S35VN vs M390 Steel | Which One is Better

When it comes to discussing superior blade steels, two main contenders have caught the eye of knife enthusiasts and the Everyday Carry (EDC) community: S35VN and M390.

S35VN is used in high-end knives and is known for its impressive toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. It was developed as an improvement to the popular S30V steel and has since become a go-to choice for many knife manufacturers.

On the other hand, M390 is a powder metallurgy (PM) stainless steel that boasts excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness.

Introduction to S35VN Steel

History and Development of S35VN

The introduction of S35VN steel in 2009 was a significant metallurgical advancement led by Chris Reeve and Crucible Industries. This steel was developed to fulfill the needs of industries, particularly knife makers, looking for a balance between toughness and edge retention.

Transitioning from S30V to S35VN wasn’t easy but involved a refined process. S30V had strengths but was criticized for chipping and sharpening issues.

S35VN shows how awesome teamwork, skill, and science can be, proving what’s possible with a shared vision and expertise.

Chemical Composition of S35VN

S35VN steel stands out due to its balanced composition. Featuring chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and niobium, it’s a ferritic steel revered for its enhanced toughness and resistance to chipping over its predecessor, the S30V steel.

• Chromium: Known for its ability to resist corrosion, chromium is a key part of S35VN steel, protecting it from rust and wear in tough conditions. It also boosts the steel’s hardness, making it highly durable and long-lasting in challenging uses.
• Molybdenum: Molybdenum strengthens S35VN steel against wear and deformation. It enhances the steel’s toughness and hardness, allowing it to withstand heavy loads and high-stress environments while also improving resistance to pitting corrosion in corrosive settings.
• Vanadium: Vanadium is a key component in S35VN steel, boosting its performance. It improves wear resistance, keeping the edge sharp even with heavy use. This makes S35VN ideal for applications needing long-lasting sharpness like knife blades and cutting tools.
• Niobium: Adding niobium to S35VN steel enhances its toughness and resistance to chipping. Niobium works as a grain refiner, improving the steel’s structure for better impact resistance and durability. This makes the S35VN a top pick for long-lasting reliability in various applications.

Key Characteristics of S35VN Steel

Wear Resistance

S35VN steel offers excellent wear resistance, keeping a sharp cutting edge for long periods. It’s great for tasks needing prolonged cutting or everyday carry knives where consistent performance is key.

Whether cutting tough materials or doing repetitive tasks, S35VN stays sharp, boosting efficiency and user satisfaction.

Toughness

Known for its exceptional toughness, S35VN steel outperforms other steels in the S-series, providing enhanced resilience and durability. Its superior toughness reduces brittleness, lessening the risk of blade fracture under stress.

This attribute prolongs blade lifespan and boosts user confidence, especially in high-stress or demanding cutting scenarios where reliability is crucial.

Corrosion Resistance

S35VN steel offers excellent corrosion resistance due to its chromium content, making it ideal for marine or humid environments. It maintains structural integrity and aesthetics in challenging conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability for diverse industries and applications.

Edge Retention

One notable feature of S35VN steel is its exceptional edge retention. The blade stays sharp even under heavy use, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

This quality is especially beneficial in scenarios requiring prolonged cutting performance, like professional settings or outdoor activities such as camping. Users can depend on S35VN steel for consistent cutting, boosting productivity.

Forging and Heat Treatment

Crafting S35VN steel requires careful attention to detail and strict control over the forging and heat treatment processes.

The complex composition needs precise temperature control to evenly dissolve carbides, ensuring elements are distributed uniformly.

A well-coordinated quenching process further enhances the steel’s structure, while subsequent tempering achieves the right balance between hardness and toughness, resulting in high-performance and durable steel.

Applications of S35VN in Folding Knives

• Outdoor Activities: S35VN steel is commonly used in folding knives for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and hunting. These knives are trusted by outdoor enthusiasts needing a reliable cutting tool for the wilderness. Whether for food prep, rope cutting, or wood processing, S35VN folding knives offer top performance outdoors.
• Tactical and Military Use: Folding knives made from S35VN steel are popular among military, law enforcement, and tactical enthusiasts. Known for their strong build and long-lasting sharpness, these knives are versatile for self-defense, utility, and emergencies. With cutting precision and durability, S35VN folding knives are reliable tools for critical missions.
• Everyday Carry (EDC): S35VN folding knives are versatile, compact, and durable choices for everyday carry. Urban professionals, craftsmen, and people from all walks of life appreciate their convenience and functionality for daily tasks like opening packages, cutting zip ties, or making minor repairs. With sleek designs and premium materials, these knives seamlessly integrate into daily life, earning a place in pockets and backpacks worldwide.

Introduction to M390 Steel

Background of M390 Steel

Originating from Bohler-Uddeholm, M390 steel traces its lineage to powder metallurgy, a technique renowned for its ability to evenly disperse elements throughout the metal.

This manufacturing method produces steel of unparalleled quality, earning M390 a coveted status among knife enthusiasts as a premier choice for blade materials.

Chemical Composition of M390 Steel

M390 steel is comparable to S35VN with its diverse blend of elements, each adding to its outstanding qualities.

With significant carbon content, along with chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten, M390 steel is designed to be extremely tough and durable.

This diverse mix guarantees exceptional performance and longevity, establishing M390 as a premier choice for demanding uses across industries.

Key Characteristics of M390 Steel

Hardness

M390 is known for its exceptional hardness, resulting in a sharp and long-lasting edge perfect for maintaining cutting tool sharpness. It’s a top choice for those who value lasting precision and performance.

