Best knife to feature M4 steel?

TkSteve

TkSteve

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Dec 1, 2013
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In your opinion, what is the best knife to feature M4 steel? I want to get my hands on this steel and see how it performs. A budget maxing out around $200-250. I see a few BM models have it (Contego and Griptillian) and Spyderco has the Gayle Bradley. Out of those the Gayle Bradley seems
to appeal to me the most. What other knife manufacturers are using M4? I want to make sure I'm not missing any others before I make a purchase.

Thanks for any info or suggestions!
 
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Although it was a limited run, the Spyderco Manix in tan and M4 is a fantastic knife. There weren't many made, so it's not as easy as some others, but they are certainly around. This is about a perfect EDC size for many folks. It's also a FFG, and slices outstanding. IMO, it is a TOUCH too small, but many folks really like it. I have one that I bought here on the exchange, so I know they are around.
 
I would love to find a Manix FFG with M4. That sounds great. I had a manix with a Sabre grind and I liked it a lot. Always wished it was FFG though. I'll keep my eyes out for that. I bet they are not cheap. Still interested to hear about some others.
 
Having used both the GB and the Contego in a passaround, I bought the Contego. It fits my hand better and has a more comfortable blade/handle ratio for me. Since they toned down the jimping on the liners, it doesn't bother my hands at all.
 
Both Spyderco GB (~3.5") and Benchmade Contego (~4") are great. Both carry well even the Contego since it's fairly narrow.

Don't forget about the Spyderco Air by Gayle Bradley (~2.5"). Great little folder in a Wharncliffe blade and Titanium/Glass Fiber Laminate. It disappears in your pocket at barely over an ounce but is a serious cutter.
 
benchmade contego for a large blade
benchmade griptilian limited edition M4 for a medium sized blade
Benchmade mini grip limited edition M4 for a small blade

Each of these should run less than $200 each if you look around. The LE's might be harder to find, but there are a few floating around. there have been a couple M4 551's made I think.
 
You can look far and wide and not find a better knife than the Gayle Bradley. I absolutely love mine - it is tough, takes and keeps a wonderful edge, and looks handsome.

TedP
 
For a medium sized EDC I'd definitely vote for the Shot Show M4 Griptilian. Smaller EDC would be the 556 M4 Shot Show grip :)
 
Both Benchmade and Spyderco are putting out good CPM M4 in the 62-64 HRc range, so your choice really comes down to the blade geometry and knife ergos.

The Gayle Bradley has a hollow ground blade with a thin edge. This blade geometry really allows the M4 to shine. I don't like the limited lock access on the GB, but a Dremel solves that issue quickly and easily. The Military M4, which seems to run about 63 HRc, is also a great slicer with a full flat grind and thin edge. In addition, the pointy point gives it incredible ability for detail work.

Benchmade's Contego and the Shot Show Grip run their M4 at 62-64 HRc, which is better than the softer heat treat Benchmade used to use on its M4. My older AFCK in M4 tested out at 59 HRc. The Benchmades give you a choice of the Axis lock and saber ground blades for more robustness. But the steel should be close to Spyderco's.
 
I've noticed that my M4 blades have always been the sharpest of my knives, even with a relatively low grit finish on it.
 
If you could find someone willing to part with it, the Spyderco Military M4 is by far and away my favorite knife in M4. The Manix is right behind it. Both are going to be hard to find - you will occasionally see the Manix pop up on the sales forum. That being said, the GB is awesome. Big, hefty, tough knife. If I have a day coming up where I am going to do a lot of cutting, thats what I take.
 
the military is the best by far. but it was very limited and generally doubles in price on the secondary to around $400
 
Thanks for all the great feedback. Lots of good suggestions. I am looking for a mid sized knife, I should have specified. This is a knife I will be using in front of customers and other colleagues. Don't want to scare the non knife folk away! I am not a fan of smaller knives so mid sized is what I am looking for. I really like the Griptillian but I am still not a fan of the cheap feel of the handle. The GB seems like the top runner. I also like the idea of a Military even though I am looking for a smaller blade. With M4 is patina always expected eventually or can it be avoided with proper care?
 
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