Chromium, at 20.00%, is vital for providing corrosion resistance. Chromium forms a passive layer on the steel surface, protecting it from rust and staining. This high chromium content ensures that M390 blades maintain their integrity and appearance even when exposed to harsh conditions. Chromium also contributes to the steel's hardness and wear resistance.

Molybdenum is another important element in M390, present at 1.00%. It enhances the steel's toughness and hardness, working synergistically with chromium to improve corrosion resistance. Molybdenum helps maintain the steel's strength at high temperatures, making M390 suitable for demanding applications.

Vanadium, at 4.00%, is crucial for wear resistance and toughness. Vanadium forms hard vanadium carbides, which contribute to the overall hardness and ability of the steel to hold a sharp edge. These carbides are among the hardest found in steel, ensuring that M390 blades maintain their sharpness even with repeated use.

Tungsten is included at 0.60% and further increases hardness and wear resistance. Tungsten helps the blade retain its sharp edge under heavy use, making M390 a reliable choice for tasks requiring consistent performance over time.

Silicon, present at 0.70%, aids in increasing strength and hardness. It also acts as a deoxidizer during the steel-making process, removing oxygen from the steel and improving its quality. This contributes to the overall performance and durability of M390.

Manganese, at 0.30%, improves toughness and hardness. It helps refine the grain structure of the steel, enhancing its strength and durability. Manganese also contributes to the ease of heat treatment, ensuring the steel achieves the desired hardness and toughness levels.

Bohler M390's composition results in blade steel that excels in edge retention, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. These properties make it ideal for high-performance knives used in demanding conditions. The high carbon and vanadium content ensures that M390 blades hold a razor-sharp edge for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent sharpening. The combination of carbon, vanadium, and tungsten provides exceptional wear resistance, allowing the blades to withstand heavy use without significant wear.

Despite its high hardness, M390 can be sharpened relatively easily compared to other super steels. This ease of sharpening allows users to maintain a sharp edge with standard sharpening tools, ensuring consistent performance without specialized equipment.

These qualities make M390 a preferred choice for high-end knives and demanding applications, delivering reliable and superior performance for a variety of cutting tasks. Whether for everyday use, outdoor adventures, or professional applications, knives made with Bohler M390 steel provide outstanding performance and durability.