CPM-M4 Vs ELMAX

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TotalDbag

TotalDbag

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This may have been asked before, but my searches found nothing directly comparing these two. Which is better/preferred for every day tasks? In your opinion? ZT's ELMAX, or BM's M4? And why?
Thanks for your time.
 
Elmax will have better corrosion resistance, decent edge retention and is pretty tough. M4 will have much better edge retention, and is more rust prone. M4 has pretty good toughness and is the preffered steel for many competion cutters. Elmax is my favorite all around steel, but I would guess most prefer M4. Depends on your preferences.
 
On a folder, then Elmax for corrosion resistance

On a fixed blade under 5", M4 for edge retention for EDC.
 
Hmm, I predict that a lot of people will tell you ELMAX based on the hype alone, and very few will tell you BM's M4.

However, if I were to choose between the two there wouldn't even be a comparison. I would choose BM's new harder M4. Holds an edge FAR, FAR longer than ZT's ELMAX while still being very very tough. ZT's ELMAX is one of my least favorite steels, period. It's not that great at anything really in my experience.

Also, corrosion resistance isn't an issue since BM always coats M4. Unlike a lot of other coatings like DLC and BO, benchmade's coating does in fact protect against corrosion.
 
forgot to mention, the M4 blade is coated, so rust isn't that much of a problem.
Thanks for the responses so far.
John, what would you compare the edge retention of ELMAX to?
 
TotalDbag said:
forgot to mention, the M4 blade is coated, so rust isn't that much of a problem.
Thanks for the responses so far.
John, what would you compare the edge retention of ELMAX to?
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S30v by his or another individuals results.
 
m4 all the way, though I don't get the "it's coated so corrosion isn't an issue" comments. the only time corrosion would be an issue is on the edge, and that's still uncoated. Granted, I agree corrosion is not an issue, but that's because m4 is very stain resistant and has nothing to do with the coating.
 
goodeyesniper said:
m4 all the way, though I don't get the "it's coated so corrosion isn't an issue" comments. the only time corrosion would be an issue is on the edge, and that's still uncoated. Granted, I agree corrosion is not an issue, but that's because m4 is very stain resistant and has nothing to do with the coating.
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4% to 4.7% chromium leaves a lot to be desired for rust resistance. A hair bit better than your standard 10** series of carbon steels, but not much.
Wouldn't compare at all to something like S30v or Elmax in terms of corrosion resistance.
 
goodeyesniper said:
m4 all the way, though I don't get the "it's coated so corrosion isn't an issue" comments. the only time corrosion would be an issue is on the edge, and that's still uncoated. Granted, I agree corrosion is not an issue, but that's because m4 is very stain resistant and has nothing to do with the coating.
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If your hinting at my post, I said "it isn't that much of a problem." Not it isn't a problem. If you weren't hinting at my post then disregard this :D
 
I like Elmax a lot, but I think a better comparison would be M390 v. CPM-M4. Elmax and M390 are both stainless, but M390 seems a bit better in most respects -- more in the league of CPM-M4.

But really, any comparison has to specify the hardness, otherwise it's an apples/oranges thing.

I have a new knife in CPM-M4 hardened to 64-65 HRc. I thought it would be too brittle, but it's proving to be very tough, as well as holding an edge better than anything else I've tried.
 
Twindog said:
I like Elmax a lot, but I think a better comparison would be M390 v. CPM-M4. Elmax and M390 are both stainless, but M390 seems a bit better in most respects -- more in the league of CPM-M4.

But really, any comparison has to specify the hardness, otherwise it's an apples/oranges thing.

I have a new knife in CPM-M4 hardened to 64-65 HRc. I thought it would be too brittle, but it's proving to be very tough, as well as holding an edge better than anything else I've tried.
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Well the knife I'm thinking of getting has ELMAX.
 
TotalDbag said:
Well the knife I'm thinking of getting has ELMAX.
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What knife are you planning on getting? (if you dont mind me asking)

I just got the 0560 in the mail today and im excited to test the steel out.
 
Luis G. said:
4% to 4.7% chromium leaves a lot to be desired for rust resistance. A hair bit better than your standard 10** series of carbon steels, but not much.
Wouldn't compare at all to something like S30v or Elmax in terms of corrosion resistance.
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I'm talking real world experience. I have carried cpm m4 almost extensively for over two years. I do not oil the blade or do anything besides lube the pivot every once in awhile. Yes, there is a marked difference between the more common stainless, but it is still quite resistant. resistant to the point I would consider corrosion a non issue with this steel in all but the most extreme cases. But it all boils down to the person I guess, a some people consider light discoloration and some spots as a problem....

my other main point was not understanding coating somehow solving any rust issue, since the edge would be the only problem area and it it's obviously left uncoated...
 
goodeyesniper said:
I'm talking real world experience. I have carried cpm m4 almost extensively for over two years. I do not oil the blade or do anything besides lube the pivot every once in awhile. Yes, there is a marked difference between the more common stainless, but it is still quite resistant. resistant to the point I would consider corrosion a non issue with this steel in all but the most extreme cases. But it all boils down to the person I guess, a some people consider light discoloration and some spots as a problem....

my other main point was not understanding coating somehow solving any rust issue, since the edge would be the only problem area and it it's obviously left uncoated...
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Uncoated M4? What is the humidity like in your area. I've used Coated M4 in Texas not near water at all and I got rust on the edge quick enough.

Edit:
Rust caused by water, and by glue residue from cardboard cutting.
 
goodeyesniper said:
I'm talking real world experience. I have carried cpm m4 almost extensively for over two years. I do not oil the blade or do anything besides lube the pivot every once in awhile. Yes, there is a marked difference between the more common stainless, but it is still quite resistant. resistant to the point I would consider corrosion a non issue with this steel in all but the most extreme cases. But it all boils down to the person I guess, a some people consider light discoloration and some spots as a problem....

my other main point was not understanding coating somehow solving any rust issue, since the edge would be the only problem area and it it's obviously left uncoated...
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The edge wouldn't be the only rust issue if it was uncoated. Any part of the blade that is open to the elements will rust (under right circumstances) when uncoated. The coating protects 90%, or so of the blade from the elements, which means most of the blade is protected from the rust issue.
 
I haven't oiled my Gayle Bradley in over a year, and I still have 0 rust spots. I am starting to form a patina naturally, but zero rust. M4 is not the rust monster people make it out to be.
 
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