Magnacut vs M390 | Which Steel Is Better?

When it comes to the best steels for knives, Magnacut and M390 are always right there on the list. M390 is exceptionally sharp and harder than Magnacut. Magnacut, on the other hand, has a fantastic balance of toughness, hardness, and edge retention. M390 has a high amount of Chromium than Magnacut steels, which makes M390 exceptional. But overall, both sheets of steel are best for high-quality knife making.

If you want to read an in-depth analysis of magnacut steel read what Larrin Thomas explains about magnacut steel.

However, this short comparison is insufficient to know everything about Magnacut and M390. I will compare Magnacut and M390 steel in detail so that you can fully understand both of them. That’s why you should stay tuned.

Which Steel is Better Between Magnacut and M390 Steel?

Bohler-Uddeholm, following the third-generation powder metallurgy, produced M390 steel. M390 steel has more Chromium than is advised, whereas Magnacut steel has less Chromium than is advised. Magnacut wins for hardness; on the other hand, M390 steel wins for its toughness and durability.

A quick Comparison chart

Key Differences 

Both Magnacut and M390 steels are built differently and have exceptional qualities. Their chemical compounds and user preferences are also different from each other. Here are the key differences between Magnacut Vs M390 steel:

Built Quality

M390 steel has around double the Chromium content of Magnacut steel, which makes M390 tougher than Magnacut steel. This additional toughness improves the wear and corrosion resistance of the steel. 

Hardness

Magnacut’s hardness is more than M390, which makes magnacut superion at hardness level. With this hardness, magnacut has excellent edge retention. M390’s Chemical compounds make it a medium hardness than its counterpart. But overall, both steels are best according to their built quality.

The hardness of knife steel has a major impact on edge retention and wear resistance.

Toughness

On the toughness list, M390 wins over Magnacut due to Magnacut’s exceptional hardness. M390 has an excellent toughness level that also balances out its hardness level. Magnacut is slightly less tough than the M390 because it has more HRC (62.5-64).

Steel toughness refers to its resistance to chips and cracks while in use.

Wear and corrosion Resistance

Magnacut performs very well in wear and corrosion resistance, even though M390 has the highest score in these categories. Everyone anticipated Magnacut to perform poorly on the wear resistance test due to its lower chromium content. Magnacut, however, outperforms other stainless steels like CPM 20CV, S45VN, S35VN, and S110V in terms of wear and corrosion resistance.

Corrosion resistance is a measure of a steel’s ability to resist rust and oxidation.

Edge Retention

Due to the hardness level of Magnacut steel, the edge retention is exceptional as expended. Magnacut is harder than M390, which makes the edge retention exceptional M390. However, M390 also has excellent edge retention and can maintain its sharpness for a long time.

The capacity of a blade to maintain its sharpness while in use is referred to as edge retention.

Ease of sharpening

M390 is easy to sharpen and maintains its sharpness for a long time. However, Magnacut’s sharpness is superior to M390 due to its High hardness and lower chromium levels. 

Which is better for outdoor use?

Because of its greater levels of hardness and corrosion resistance, M390 is often regarded as the best steel for outdoor applications. Magnamcut may also be used outside, but it will need more regular maintenance and care to stay in good shape.

Applications of magnacut and m390 Steel

Maganacut and M390 offer a wide range of uses, and both steels have benefits when it comes to operations like cutting, slicing, and piercing. Maganacut is a premium stainless steel with outstanding edge retention and hardness. It is an excellent choice for a wide range of activities, including slicing, piercing, and cutting through tough materials. M390, on the other hand, is a powdered steel with a greater carbon content that is engineered to provide improved wear resistance and edge retention. This makes it an excellent alternative for activities requiring accuracy and long-term sharpness.

Conclusion

Overall, I think Magnacut wins over the M390 steel because of its solid hardness, edge retention, and ease of sharpening. M390 has an amazing level of toughness and excellent chemical compositions. Knives work best for different tasks; for example, the M390 is best for hikers, and the Magnacut is best for chefs.

Read More if you are a knife steel follower:

• Elmax vs M390 Stainless Steel: Which is better and why?
• Cruwear Vs M390: Which steel is better?

My Favourite Knives in Each Category

I have access to both Magnacut and M390 knives. And here are my favorite knives in each category:

1. The Mercer Culinary M21078 (magnacut)

The Mercer Culinary M21078 chef’s knife is one of the best knives made with Magnacut steel. It is an 8” culinary knife made with High-carbon German steel. The incredible, long-lasting sharpness will ensure perfect edge retention and is best for beginner to professional Chefs. The Mercer Culinary knife has excellent toughness and is easy to maintain.

1. Spyerco syopera (m390)

Spyderco SpyOpera knife already has a reputation for its excellent M30 Stainless steel blades. The unique design with a 6.9” long blade makes the knife travel-friendly and easy to use. However, it can be hard to sharpen because the M390 knife requires exceptional maintenance.