Elmax vs M390 Steel Comparison

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Elmax vs M390 Steel Comparison over a blurred abstract steel background

M390 rates higher for abrasive edge retention and corrosion resistance, while Elmax has a small toughness advantage. Both can make a useful stainless carry knife. We would consider M390 for frequent slicing in damp conditions, but would not dismiss an Elmax knife with a better blade shape or handle.

Performance Ratings

For the science, we turn to Dr. Larrin Thomas of Knife Steel Nerds, who has kindly allowed us to share his ratings here.

Dr. Thomas’s property ratings. Separate scales, not physical percentages or an overall score.
Property	Elmax	Böhler M390
Abrasive edge retention	5.5	6.5
Toughness	4	3.5
Corrosion resistance	8	9

Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.

M390 for Longer Abrasive Cutting

M390 rates 6.5 for abrasive edge retention and Elmax 5.5. For repeated cutting through abrasive packaging, that favors M390. For occasional everyday cuts, it may be less important than how easily the blade passes through the material.

If you are comparing different models, look at thickness behind the edge as well as the steel. A broad, thin Elmax blade and a thick M390 blade are not a clean test of alloy performance.

The Elmax steel profile provides more context on this powder metallurgy alloy.

Both Are Stainless, but the Ratings Differ

M390 scores 9 for corrosion resistance and Elmax 8. We would give M390 an extra reason for consideration when the knife spends time in a sweaty pocket or is used on damp material. Neither score promises immunity from rust.

After food cutting, clean and dry either knife rather than relying on its stainless label. Their composition tables help identify the alloys, but chromium percentage alone is not a finished-knife corrosion test.

Our M390 steel profile explains its wear resistance and corrosion performance.

Elmax’s Toughness Advantage Is Small

Elmax rates 4 for toughness and M390 3.5. This is a small numerical gap, not enough to call Elmax a rough-use specialist. We would not choose an unsuitable blade design just to gain that half point.

Likewise, the table does not predict whether an edge will roll or chip in a particular accident. Heat treatment, edge angle and the force applied still matter. If your priority is much greater chipping resistance, explore a wider range of steels in the comparison tool below.

The Elmax Knife May Still Be the Better Buy

For otherwise similar knives, M390’s wear and corrosion ratings make it attractive when those properties match your use. Elmax is a reasonable choice when the particular knife fits your hand better or costs less without giving up features you need.

Both benefit from suitable sharpening equipment; diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasives are useful for their hard carbides. We would avoid promising that one takes a certain amount less time to sharpen. Choose around the knife you want to use and maintain, not a universal winner.