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M390 and CPM 20CV tie in all three ratings used here. Their closely matched alloy designs give you little reason to choose one knife over another by those names alone. Compare the actual knives: heat treatment, grind, handle, carry and price are the useful next questions.
Performance Ratings
For the science, we draw on Dr. Larrin Thomas of Knife Steel Nerds, who has kindly allowed us to reproduce his ratings. Our advice below puts those tradeoffs into everyday cutting and care.
| Property | Böhler M390 | CPM 20CV |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
Are M390 and 20CV the Same Steel?
They are separate commercial grades with closely matched listed chemistry. Böhler's M390 and Niagara's 20CV records share the selected carbon, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium and tungsten values shown below. That is enough to explain the comparison, but not to certify identical processing or every element in every batch. Thomas's history and property research covers how these grades are related.
What the Tied Ratings Tell You
M390 and 20CV share a grouped source row rather than separate scores capable of proving a narrow advantage. It does not mean every M390 and 20CV knife will cut or resist damage identically.
For a different balance of wear resistance, toughness or corrosion protection, explore the broader steel guide.
Why Two Knives Can Still Feel Different
Imagine a thin blade and a thicker blade cutting the same apple: the thicker one may wedge before its edge has become dull. A different bevel can also change cutting ease and edge support. Compare the maker's hardness specification, but do not use HRC alone to certify heat-treatment quality. For otherwise similar knives, a better grip or pocket clip may be the improvement you notice every day.
Sharpening and Corrosion Care
Both are wear-resistant powder metallurgy stainless grades. Diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasives are a practical option for a substantial repair or reprofile. Keep touch-ups manageable and remove the burr before deciding you need a finer finish. Their corrosion scores are high, but food residue, salt and moisture still deserve attention. Clean and dry the complete knife as its maker recommends.
For more on its alloy design and everyday care, read our M390 steel profile.
Our 20CV steel profile covers its background and what to check when choosing a knife.
Composition
Böhler lists silicon and manganese values that the Niagara 20CV table does not supply. An unlisted number means that this reference does not provide it, not that the element is absent from the steel. Both sources list tungsten at 0.6%; treating tungsten as a unique M390 advantage would misread the data. The composition guide explains the elements and the limits of a recipe comparison.
Böhler M390: Böhler average composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Böhler: M390 MICROCLEAN.
CPM 20CV: Niagara typical composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM 20CV.
| Element | Böhler M390 | CPM 20CV |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.9% | 1.9% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.7% | Not listed |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.3% | Not listed |
| Chromium (Cr) | 20% | 20% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1% | 1% |
| Vanadium (V) | 4% | 4% |
| Tungsten (W) | 0.6% | 0.6% |
