Authenticity, our commitment.
Every Maison Lame blade is selected with the same rigor, whatever the steel. From premium M390 Böhler steel to multi-layer Damascus, by way of our European and Scandinavian tool steels — every reference is chosen for its specific properties, never by chance.
The world's reference steel.
M390 is a powder steel developed by Böhler Uddeholm in Austria. Its composition — rich in chromium, vanadium and molybdenum — gives it rare corrosion resistance and edge retention. It's the steel chosen by the most demanding knife makers in the world.
The proof, in numbers.
Certified Böhler M390 composition — reference analysis
| Element | Symbol | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium | Cr | 19–20 % |
| Carbon | C | 1,9–2,0 % |
| Vanadium | V | 0,9–1,0 % |
| Molybdenum | Mo | 0,9–1,0 % |
| Tungsten | W | 0,5–0,7 % |
| Manganese | Mn | 0,3 % |
| Silicon | Si | 0,7 % |
Composition certified by independent spectrographic analysis. Every batch is verified before selection.
Spectrographic analysis certificate available on request — contact us at contact@maisonlame.fr
Exceptional properties.
Edge retention
M390 holds its edge far longer than standard steels, thanks to its high hardness (60–62 HRC).
Corrosion resistance
Its 20% chromium content makes it one of the steels most resistant to rust and oxidation.
Ease of sharpening
Despite its hardness, M390 sharpens predictably with the right abrasives, and quickly regains its edge.
Versatility
From everyday carry to intensive use, M390 adapts to every context without compromise.
A blade in a class of its own.
Our Damascus steel is forged from two complementary steels, RWL34 and PMC27, stacked and hammered into 67 alternating layers — a multi-layer forging process inherited from a centuries-old tradition, shaping a unique pattern on every blade. This alternation isn't just aesthetic: it gives the blade a rare balance between hardness and toughness, each layer offsetting the limits of the one before it, for a blade that combines edge retention, resilience to shocks, and a finish all its own.
K110
Strength & toughness
A high-chromium European tool steel, offering an excellent compromise between wear resistance and toughness — it takes intensive use without chipping.
60–62 HRC
A high hardness that makes it a reference prized for its reliability in daily use, even under the most demanding conditions.
D2
Edge retention
A semi-stainless tool steel, renowned for its exceptional edge retention and wear resistance — a historic reference in rugged cutlery.
59–61 HRC
Its corrosion resistance is more moderate than that of stainless steels: a little more care needed, for an edge that lasts.
14C28N
Swedish balance
Developed by Sandvik, this Swedish steel offers an excellent balance between ease of sharpening and corrosion resistance.
58–60 HRC
A hardness designed for everyday use: highly prized for EDC knives, easy to resharpen and reliable over the years.
VG10
Japanese balance
A Japanese steel renowned for its balance of edge, toughness and corrosion resistance — a safe bet in fine cutlery.
60–61 HRC
Often used as a core steel in our Damascus finishes, to combine cutting performance with the aesthetics of the multi-layer pattern.