440c, Gin1, 154cm, M2

To get a shred of a chance of getting the best answer for you, can I recommend that you clarify a bit on "best". Best for what? These steels all have tradeoffs versus each other!
 
My recommendation is to first figure out which knife works the best for you, based on size, design, intended use, and budget, then get that knife regardless of the type of steel.

I have a dozen knives that I really love, and they are made out of everything from differentially tempered O-1 to 420HC stainless, including CPM S90V, Talonite, and all the others you mention except GIN-1, though I bought a GIN-1 knife for a friend of mine, and I liked it so much, he almost didn't get it.

Unless you have some essential need, as in high stain resistance for salt water use, or high toughness for chopping, the steel type is really not nearly as important as the grind...in my humble opinion of course. That is not to say that a knife nut doesn't have his favorites of course, but steel type is still of a smaller importance than good design and construction.
 
pick 440-C over 154-CM if you want stain resistance. I made a knife for my sister's boyfrine dout of 440-C because he is a search and rescue volunteer guy out in the Vancouver area. Gotta fight that salty atmosphere! Choose 154-CM over 440-C for increased edge holding, and I believe toughness.

I know little about M2 and GIN-1.
 
I'm going to make a wild stab here (pun intended). All the steels you mention are available on Benchmade folders. If you are thinking of buying a Benchmade folder, I think the more important question is which model instead of the steel in the blade. I like several Benchmade's, and I like M2, but as has been said before, it depends on your primary use scenario. I recently purchased a Griptilian which has a 440C blade and I've been impressed with its edgeholding and its stain resistant qualities. I also like the Axis lock. My favorite Benchmade though is the 710 in M2, but it will rust easier than 154CM, 440C, GIN-1. Now if my wild stab was wrong, then nevermind. :)
 
Back
Top