How is cpm M4 vs. INFI

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d.weglarz13

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Jun 4, 2008
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i know that these are two different type of steels, but another thread got me thinking. which steel would be better for an all around hard use fixed blade knife? im talking blades between 4 and 8 in. I am very curious as i don't know too much about M4, and would like to know where I can go to look at knives of this size in M4 steel. I have a hard time finding any. any opinions appreciated. thanks
 
Unless you go custom spyderco and bm is about your only choice and most all are folders.

In this case M4 would probably spank INFI but without proper examples it would be hard to say for sure.
 
If you want the sharpest possible edge, and good edge holding, M4 will do well, you want the ultimate no bar hold beating knife you can't beat infi, well you can, beat it harder than any steel out there. M4 would shatter under some of the conditions Infi is able to handle, but for general use it would do at least a little better than Infi, don't think it would quite spank infi but, it's a harder steel for sure.

At the very least M4 would take a sharper edge, if you need it that sharp.
 
As said above, it depends on what you want it for?

For a folder, i'd prefer m4 most likely. For a fixed blade? With how I use them? Give me INFI.
 
M4 has incredible toughness I would take it in any size blade.
 
Always a trade off. Phenomenal toughness or incredible edge holding with the ability to become laser sharp.
 
Spyderco M4 would take much thinner edges and have better edge retention than INFI. INFI is more corrosion resistant and extremely tough. M4 is very tough also, I would go with M4 on this one for a hard use fixed blade. I have the M4 Mule which is exactly the kind of knife the OP is refering to and it's incredible all around: the edge retention, ability to take thin wicked sharp edges, and toughness.
 
Busse would have to be the vendor. I doubt they have any stock that thin. These things could be resolved of course, but it wouldn't be cheap.
 
d.weglarz13 said:
i know that these are two different type of steels, but another thread got me thinking. which steel would be better for an all around hard use fixed blade knife? im talking blades between 4 and 8 in. I am very curious as i don't know too much about M4, and would like to know where I can go to look at knives of this size in M4 steel. I have a hard time finding any. any opinions appreciated. thanks
Click to expand...

For a hard use blade INFI all the way and INFI will take an amazing edge if you really know what you are doing sharpening knives. :thumbup:
 
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Both would do well. M4 definitely wins in edge retention. INFI might win in toughness, but in real world scenarios, M4 is more than tough enough.
 
ok cool. It is a shame that they don't make any nice fixed blades like camp knives or tactical knives that are made in this M4. I have looked at the mule, but i like something an inch or two larger. I know that most Blade Sports cutting competition knives are made of M4, but they are alittle too big for me.
I don't need incredible rust resistance, i just want the best steel for a good hard use fixed blade. I love what i hear about both of these steels so far, its a shame there isn't more of a selection of m4 fixed blades out there.
 
I don't own any infi and i know it's a really tough steel but i think infi gets a lot of it's strength from how thick and wide they are. Busse knives are 1/4+ inches thick.

wouldn't a steel like 3v be better to go up against infi since it's extremely tough
 
m4 is closer to 3v, d2, a2, etc. meant to be edge holders and slightly more stain resistant yet still fairly tough

infi is closer to 1070, 5160, and s series steels. meant to be really tough. they say infi is fairly stain resistant as well but i dont have any experience with it
 
Fascinating :) Almost every steel vs. Infi...

P.S. bearcut, we all know about your grudge against Busse, but those knives are very tough...
 
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