What Type of Knife Steel is The Best For You?

Picking a knife for your everyday carry can be a daunting task. We believe that the most important part of your everyday carry knife choice should be durability; thats why we stand with Microtech. A Microtech knife is constructed from highly durable knife steels such as elmax and bohler M390. 

Read about which type of knife steel is the best fit for you!

Elmax

Microtech Elmax steel is a high-performance stainless steel that is favored by knife makers for several reasons:

Edge Retention

Elmax has excellent edge retention, which means it can maintain a sharp edge for extended periods of use. This is a crucial factor for those who need a knife that remains sharp during demanding tasks without constant re-sharpening.

Corrosion Resistance

It is highly resistant to corrosion, making it well-suited for use in various environments, including wet or humid conditions. The steel’s ability to resist rust and staining helps to ensure the longevity of the knife.

Toughness

Elmax is relatively tough compared to some other high-performance steels. This means it can withstand impacts and bending without chipping or breaking easily, making it a reliable choice for rugged tasks.

Ease of Sharpening

While not the easiest steel to sharpen, Elmax is more forgiving than certain other super steels. It can be honed to a razor edge with the right tools and skills.

Versatility

Due to its combination of excellent properties, Elmax is versatile and suitable for a wide range of knife applications, from everyday carry (EDC) to survival and outdoor activities.

Stain Resistance

Elmax’s high chromium content contributes to its stain resistance, ensuring the blade maintains its appearance even after prolonged use.

Manufacturing Quality

Elmax is a powder metallurgy steel, which means it is made through a specialized process that allows for precise control over the alloy composition. This results in consistent and high-quality steel, which is highly desirable for knife makers.

Premium Grade

Elmax is considered a premium steel, often used in high-end and custom knives, as well as some production models from reputable manufacturers. Its combination of performance and corrosion resistance makes it an attractive choice for knife enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Of course, the selection of knife steel depends on the intended use and personal preferences. While Elmax is an excellent choice for many, some users might prioritize other factors, such as ease of sharpening or cost, and opt for a different type of knife steel that better suits their needs.

Bohler M390

Bohler M390 is a high-performance stainless steel that has gained popularity among knife enthusiasts and manufacturers for its exceptional properties. It is considered one of the best choices for premium knives due to the following characteristics:

Edge Retention

M390 exhibits outstanding edge retention, allowing the blade to maintain its sharpness for a prolonged period even under heavy use. This is a highly desirable trait for users who require a knife that can handle demanding tasks without frequent re-sharpening.

Corrosion Resistance

The high chromium content in M390 provides excellent corrosion resistance, making it well-suited for use in various environments, including wet or marine conditions. The steel’s ability to resist rust and staining contributes to the knife’s durability and longevity.

Wear Resistance

M390 has excellent wear resistance, meaning it can withstand abrasion and erosion during use. This makes it particularly suitable for hard-use knives and tools.

Toughness

Despite being a high-hardness steel, M390 still maintains good toughness, allowing it to resist chipping and cracking when subjected to impacts or heavy cutting tasks.

Fine Carbide Structure

M390 contains a mix of vanadium, tungsten, and chromium carbides that contribute to its fine carbide structure. This helps in achieving a balance between wear resistance and toughness, making it a versatile steel for various applications.

Easy to Sharpen

While some premium steels can be challenging to sharpen, M390 is relatively easier to work with. It can be honed to a razor-sharp edge with the right tools and skills.

Premium Grade

M390 is considered a high-end steel and is often used in custom and high-quality production knives. Its combination of superior performance and corrosion resistance makes it an attractive choice for knife enthusiasts and professionals.

Powder Metallurgy (PM) Process

M390 is manufactured using the powder metallurgy process, which allows for precise control over the alloy composition and results in consistent and high-quality steel.

It’s worth noting that while M390 is an exceptional steel, it is also more expensive compared to other more common knife steels. As with any knife, the selection of steel should depend on the intended use and personal preferences. M390 is particularly well-suited for those who value premium performance, long-lasting sharpness, and corrosion resistance in their knives.