Benchmade Presidio: regular 154CM or Special Edition M4

[BlackKnight86]

Hi, guys!

I've been reading up on some of the interesting threads about steels; and I wanted to get some opinions about a particular style of knife.

I want to get an example of a Benchmade Presidio; and I can get it in either the regular 154CM or the M4 (KnifeWorks SE). I was wondering what some of the folks here would get, between the two (I'm only getting one). I've got examples of other knives in both steels; so there isn't a preference either way. I'm comfortable with caring for the non-stainless M4 in use; so that's not a deal-breaker except in a case of all other things being "equal". It'll be used (EDC stuff; nothing too harsh); so collecting is not a factor at all. Price difference is also not a factor, again unless all other things being "equal".

So which steel would you get? Based on what folks wrote in other threads, I didn't see that there would be an appreciable across-the-board performance benefit to M4...better edge holding, stronger blade; but how much, really? Enough to matter (that's what I mean by "all other things being 'equal'")? If the 154CM is easier to sharpen and stainless, it looks like a "six of one, half dozen of another" choice.

What do you guys think? Which one would you get, and why?

Thanks!

BK86

 

[dalefuller]

I've also had both steels and a mini-Presidio. Very fine knife. 154CM has been a favorite of mine for EDC knives for a long time, like VG10 has. I'd probably stick with that since I don't like coated blades and my EDC folders get used for a fairly wide variety of things from house & garden to warehouse to woods. 154CM has proven to be an excellent all-around performer for me and I'm not given to trying a lot of different things when I already have something that works.

 

[Danbo]

M4, all the way. No comparison. M4 will hold it's edge a LOT longer. 154CM's only advantage would be more corrosion resistance.

 

[lklemz]

I second the M4. I haven't used BM's M4, but I'm not fan of their 154cm, especially after using Spyderco's S30V, BM heat threat is definitely soft (their S30V was way easier to sharpen then Spyderco's; and BM 154cm loses its edge really quickly when cutting cardboard, which is what I mainly slice).

 

[Planetcat]

I have a griptillian in 154CM and am underwhelmed with it's edge retention, as compared to other 154CM knives (non-BM) that I have. It's not terrible, I just expected more out of it. I'd go with the M4.

 

[Varg Lobos]

I actually like BM's 154cm. Easy to sharpen and holds a working edge a long time for me. I use it to strip electrical wires daily and can go months without sharpening.

But, I was in the same situation as you. I just bought a mini-presidio in 154cm and was looking at getting the big brother. I couldn't find a 520 in 154cm so I got the special edition in m4, just to try a BM in a different steel and according to everyone, it holds a edge siginficantly longer than 154cm.. I may be able to go a whole year without sharpening.

 

[evert67]

I have a Benchmade 580 with a 154CM blade and I'm not impressed by its edge retention. Indeed seems less than 154CM on some other non-Benchmade knives I have. I must admit it's easy to sharpen though, so if you do sharpening yourself, it may not be a big issue to you.

 

[ohmyheckinslc]

I've been thinking about this subject for a while actually. I've long wondered if it's possible to take, or instance, a 154CM blade from a knife that you otherwise love, but who's HT you don't care for... And send it to somebody like Ernie Emerson, who's really mastered the HT on that steel, IMHO, and ask him to anneal and re Heat and temper it... ? Is that madness?

 

[Varg Lobos]

Here's some pics to tempt you:

 

[Handwrecker]

I haven't used BM's M4, but I'm not fan of their 154cm

My feelings as well. Really was let down by their 154CM, got rid of my 950 quickly. I've read on here that BM's M4 is softer than say Spyderco's Gayle Bradley. I've used the GB and M4 seemed like a good steel, but it did rust fairly easily on me.