Böhler knife steels: precision and innovation from Austria

Böhler knife steels: precision and innovation from Austria

Böhler Edelstahl GmbH is known worldwide for producing high-quality steels that are used in a wide range of industries - including knife manufacturing. With decades of experience and the latest technology, Böhler offers a wide range of steel grades that are characterized by precision, durability and innovation. Böhler steels have an outstanding reputation, especially among knife enthusiasts, as they offer an ideal mix of hardness, toughness and corrosion resistance.

The most important Böhler steel grades for knives

Here are some of Böhler's most popular steel grades that are commonly used in knives:

Böhler M390

  • Category: Powder metallurgical stainless steel
  • Characteristics:
    M390 is one of the most popular high-end steels for knives. This powder metallurgical steel is characterized by exceptional edge retention, excellent corrosion resistance and good toughness. With a chromium content of 20% and vanadium for fine grain, M390 is the first choice for premium knives.
  • Use: Perfect for EDC, hunting and kitchen knives.
  • Comparison: Offers similar properties to CTS-204P and CPM-20CV, but with a slightly increased focus on wear resistance.

Böhler N690

  • Category: Stainless steel
  • Characteristics:
    N690 is a martensitic steel that is particularly known for its excellent corrosion resistance and easy resharpening. Its cobalt content gives it a higher cutting performance compared to standard stainless steels.
  • Use: Ideal for outdoor, survival and kitchen knives.
  • Comparison: Often referred to as a European alternative to VG10, but with better toughness.

Böhler K390

  • Category: Tool steel
  • Characteristics:
    K390 is an extremely wear-resistant tool steel that was specifically developed for applications where edge retention is crucial. It contains tungsten, vanadium and molybdenum, which makes it particularly robust and durable. However, K390 does not have stainless steel properties and requires maintenance to avoid rust.
  • Use: Ideal for heavy work, bushcraft and outdoor knives.
  • Comparison: Compared to CPM-M4, K390 is slightly more wear-resistant, but less corrosion-resistant.

Böhler Elmax

  • Category: Powder metallurgical stainless steel
  • Characteristics:
    Elmax offers a balanced combination of corrosion resistance, edge retention and toughness. It is a hybrid of stainless steel and tool steel properties, making it versatile.
  • Use: EDC, hunting and survival knife.
  • Comparison: Similar to M390, but with slightly higher toughness and slightly less wear resistance.

Böhler D2 (K110)

  • Category: Semi-stainless steel/tool ​​steel
  • Characteristics:
    Böhler D2 (often referred to as K110) is a classic among tool steels. It offers excellent cutting edge retention and wear resistance, but has only limited corrosion resistance.
  • Use: Suitable for outdoor and tactical knives where durability is crucial.
  • Comparison: Similar to American D2, but with more precise processing and finer microstructure.

Why Böhler steels?

  1. State-of-the-art technology:
    Böhler uses powder metallurgy and other advanced processes to produce steels with exceptional consistency and performance.

  2. Broad portfolio:
    From stainless steels such as M390 to extremely robust tool steels such as K390, Böhler offers the right steel for every application.

  3. Quality control:
    Böhler steels are known for their uniform structure, which significantly improves performance and processability in knife manufacturing.

  4. Sustainability:
    Böhler relies on environmentally friendly production methods and recycling of raw materials, which also makes the brand attractive to environmentally conscious customers.

Comparison of Böhler steels with other brands

  • Böhler M390 vs. CPM-20CV: Both steels offer almost identical properties, but M390 is often considered slightly easier to grind.
  • Böhler K390 vs. CPM-M4: K390 offers higher wear resistance, while M4 is slightly tougher and easier to sharpen.
  • Böhler N690 vs. VG10: N690 offers better toughness and is often considered more robust.

Conclusion

Böhler steels are among the best in the world and offer an unparalleled combination of precision, performance and durability. Whether you are looking for a knife for everyday use, outdoor adventures or the kitchen - Böhler has the right type of steel. Models made of M390, K390 and Elmax in particular set standards in the knife industry and are an excellent choice for demanding users.

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