Benchmade's CPM-M4 vs. D2 vs. 154cm (for a Minigrip)

cm_bushman · Apr 2, 2013

The title says it all, I'm wondering how Benchmade's CPM-M4 stacks up against it's own D2 and 154cm steels, since I have the gpknives M4 Mini-Grip exclusive on the way. I know M4 is generally considered superior in most cases, but I've heard conflicting reports on Benchmade's iteration specifically, some saying it shows no boost in edge retention over their (generally praised) D2. I have only had a 154cm MiniGrip in the past, so that's my only reference.

So, opinions? How does Benchmade's CPM-M4 compare to it's D2 and 154cm in regards to edge retention, ease of sharpening, and toughness? Am I going to see major differences in any of these categories over my old 154cm blade, and if so, how much?

I'm also interested in comparisons to other companies' CPM M4 treatments, if it is within the scope of this sub-forum.

Skimo · Apr 3, 2013

Blows 154cm straight out of the water. Sharpens easily enough, I did a foolish thing at work with my superb slicing edge.... Which led to grinding out the edge, did that on my el cheapo SIC two sided stone (water, don't use oil) hogged off a lot of steel and quickly.

Better than the d2 by a good margin I think.

Lennyo3034 · Apr 3, 2013

I have a GPknives Griptillian and a Spyderco Manix 2 both in M4. The manix I had sharpened by Richard J when I first got it and the Griptillian has the factory edge still. They are both holding their edges extremely well. The Spyderco is a tad bit sharper now, but the Griptillian has seen far more use. The spyderco also has a more acute angle on the edge. Overall, I'd say they are comparable.

cm_bushman · Apr 3, 2013

Thanks guys, I'm looking forward to the Mini-Grip. 154cm was great by my standards, so this M4 has my interest piqued.

Mahoney · Apr 3, 2013

The M4 and D2 are both better in edge retention than the 154CM, based on my extremely unscientific testing process of "how often do I have to sharpen my EDC Griptillian?" . How much better depends on what you are cutting, how corrosive the environment is, etc. M4 seems to be a bit easier to sharpen to a keen edge than the D2, but YMMV. Based on a sample size of one each, the Griptillian in M4 holds an edge better than the Manix 2 in M4, again YMMV. I do think once you get to the level of D2, S60V, M4, M390, etc., only a small percentage of folks use their knives enough to really notice how much better one steel is than another

cm_bushman · Apr 4, 2013

This is more in line with what I've heard, that M4 and D2 from BM are comparable. I've also heard that BM's recent M4 is ran harder than it was in years past, making it's edge retention much higher than it was initially, which may contribute to some of the not-so-positive comments. As far as using goes, this will be my sole EDC for the foreseeable future, as well as a fallback while camping, so it will definitely be used plenty.

I've used 1095 in all of my past "camp knives" and not noticed anything as far as quick rusting or micro-corrosion impairing the edge (as far as I know). I assumed CPM-M4 would be comparable in the corrosion department, was I wrong on this?

loonybin · Apr 4, 2013

cm_bushman said:
This is more in line with what I've heard, that M4 and D2 from BM are comparable. I've also heard that BM's recent M4 is ran harder than it was in years past, making it's edge retention much higher than it was initially, which may contribute to some of the not-so-positive comments. As far as using goes, this will be my sole EDC for the foreseeable future, as well as a fallback while camping, so it will definitely be used plenty.

Benchmade's older, softer heat treated M4 was comparable to D2. Their harder HT makes their M4 better at edge retention from the comparisons I've seen.

I've used 1095 in all of my past "camp knives" and not noticed anything as far as quick rusting or micro-corrosion impairing the edge (as far as I know). I assumed CPM-M4 would be comparable in the corrosion department, was I wrong on this?

It will probably be slightly better than 1095 in the corrosion department.

Mahoney · Apr 4, 2013

I have had no corrosion issues with my M4 knives, but I live where humidity is low, I don't do much food prep with my EDCs, and I do oil the blades once in a while. M4 is a great steel except for corrosion, the D2 is very good and 154 CM is pretty good too, the only steel I won't touch again from Benchmade is S30V, but that's another topic. But the tasks done with an EDC knife are not controlled cutting in a lab... with good wear resistant steels edge damage frequently becomes the deciding factor in when a knife is "dull". It really does not matter much what knife steel you have if you are cutting steak on a ceramic plate or if you hit the staple hidden under the tape when opening a box. I used to carry 440A and AUS8 knives, and I would have to sharpen daily, sometimes twice. With D2, M4, etc., I sharpen less often, almost always to remove damage, rarely because the edge dulled from wear.

hickman1 · Apr 4, 2013

Glad to hear positive opinions on the M4, I just bought one of the GP knives LE M4 Griptilians online, should be at the house this weekend, hope to get to play with it next week some.