Native M390 - choose yours

[pantagana23]

In a desperate attempt to push M390 into Golden exclusives (sprints?) that aren't right handed, I made a poll for anyone who would be interested.

As Sal said on multiple occasions, he's watching the threads, and looking at potential numbers.

I would prefer a Lil' Native BL in G10 version myself, but since I see that all the exclusives are made in compression lock, most probably it is not the most sold version from the lineup and would never ve made, but would be happy with a G10 M390 in Native 5 version as well :D

Native chief not offered as FRN model option as it's nowhere to be seen for now.

What say you?

[steelcity16]

Endela and Endura in M390

[pantagana23]

Endela and Endura in M390

But would you take a Native version :D

[jdw]

I personally have enough M390/20cv/204p to meet my needs and those steels seem to be increasingly available. If Golden is tying up production capacity on a new Native variant I would much rather it be in a different steel than M390.

[steelcity16]

Endela and Endura in M390

But would you take a Native version :D

Ha, no. Seki folders or bust for me these days.

[Wartstein]

Chief... but in FRN... :D

[Josh Crutchley]

I voted for Chief, I don't have anything that big yet or any M390.

[JRinFL]

I'd rather wait for MagnaCut. Sorry.

[Naperville]

Yes, we need a Native Chief in M390, 204P or 20CV.

[Matus]

I'd rather wait for MagnaCut. Sorry.

This. And just stay with S90V until that happens.

[TomAiello]

I'd buy the lil or regular native (either FRN or G10) in M390/20cv/204p. I would not buy the comp lock lil, though.

I don't think I'd want the chief. I'd rather have the chief in s90v (which has already happened).

[fixall]

M390 has poor toughness and above average edge retention. It excels at corrosion resistance.

The Native 5 has a relatively thick blade. With the types of things I use the Native 5 for, I would much rather have a tougher blade in there. If I need toughness AND corrosion resistance, I'd have my hopes set on MagnaCut. If I didn't need corrosion resistance I'd be looking for one in 4V, Cru-Wear, or M4. All of these would give you similar edge retention to M390, but would offer much more toughness.

For situations where edge retention is king... I'd much prefer S90V if I need stainless, or 10V if I don't. Maybe even 15v which offers similar toughness as M390 with much, much more edge retention.

[T.J.]

I’d buy a Native 5 FRN M390 in a second. Preferably in dark blue.

[kobold]

G10 all around for me.

[Gtscotty]

I voted for the lil natives because they are office friendly and therefore get plenty of pocket time. I'd love a 20CV regular native too though, and I'll take one of those Endelas while I'm at it.

[Abyss_Fish]

Voted G10 as there aren’t NEARLY enough g10 native variants.

Although tbh the teal frn s90v native sorta fills the “super performance on a budget” thing already, not sure it could be dethroned.

[TomAiello]

Although tbh the teal frn s90v native sorta fills the “super performance on a budget” thing already, not sure it could be dethroned.

That might just be an argument that we need a lil native back lock in m390 (or s90v).

I own a comp lock lil native in one of my favorite steels (4v) and I admit that I am just not a huge fan of the platform. I'd much rather have the upgraded steel in the back lock variant.

[fixall]

Voted G10 as there aren’t NEARLY enough g10 native variants.

Although tbh the teal frn s90v native sorta fills the “super performance on a budget” thing already, not sure it could be dethroned.

That's just it for me. It's not that I don't like M390... It just doesn't bring anything to the table (for me) over S90V. S90V has MUCH better edge retention and the same toughness. The only things M390 has over S90V is cost, ease of sharpening, and corrosion resistance.

The cost has been pretty negligible, so I kind of consider that a non-factor. With the rise of diamond and CBN sharpening stones, I also consider ease of sharpening to be a bit of a non-factor. As far as corrosion resistance goes, I think most users would be hard pressed to notice the difference between M390 and S90V, and the people who do... Should probably be looking at H1 or LC200N (or even MagnaCut if the corrosion resistance is as good as advertised, which I'm pretty sure it will be).

So what does M390 give you over S90V?

Honestly at this point... I'm starting to wonder why we need any other steels besides 15V, 10V, MagnaCut, CruWear, 4V, AEB-L, and 3V for knives.

[Steeltoez83]

I'd like to see m398 trickle into the mix instead of more m390. Native chief FRN m398 would be my vote.

[Abyss_Fish]

Voted G10 as there aren’t NEARLY enough g10 native variants.

Although tbh the teal frn s90v native sorta fills the “super performance on a budget” thing already, not sure it could be dethroned.

That's just it for me. It's not that I don't like M390... It just doesn't bring anything to the table (for me) over S90V. S90V has MUCH better edge retention and the same toughness. The only things M390 has over S90V is cost, ease of sharpening, and corrosion resistance.

The cost has been pretty negligible, so I kind of consider that a non-factor. With the rise of diamond and CBN sharpening stones, I also consider ease of sharpening to be a bit of a non-factor. As far as corrosion resistance goes, I think most users would be hard pressed to notice the difference between M390 and S90V, and the people who do... Should probably be looking at H1 or LC200N (or even MagnaCut if the corrosion resistance is as good as advertised, which I'm pretty sure it will be).

So what does M390 give you over S90V?

Honestly at this point... I'm starting to wonder why we need any other steels besides 15V, 10V, MagnaCut, CruWear, 4V, AEB-L, and 3V for knives.

I’ve had the same thought before, for me at least I see 20cv (and its friends) and xhp as somewhat cost effective standards for pocket knives, spectacular ease of maintenance with decent edge retention. Xhp is a little easier to sharpen and 20cv has a little longer lasting edge. There are steels that do specific things better for sure, I like lc200n for grimy situations, sg2 for my kitchen escapades, 3v for outdoorsy stuff, and s90v (or more likely magnacut once it comes around) as an upgraded stainless.

But 20cv and xhp are fine, they should be standards like what s30v is now but oh well. What can ya do.