Mike C and I have communicated about this a bit. Neither one of us know if it is alright to put M390 in the forge and shape on the anvil. I've been carrying this steel as a pocket knife for two years and I love it! Having a Wicked Edge I can get it sharp. It's hard and it's tough, so it works for me. I want some kitchen knives out of it. Mike told me the size of the bars that are available, and they're not condusive for certain kitchen knives. If I could shape them hot, I could get them to the right profile and thickness. Then grind and take them to Mike to run through heat treat. The question is, can this be done or will it mess up the properties of the M390, what say you experts?

i have no experience with it, sorry,,, my only advise is to do an indepth internet search for info
and if push comes to shove, contact the company that makes it,, they should have sales reps who
are versed its characteristics etc

My gut says it'll be a challenge. High alloy stainless tends to need to forge really hot and in a narrow range. That plus it'll tend to air harden as it cools. Best bet would be a rolling mill if you're going to try it. I'd put it close to impossible by hand.

Thanks for the replies.

Seems like a bad idea. The stuff is too expensive to experiment with.