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M390 has higher abrasive edge-retention and corrosion-resistance ratings than N690, while their toughness scores are equal. The decision is therefore less about exchanging toughness for wear and more about whether M390’s advantages justify the particular knife and price you are considering.
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.
| Property | Böhler M390 | Böhler N690 |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
M390 Has More Abrasive Wear Resistance
M390 rates 6.5 for abrasive edge retention against N690 at 4.5. For frequent abrasive cutting, that is the strongest reason to prefer M390 in this pair.
A thicker M390 grind can still require more force to cut than a thin N690 blade. Wear resistance and cutting efficiency are related to different parts of the experience.
Our M390 steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
Neither Leads the Toughness Rating
Both steels rate 3.5 for toughness. We would not choose one over the other simply to solve a chipping problem without looking at the edge angle and heat treatment.
If chips are recurring, the knife’s geometry and use deserve attention rather than assuming a higher-priced steel will automatically be tougher.
Our N690 steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
Both Are Stainless, with M390 Rated Higher
M390 rates 9 for corrosion resistance and N690 8. Both are stainless choices; M390 has more rated margin, but either should be cleaned and dried after corrosive exposure.
The names also matter: this is Böhler N690, not a generic 690-series material or a different nitrogen steel.
Buy the Benefit You Will Use
We would favor M390 for wear-heavy slicing when the knives otherwise fit equally well. For occasional everyday cuts, a well-designed N690 knife may be the more useful purchase.
Compare actual prices rather than assuming a fixed premium for either grade. Do not give up the handle or blade shape you want just to gain a property you rarely need.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains the elements and the differences between reported values, ranges and limits.
Böhler M390: Böhler average composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Böhler: M390 MICROCLEAN.
Böhler N690: Böhler N690 average composition, mass %; not a finished-blade assay. Böhler: N690.
| Element | Böhler M390 | Böhler N690 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.9% | 1.08% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.7% | 0.4% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 20% | 17.3% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1% | 1.1% |
| Vanadium (V) | 4% | 0.1% |
| Tungsten (W) | 0.6% | Not listed |
| Cobalt (Co) | Not listed | 1.5% |
Compare Two Knife Steels
Sources and Update Notes
- Dr. Larrin Thomas: knife steel ratings · Property ratings; the scores describe steels rather than individual finished knives.
- Böhler: M390 MICROCLEAN
- Böhler: N690
