M390 Vs. S35vn: Similarities & Differences

If you are confused between the M390 and S35vn then in this article I’ve cleared every single detail about these two most popular steel varieties.

M390 is premium steel and will cost you much higher than the S35vn. There are also some major differences in terms of edge retention, sharpening time, and toughness.

Let’s have a look at what I’m going to cover in this article about M390 and S35vn…

• What are they?
• Their chemical composition.
• Their physical properties
• Similarities
• Differences
• Which one is best in which parameters?

So without further ado…

Let’s walk you through in detailed analysis between S35vn and M390.

Does S35vn Good For A Knife?

S35vn is an upgraded version of S30v and is also developed by the crucible industry. The Metallurgist Maria Sawford developed this steel by reducing the percentage of Vanadium, adding Niobium, and removing Nitrogen.

S35vn was launched in 2009 with improved toughness and machinability than its predecessor S30v. The S35vn is also known as CPM S35vn and is widely used in cutlery, long-wearing specialty, plastic injection, etc.

CPM S35vn Or S35vn Chemical Composition

S35vn has some improvement in chemical composition to improve its performance to survive in tough situations. It has 1.4% Carbon which improves the hardness and wear and corrosion resistivity of the steel but decreases strength if added in excess amount.

14% Chromium provides tensile strength and improves edge retention. It is also a factor to improve the wear/tear resistivity of the steel. There is no change in the percentage of Molybdenum which is added in 2% and improves the machinability and strength of the steel.

The Main Chemical Components Of S35vn

Carbon	Chromium	Molybdenum	Vanadium	Niobium	Nitrogen
1.4	14	2	3	0.5	–

The percentage of Vanadium is reduced by 25% which is helpful for wear resistivity and the hardness of the steel. A new element that is missing in S30v is added at 0.5 % in S35vn which is Niobium. Niobium is useful to improve hardness and wear/tear resistivity as well.

One element is removed from the chemical composition of S35vn, which is nitrogen, but Incidental nitrogen is present in some amount.

Other chemical substances which are responsible to improve the strength of the steel are Silicon 0.5%, and Phosphorus 0.03%. 0.03% sulfur is added to improve its machinability, and 0.4% Tungsten improves the hardness and wears resistivity. Nickel is added to improve the toughness of this steel which is added between 0.2 to 0.4 %.

0.5% of Manganese is added to improve the hardness and brittleness of the S35vn steel and at last 0 to 0.5% of Cobalt is added to trigger the effect of all the individual components.

Advantages Of Using A Knife Which Is Manufactured With S35vn Steel

• S35vn will cost you less than M390.
• S35vn is much easier to sharpen than the M390.
• A most ideal choice for hunting, survival, fishing, diving, and kitchen use.

Some Best S35vn Knives Available in The Market

Does M390 Stainless Steel Good For Knife?

It was the end of the 90s when the Australian famous knife maker Bohler-Uddeholm manufactured the most famous steel type with the name M390. At that time the knife-making process had passed its 3rd generation.

This is a kind of premium steel, which has high corrosion resistivity and toughness, among the other steel types. It has a high percentage of Carbon and vanadium than the S35VN, which make it highly corrosion-resistant, provides better edge retention, and is a tough steel blade.

M390 Chemical Composition

1.9% Carbon makes it tough and durable. The percentage of Chromium carbide is very high in M390, and 4% vanadium makes it very highly wear-resistant and provides dimensional stability.

The Main Chemical Components In M390

Carbon	Molybdenum	Chromium	Vanadium
1.9%	1%	20%	4%

Apart from these main chemical components, it has 0.7% of Silicon and 0.30% Manganese. Mn provides extra strength and Si is responsible for extra hardness.

Advantages Of Using A Knife Based On M390

• M390 knives come with better edge retention than the S35vn. Its edge retention capability is high due to the presence of 4% Vanadium and high carbide content.
• This is a kind of steel that is mainly useful in hunting, camping, and survival tasks.

Some Best M390 Knives Available in The Market

M390 Vs. S35vn: Specifications

Hardness Of The Steel

The Bohler Rockwell hardness test results show that the hardness of M390 is measured between 60 and 62 HRC, which is a bit high as compared with the hardness of the S35vn which is between 58 and 61 HRC.

Toughness

As per the hardness results, S35vn has more excellent toughness than the M390. We can clearly understand the hardness test result of both steel. Steel which is harder than the other steel type could not be that much efficient in toughness, but some exceptions are also there.

Sharpening And Edge Retention Property

If you want a knife that is much easier to sharpen and also come in a very handy budget then S35vn is for you. The only downside of the S35vn is its edge wears off quickly.

Whereas the edge of the M390 remains sharp for a long time. The only downside of the M390 blade is it takes longer to sharpen and will cost you much higher than the S35vn.

Chemical Composition Comparison

	Carbon%	Chromium%	Vanadium%	Molybdenum%
S35vn	1.4	14	3	2
M390	1.9	20	4	1

Rusting Nature

All stainless steel could rust if use them racklessly and not maintained properly. S35vn has 14% but M390 has 20% of chromium which create a big difference in the corrosion resistivity.

Note: To keep your steel knife rust free, just wipe it with a dry cloth after use.

Some Major Differences Between M390 And S35vn

• S35vn is a cheaper option than the M390.
• S35v is much easier to sharpen than the M390.
• M390 has better edge retention than the S35vn.
• M390 steel is harder than the S35vn.
• S35vn is tougher than the M390.
• S35vn knives are very common and easily available but M390 will be available in a very limited version.

Conclusion: S35vn Or M390 (Which One Is Best For You?)

I hope you will be more clear about the differences and similarities between M390 and S35vn than before, but if you are still in confusion then this brief summary will definitely clear your doubt.

Choose M390 If

You want a premium steel-based knife, which has good edge retention, and is harder If you don’t want to sharpen your knife frequently.

Choose S35vn If

If you want the best knife under your tight budget, which is much easier to sharpen. Which is tough and you don’t have any problem sharpening the knife frequently.

Note: S35vn is a very common steel type and is easily available in a huge variety whereas M390 is premium steel and its production for making knives is very limited. You only get some of the best knives made with this steel on eBay or other secondary marketplaces.