CPM M4 - like finding Sasquatch

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Diomedes01

Joined
Aug 6, 2015
Messages
10
Hey there folks, been reading BF for several years now, but this is my first post. Go easy on the new kid!

I'd really like a great folder in CPM M4! But man are they rare! Sprint runs that're tough to find, big bruiser knives I most likely wouldn't carry, or the Gayle Bradley's Spyderco does (the Air I didn't care for, the other I like, but haven't pulled the trigger on because again - sort of a bruiser of a knife!)

I'd really like something quasi-traditional (lock back or slipjoint). Even willing to go custom if need be! (Oesers are IMPOSSIBLE to find dangit!)

Suggestions on finding this rare species?
 
Dang Jared made knives in M4? That's pretty awesome!

I have an Air and carry it a lot. I didn't like it either but I ordered black scales for it from Spketchen and now I carry it all the time. I believe it is worth reconsidering.
 
The benchmade Mini Grip in M4 is pretty awesome. Not a huge knife by any means.

They Gayle Bradley is not that large of a knife by any means either. I have carried on before and currently have another one heading my way in the mail. I think that you would be pleasantly surprised at how well it carries. They you will be stunned at how well it cuts!!!
 
Benchmade has made various models in M4. Off the top of my head there is the 760 and a version of the Griptilian.

Spyderco makes the Gayle Bradley folder in M4, and it isn't really a bruiser of a knife. I consider it to be medium sized and easy to carry. It is a bit heavier than some other knives of its size, but not noticeable using the pocket clip. Spyderco has also made the Manix 2 and Military in M4 and there will eventually be upcoming Paramilitary 2 models in M4.

Search the sales forum and you can find various of these models for sale occasionally.
 
You could always have a set of scales made for either of the gayle bradleys, as previously mentioned.

Aside from that, the only m4 knives that I know of are the:

BM 710 (LE), 810, 760 Lfti, some regular and small griptilians and other LEs.

The spyderco manix 2 LE, pm2 sprint and military sprint, and the new spydercos due out in 2015 sometime (gayle bradley 2, pm2)

ZT0770cfM4 is a current run at knivesshipfree.

That is it for my knowledge of production m4 knives. Good luck!
 
I owned the mini grip in M4. Good little knife! I love Benchmades and the Axis lock. Super addicting to play with. I didn't really like the saber grind or the materials/feel of the handle. I suppose I could've gotten custom scales for it, but it seemed a little much for a stock knife.

Honestly at some point I'll probably break down and buy the GB Spyderco folder - but I really feel like it'll end up being too bulky and heavy and sit in the drawer.
 
Diomedes01 said:
Hey there folks, been reading BF for several years now, but this is my first post. Go easy on the new kid!

I'd really like a great folder in CPM M4! But man are they rare! Sprint runs that're tough to find, big bruiser knives I most likely wouldn't carry, or the Gayle Bradley's Spyderco does (the Air I didn't care for, the other I like, but haven't pulled the trigger on because again - sort of a bruiser of a knife!)

I'd really like something quasi-traditional (lock back or slipjoint). Even willing to go custom if need be! (Oesers are IMPOSSIBLE to find dangit!)

Suggestions on finding this rare species?
Click to expand...

You like flippers? :D


I love the Spyderco Gayle Bradley but this custom is a completely different animal. At just .300" thick and 3.4 ounces this knife completely disappears in the pocket but still fits perfectly in the hand.
 
That new iteration of the GB folder is pretty sweet. When does that come out? Anyone know? Love the GB custom up there too! I've grown less fond of flippers lately, but that is just a beautiful blade man.
 
Surfingringo said:
You like flippers? :D


I love the Spyderco Gayle Bradley but this custom is a completely different animal. At just .300" thick and 3.4 ounces this knife completely disappears in the pocket but still fits perfectly in the hand.
Click to expand...

Stop making me jealous!
;)
 
woodysone said:
What Armadew said, beauty Surfingringo!
Click to expand...

Thanks guys...I'm super happy with this one. M4 is probably my favorite steel for an edc knife so combining that with this design has made this a pretty much perfect knife for me. This is one of those rare ones that as you carry and use it you love it more each day. This design has way more than just looks going for it. ;)
 
[video=youtube;kRodbDeAShw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRodbDeAShw[/video]

I do the opposite, i wish someone made a larger M4 knife with some nice woood handles
 
There is also a version of the 0770 that has a cerakoted M4 blade. Not a huge fan of assisted knives, but it's super easy to remove the spring in those and just rock it as a manual flipper as well. Greta knife, and not overlay large at all from what I have seen. About a 3.25" blade, but not traditional by any means unfortunately.

It might be worth contacting some of the makers here on the forums and seeing if one of them can get some M4 for you.

Insipid Moniker said:
I just wish companies used more M4 in general. Great all around steel.
Click to expand...

Big issue is most people don't want a blade that is not corrosion resistant. I am also in this party a little, but I absolutely love M4 in a nice EDC knife, so I make an exception for it sometimes. I usually send it off to get it cerakoted if it's naked steel when I get it though. I sweat a lot, and rust has been an issue on my EDC knives before so I don't take any chances.

Add in the issue with M4 being so wear resistant and somewhat difficult to grind compared to other steels, and most manufacturers really don't want to mess with it a whole lot for production reasons as well.
 
I know two other guys who have an LFTi but for them it's a safe queen. Mine's a user, and the steel is perhaps the best I've seen in any folder. The Gayle Bradley proves - to me - that the LFTi's performance is not a fluke. The GB's just not as stout as the Benchmade.
 
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