Corrosion Resistance

With around 20% chromium content, M390 boasts top-notch corrosion resistance, making it a great pick for knives in tough environmental conditions or with high moisture levels.

Processing Difficulty

Because of its high alloy content and powder metallurgy origins, M390 can be quite a handful to work with during manufacturing. But hey, the result is a blade that’s super tough and resistant to wear.

Applications of M390 in Folding Knives

Versatile Outdoor Tools

M390 steel is widely utilized in the production of folding knives designed for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and hunting.

These knives excel in tasks like preparing food, cutting rope, and crafting shelter materials, making them indispensable companions for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliability and durability in their tools.

Precision Tactical Instruments

M390 folding knives are precision tools designed for tactical and military use. Known for their high hardness and edge retention, these knives are relied upon by military and law enforcement personnel for various tasks, from utility cutting to self-defense.

The reliability and durability of M390 steel guarantee top performance in high-stress situations.

Everyday Carry Essentials

M390 folding knives are favored for everyday carry due to their compact size, durability, and versatility.

Urban professionals and individuals from all walks of life rely on these knives for everyday tasks such as opening packages, cutting materials, and performing minor repairs.

With their premium construction and superior edge retention, M390 folding knives provide unmatched reliability for daily use.

Performance Comparison

Cutting and Wear Tests

In real-world-like situations, S35VN and M390 go through similar tests to see how long they can keep a sharp edge and resist wear.

They both face cutting abrasive materials, rope, and wood to mimic actual usage.

The findings usually lean towards M390 having a bit of an edge, as it tends to maintain sharpness longer than S35VN.

Analysis of Corrosion Resistance

When it comes to dealing with rust and pitting, the M390 comes out on top over the S35VN.

With its higher chromium content, it excels in tough environments, making it great for maritime and coastal use where exposure to saltwater is common.

Edge Retention Capability

One of the key things for lots of knife users is how well steel can stay sharp, and that’s where the M390 stands out. With its tough build and high-carbon steel quality, M390 blades handle heavy use well and keep their edge for a long time.

Maintenance and Care Requirements

While M390’s edge retention is commendable, it also means that maintaining and sharpening an M390 blade requires more effort and skill.

Conversely, S35VN, though slightly less resistant to wear, is easier to sharpen and is more forgiving to users who may not have expert-level sharpening skills.

Price and Value for Money

The specific cost estimation for M390 steel knives varies widely depending on the brand, design, and additional features; however, on average, consumers can expect to pay anywhere between $150 to $500 or more.

While the upfront cost may be higher than other materials, the long-term investment pays off with M390’s superior edge retention and reduced frequency of blade service or replacement.

Suitability Analysis for Different Purposes

Activities Suited for Each Type of Steel

For tough jobs like construction or hunting that take a beating, M390’s toughness comes in handy. On the flip side, the S35VN works great for everyday carry when you want that sweet spot between durability and sharpness.

Relationship Between Steel Choice and Frequency of Use

Your decision between S35VN and M390 can also be influenced by how frequently you use your knife.

If it’s a tool that sees daily action in demanding situations, M390 might prove to be the more advantageous choice.

If you’re a more casual user looking for reliability in a range of settings, S35VN could be the more practical option.

Personal Needs and Steel Selection Strategies

Understanding your specific needs and the context in which you’ll be using the knife is fundamental.

Consider the environment, the type of tasks you’ll undertake, as well as your comfort level with sharpening and maintaining your blade.

These factors will help guide you toward the steel that aligns best with your requirements and use case.

Conclusion

Blade steel selection is as much a matter of personal preference and intended use as it is about the stark technical differences. In the case of S35VN and M390, both excel in distinct ways, catering to diverse needs in the knife community.

As you continue your exploration into the world of cutlery, aiming to select the finest blade for your EDC or collection, an informed understanding of these blade steels will serve as a guiding light.

Shieldon has carved a name for itself as a brand that prioritizes quality, performance, and user-friendliness. With a collection that includes knives using both S35VN and M390, Shieldon stands as a testament to the versatility and capability of these steels.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to maintenance and sharpening, which is easier to take care of, S35VN or M390 steel?

Maintaining and sharpening S35VN steel is generally easier due to its lower resistance to abrasion compared to M390. However, both steels can be sharpened with the appropriate skills and tools, ensuring a keen edge and a long life for your blade.

How do S35VN and M390 steel differ in terms of toughness in knife tools?

S35VN is noted for improved toughness over its predecessor, S30V, while M390 offers exceptional hardness. This means that S35VN blades are less prone to chipping, while M390 provides an edge that is harder and more durable, albeit less forgiving.

What are the differences in wear resistance between S35VN and M390 steel?

M390 steel generally exhibits superior wear resistance compared to S35VN, thanks to its hardness and powder metallurgy origins. This translates to a blade that maintains a sharp edge for a longer period, even under heavy and frequent use.

What are the main differences in chemical composition between S35VN and M390 steel?

While both steels share elements such as chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium, the quantities and specific compositions differ. M390 contains higher levels of carbon and chromium, which contribute to its increased hardness and corrosion resistance, respectively.

Why do some knife brands prefer using M390 steel in their high-end product lines?

M390 steel is often reserved for high-end knife lines due to the higher cost associated with the raw material and the manufacturing process. Its superior performance and durability make it a fitting choice for knives that are the flagship of a brand’s offerings.