Although this is an exaggeration, it is indeed a “super steel” recognized by manufacturers.
M390 is a third-generation PM process, developed for blades that require high hardness, high corrosion resistance, and high wear resistance.
It is a fine-grained alloy that is one of the first choices for high-end folding knives and small straight knives.
M390 can be treated to 60-65 HRC, which is also on the higher hardness gradient among stainless steels.
Within the steel, the addition of chromium, molybdenum, vanadium and tungsten improves blade sharpness and edge sharpness retention.
M390 is considered the best all-around cutting tool steel.
This has led many big brand knife manufacturers to use it extensively in their high-end knives.
Because of these properties, some knife enthusiasts refer to it as “God Steel”.
