Is M390 better than MagnaCut?

M390 has slightly higher wear resistance, so it can hold an edge a bit longer in slicing work. MagnaCut is tougher and offers more corrosion resistance. Both are premium choices.

How does M390 compare to S30V and 20CV?

M390 generally holds an edge longer than S30V. 20CV is a very similar steel to M390, so performance is closely comparable.

Is M390 hard to sharpen?

M390 takes more time to sharpen than softer steels because of its high wear resistance. Diamond stones are recommended; it rewards you with long edge life.

M390 offers enhanced corrosion resistance and handles everyday conditions well. Like any steel, wipe it dry after use and store it clean.

TRC Classic Freedom fixed-blade knife in M390 steel

Böhler M390 · premium stainless

M390 fixed blades for every day

Long edge life, enhanced corrosion resistance and refined TRC geometry. A focused collection for daily cutting, outdoor utility and collectors.

View matching knives Explore the steel

From €150 to €550

Handmade in LithuaniaLifetime warrantyFree EU shipping on orders over €100

Why choose an M390 fixed blade?

Böhler M390 is an Austrian powder-metallurgy stainless steel known for very long edge retention and a high-polish finish, with enhanced corrosion resistance. TRC heat treats its M390 fixed blades to 60–62 HRC for dependable everyday carry.

Common uses

Everyday carry: Compact fixed blades that stay sharp through daily cutting.
Outdoor tasks: Practical profiles for camp work, food preparation and general utility.
Craftsmanship: Limited and specially finished editions such as DLC models.

Customer rating

Verified reviews

Store reviews

Live Judge.me data

TRC heat treatment

60–61 HRC (most models)

Crafted in

Lithuania

Choose your knife

Precision, sized for the way you carry

Compare blade length, heat treatment, handle and finish across TRC's M390 fixed-blade collection.

CLASSIC FREEDOM DLC - M390 steel blade with Black G-10 handle, 92mm blade length

CLASSIC FREEDOM DLC

CLASSIC FREEDOM DLC is handmade in Lithuania from M390 at 61-62 HRC. Its 92 mm fixed blade, Black G-10 handle and Kydex are designed for controlled cutting and dependable utility.

€330

In Stock

Available while stock lasts

CLASSIC FREEDOM BCM DLC - M390 steel blade with BCM / Red Liner handle, 92mm blade length

CLASSIC FREEDOM BCM DLC

CLASSIC FREEDOM BCM DLC is handmade in Lithuania from M390 at 61-62 HRC. Its 92 mm fixed blade, BCM / Red Liner handle and Kydex are designed for controlled cutting and dependable utility.

€330

In Stock

Available while stock lasts

THIS IS FREEDOM - M390 steel blade with BCM handle, 130mm blade length

THIS IS FREEDOM

THIS IS FREEDOM is handmade in Lithuania from M390 at 60-61 HRC. Its 130 mm fixed blade, BCM handle and Kydex are designed for controlled cutting and dependable utility.

€355

In Stock

Available while stock lasts

CLASSIC FREEDOM - M390 steel blade with BCM/RED LINER handle, 92mm blade length

CLASSIC FREEDOM

CLASSIC FREEDOM is handmade in Lithuania from M390 at 61-62 HRC. Its 92 mm fixed blade, BCM/RED LINER handle and Kydex are designed for controlled cutting and dependable utility.

SPEED DEMON DLC

SPEED DEMON DLC is handmade in Lithuania from M390 at 60-61 HRC. Its 80 mm fixed blade, Skeletonized handle and Kydex are designed for controlled cutting and dependable utility.

SPEED DEMON DLC JUNGLE WEAR

SPEED DEMON DLC JUNGLE WEAR is handmade in Lithuania from M390 at 60-61 HRC. Its 80 mm fixed blade, Skeletonized handle and Kydex are designed for controlled cutting and dependable utility.

MINI TANTO

MINI TANTO is handmade in Lithuania from M390 at 60-61 HRC. Its 55 mm fixed blade, Skeletonized handle and Kydex are designed for controlled cutting and dependable utility.

This is Freedom Signature Series

This is Freedom Signature Series is handmade in Lithuania from M390 at 60-61 HRC. Its 130 mm fixed blade, Night Storm Carbon Fiber handle and Carbon Fiber Texture Kydex are designed for controlled cutting and dependable utility.

€550

Out of Stock

Everyday performance

An edge made to keep working.

Böhler developed M390 with high chromium and vanadium content using third-generation powder metallurgy. It is valued for long edge life, clean finishing and dependable everyday performance.

TRC uses M390 across This Is Freedom, Classic Freedom, Speed Demon and Mini Tanto models. Heat treatment is matched to each design, with most at 60–61 HRC and Classic Freedom variants at 61–62 HRC.

Best for: Everyday utility · long edge life · refined finish
Hardness: 60–61 HRC (most models) · 61–62 HRC (Classic Freedom variants)
Origin: Böhler-Uddeholm, Austria

Technical evidence

Inside Böhler M390

M390 uses third-generation powder metallurgy to disperse fine, hard carbides through a clean stainless matrix. Composition (Böhler datasheet): C 1.9 · Si 0.7 · Mn 0.3 · Cr 20.0 · Mo 1.0 · V 4.0 · W 0.6.

Performance profile

Editorial estimate · not a sourced industry rating

Edge Retention9/10

Toughness6/10

Corrosion Resistance9/10

Sharpenability6/10

M390 offers enhanced corrosion resistance. Clean and dry it after use; diamond stones are recommended when sharpening is required.

Composition and heat treatment

Carbon (C)1.9%

Silicon (Si)0.7%

Manganese (Mn)0.3%

Chromium (Cr)20.0%

Vanadium (V)4.0%

Tungsten (W)0.6%

Molybdenum (Mo)1.0%

This Is Freedom · This Is Freedom Signature Series60–61 HRC

SPEED DEMON DLC · SPEED DEMON DLC Jungle Wear60–61 HRC

MINI TANTO60–61 HRC

CLASSIC FREEDOM · CLASSIC FREEDOM DLC · CLASSIC FREEDOM BCM DLC61–62 HRC

Sources

Read the complete M390 guide

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