina formation under normal use due to its high chromium content. No need for special coatings unless in extremely corrosive or marine environments.
Maxamet: With only 4.75% chromium, it can form patina or rust spots if not kept clean and dry. Protective oil or specialty coatings can help mitigate corrosion, especially in humid or acidic conditions.

8. Real-World Applications

Bushcraft and Survival

M398: Could handle light bushcraft tasks if you prioritize cutting longevity over impact resistance. Not ideal for repeated prying or heavy batoning.
Maxamet: Generally not recommended for heavy-duty or high-impact bushcraft tasks due to its low toughness and high brittleness.

EDC (Everyday Carry)

M398: Excellent for daily carry if you want minimal maintenance (due to stainless nature) and outstanding edge retention.
Maxamet: Great choice for careful users who appreciate extreme sharpness and don’t mind meticulous maintenance (drying, oiling, careful sharpening).

Kitchen Use

M398: Very good for slicing and general food prep. High corrosion resistance and exceptional wear resistance make it well-suited for professional or home kitchens that emphasize edge longevity.
Maxamet: Can excel at fine slicing, but meticulous care is vital (thorough drying, avoiding bones or hard contact). The brittleness can be a liability in a busy kitchen.

Tactical/Survival/Heavy Use

M398: Possible if toughness demands are moderate.
Maxamet: Low toughness typically disqualifies it from repeated impacts or prying tasks.

9. Maintenance, Cost, and Availability

M398: Increasingly seen in custom and mid-tech knives, but still less common than M390. Generally priced higher than mainstream steels (e.g., S30V). Maintenance primarily involves routine cleaning and careful sharpening with diamond media.
Maxamet: Often limited to specialized or collector’s models. Commands a premium price. Requires diligent care to prevent surface corrosion (especially around the pivot or tang area) and can be challenging for inexperienced sharpeners.

10. Pros and Cons

M398 Pros:

Top-tier edge retention among stainless steels.
Good corrosion resistance (less rust worry).
Relatively more accessible than Maxamet in some custom circles.

M398 Cons:

Not as tough as other premium steels designed for impact resistance (e.g., CPM 3V).
Harder to sharpen compared to simpler stainless steels; diamond/ceramic stones recommended.
Higher cost and somewhat rarer than M390 or more mainstream steels.

Maxamet Pros:

Almost unmatched edge-holding capability (10/10 rating).
Extremely high hardness—truly a “super steel.”
Highly sought after by collectors for its extraordinary performance.

Maxamet Cons:

Very brittle (2/10 toughness).
Not stainless (~5/10 corrosion resistance).
Extremely challenging to sharpen (1/10).
Premium cost and limited availability.

11. Quick Comparison Table

Property	M398	Maxamet
Typical HRC Range	~62–64 HRC	~66–70 HRC
Edge Retention	Extremely High (Stainless)	Extremely High (10/10 overall)
Toughness	Moderate–Low	Very Low (2/10, brittle)
Corrosion Resistance	High (stainless)	Fair (5/10, not stainless)
Ease of Sharpening	Difficult	Very Difficult (1/10)
Cost & Availability	High cost, limited but growing	Very high cost, specialty runs

12. Conclusion and Recommendations

When choosing between M398 and Maxamet, carefully consider your primary uses, your sharpening skills, and your maintenance habits.

Choose M398 if you want:
- A high-end stainless option with superb edge retention.
- More forgiving maintenance (less worry about corrosion).
- A steel that’s tough enough for typical EDC and kitchen use (though not ideal for heavy prying).
Choose Maxamet if you:
- Demand the ultimate in edge-holding power and accept trade-offs in toughness.
- Are skilled in or prepared for challenging sharpening.
- Don’t mind careful maintenance (drying, oiling) to prevent rust.

For even tougher or more balanced steels, consider other alloys like CPM 3V or AEB-L, which offer a different blend of hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance. However, if you’re seeking extreme performance in cutting or slicing applications—and are willing to invest the time and money—both M398 and Maxamet occupy a leading edge in modern metallurgy.

Whether you pick M398 for its stainless edge retention or Maxamet for its unmatched hardness and wear resistance, you’re dealing with some of the most advanced knife steels available. Properly cared for, either steel will deliver high-end performance and maintain a place of pride in your collection for years to come.

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