Bohler-Uddeholm / Austria

K390

Powder Metallurgy Tool Steel62-65HRCPowder Metallurgy (PM)

Composition

Core alloying elements define the baseline trade-off between wear resistance, corrosion behavior, and toughness.

Material Overview

K390 is a premium powder metallurgy tool steel produced by Bohler-Uddeholm. Designed originally for industrial cutting applications, it offers extremely high wear resistance and excellent edge retention due to its high carbon and vanadium content. Unlike stainless steels, K390 has lower corrosion resistance and requires regular maintenance to prevent rust. However, its combination of toughness and cutting performance makes it highly respected among knife enthusiasts seeking maximum cutting efficiency and durability.

Performance Radar

Use four core metrics to understand the usable operating envelope of this steel at a glance.

Edge Retention

Toughness

Corrosion Resistance

Sharpenability

Edge Retention

10.0

Toughness

8.0

Corrosion Resistance

4.0

Sharpenability

6.0

Advantages

Exceptional edge retention
Excellent wear resistance
High toughness for a high-hardness steel
Stable and aggressive cutting performance
Ideal for hard-use knives and tools

Disadvantages

Low corrosion resistance
Requires regular maintenance to prevent rust
More difficult to sharpen than simpler steels
Can develop patina over time

At A Glance

K390 is a high-performance powder metallurgy tool steel with exceptional edge retention, high toughness, and outstanding wear resistance, favored for hard-use cutting tools and premium knives.