BÖHLER M390

BÖHLER M390 MICROCLEAN is a powder-metallurgy, corrosion-resistant martensitic chromium steel. Böhler identifies very high wear resistance, good corrosion resistance and very high micro-cleanliness among its core properties, and lists custom hand knives among its applications.

WHAT THIS MEANS IN A KNIFE
M390 is chosen when long edge retention and corrosion resistance are major priorities. Its alloy design and powder-metallurgy structure support a fine, consistent distribution of hard carbides. The result can be excellent cutting life when heat treatment, blade geometry and sharpening are all matched to the intended knife.

KIZLYAR SUPREME HEAT TREATMENT
Kizlyar Supreme M390 blades are typically targeted around 61–63 HRC, depending on the model, blade thickness and production run. Accurate temperature control and a protected heat-treatment environment are essential; the steel name alone cannot compensate for poor heat treatment or unsuitable edge geometry.

EDGE RETENTION AND TOUGHNESS
M390 is especially strong in wear resistance and edge retention, but no steel is universally best. A thin slicing knife and a hard-use field knife need different edge geometries. M390 should not be used as a pry bar, screwdriver or impact tool, and heavier chopping requires a knife designed specifically for that work.

SHARPENING
Because M390 contains a high volume of wear-resistant carbides, sharpening is easiest with quality diamond or CBN abrasives; suitable ceramics can be useful for maintenance and finishing. Touch up the edge before it becomes completely dull, keep the angle stable and use light finishing strokes to minimise the burr.

CORROSION CARE
M390 has good corrosion resistance, but it is not maintenance-free. Rinse or wipe away salt, food acids, sap and dirt, then dry the blade before storage. A light protective oil is sensible for humid or marine environments and for long-term storage.

BEST SUITED TO
M390 is an excellent choice for EDC, hunting and outdoor knives where users value long cutting life, stainless behaviour and premium performance. The trade-offs are higher material cost and more demanding sharpening than simpler steels.

KEY ADVANTAGES
• Very high wear resistance and long edge retention
• Good corrosion resistance
• Very high micro-cleanliness and dimensional stability
• Suitable for fine cutting edges when geometry is appropriate

CONSIDERATIONS
• Premium cost
• Benefits from diamond or CBN sharpening abrasives
• Toughness and ease of sharpening are not its primary advantages

Composition and baseline properties are based on Böhler's official M390 MICROCLEAN technical information.