Benchmade Bugout in s90v vs m390

MightyQ

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Mar 12, 2021
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I have the opportunity to switch blades on my 535-3 bugout with an 535-4 one, I’m just curious if the m390 blade is worth the switch? I will be EDC’ing it and have a worksharp precision adjust for sharpening.
Any thoughts?
 
I've got the S90-V Bugout... and a host of other M390 knives.
I don't see any reason for the trade... Both blade steels do a fantastic job!
 
Great thanks guys!
I sorta figured that I should just keep er the way she is!
 
FWIW, I think M390 is a little more "well rounded". I'll take the extra toughness of M390 and sacrifice some wear resistance compared to the S90V. Is that a big factor to you? Maybe, maybe not.

I'd make the switch myself.


EDIT: Obviously, I looked at the wrong chart but I was under the impression M390 beat S90V on the toughness scale. T Twindog 's chart from Larrin says my info was incorrect. Keep the S90V.
 
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Now if this was a D2 to M390 swap...
(Still looking for one of those blades; for my Rat 2)
 
FWIW, I think M390 is a little more "well rounded". I'll take the extra toughness of M390 and sacrifice some wear resistance compared to the S90V. Is that a big factor to you? Maybe, maybe not.

I'd make the switch myself.
Yeah I’m not exactly going to be hard using it haha, I have other knives for that. The other thing is that’s it’s cerakote which I know can rub off easily and not look the best.
 
According to Larrin Thomas, S90V is actually marginally tougher than m390. In my experience, it’s harder to sharpen and get a hair popping edge, though.
 
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