Any alternatives to M4 ?

[goldie]

Since M4 is so limited in the knives that are out there,is there any steel similar in performance to it ?

 

[me2]

M2, but its even less available. High speed tool steel in general would behave similarly, but is generally not used for knives. A shame, as the M2 I have is tough beyond expectation and holds an edge forever. ZDP-189 might be close, but I've never used it. D2 or A2 may also be close, but I've not used either enough to know.

 

[orthogonal1]

M2 comes to mind.

How about Japanese blue steel or CowryX (?) a maybe?

 

[Jason B.]

S110V, S90V, ZDP-189 would all be good alternatives. Maybe a ZDP spyderco endura?

 

[goldie]

i have a composite shallot in zdp-189, i too thought it was close to m4.....

 

[Phillip Dobson]

Maybe CPM D2?

 

[spyken]

how does M4 compare to the other steels like M2, D2, A2, 3V, 10V etc in terms of toughness and edgeholding? how does it compare to ZDP189 or S30V?