
What is M390 Steel?
Unlocking the Excellence of M390 Steel
In the realm of fine cutlery, where precision and durability reign supreme, M390 steel stands as a beacon of excellence. Renowned for its exceptional performance and superior quality, M390 steel has garnered a loyal following among enthusiasts and professionals alike. Let's delve into the origins, benefits, and care of this remarkable steel, and why trusted brands like Microtech utilize this steel as their preferred choice.
Origins of M390 Steel
M390 steel originates from the innovative minds of Bohler-Uddeholm, a leading manufacturer renowned for producing high-performance steels. Developed through powder metallurgy, a cutting-edge manufacturing process, M390 belongs to the family of powder metallurgy stainless steels. This method involves atomizing molten steel into fine powder particles, which are then sintered under high pressure and temperature to create a dense and homogeneous material. The result is a steel with uniform microstructure and exceptional properties.
Benefits of M390 Steel
Exceptional Edge Retention: M390 steel is celebrated for its unparalleled edge retention, thanks to its fine grain structure and high carbide volume. Knives crafted from M390 maintain their sharpness for prolonged periods, making them ideal for tasks that demand precision and endurance.
Outstanding Corrosion Resistance: With its high chromium content, M390 steel exhibits exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear. This resilience ensures longevity and durability, even in harsh environments, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals.
High Toughness: Despite its remarkable hardness, M390 steel offers impressive toughness, allowing knives to withstand heavy use without succumbing to chipping or breakage. This combination of hardness and toughness makes M390 knives reliable companions for a wide range of cutting tasks.
Ease of Sharpening: While M390 steel is renowned for its excellent edge retention, it's also relatively easy to sharpen compared to other high-performance steels. With the right tools and techniques, maintaining a razor-sharp edge on M390 knives is a straightforward process, ensuring peak performance with minimal effort.
Why Choose M390 Steel?
The decision to opt for M390 steel over other steels often boils down to its unparalleled blend of edge retention, corrosion resistance, durability, and ease of maintenance. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast exploring the wilderness or a professional relying on your tools in demanding environments, M390 knives offer the versatility and confidence to tackle any cutting task with precision and finesse.
Sharpening & Care
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of M390 knives, proper care and maintenance are essential. Trusted brands like Work Sharp offer all the tools necessary to put a proper edge and hone your knife. Below are some tips that can help you with caring for your blade.
Regular Maintenance: Keep your M390 knife clean and dry after each use to prevent corrosion and buildup of debris. Regularly oiling the blade can help maintain its luster and protect against rust.
Sharpening Techniques: When sharpening M390 steel, use high-quality sharpening stones or diamond sharpeners with fine grits to achieve a razor-sharp edge. Take care to maintain a consistent angle and apply light pressure to avoid overheating the blade.
Honing: Consider using a honing rod or strop to realign the edge of your M390 knife between sharpening sessions. This helps maintain its sharpness and prolongs the time between sharpenings.
Professional Maintenance: For optimal results, consider seeking professional sharpening services from experienced knife sharpeners familiar with M390 steel. They can provide expert care and ensure your knife remains in peak condition. For brands like Microtech, Benchmade and others alike will offer a Lifetime Warranty where sharpening services are provided. You have the option to send the knife back yourself or have us at Eagle Valley Cutlery take care of the process for you.
An Easy Decision
In conclusion, M390 steel epitomizes the pursuit of excellence in blade craftsmanship. With its exceptional performance, durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance, M390 knives offer a superior cutting experience that's second to none. Investing in M390 steel is a decision that promises years of reliable service and unmatched quality, a perfect combination to fit your everyday carry experience.