HTM Gunhammer M390 maxx

spydusse

spydusse

Joined
Dec 14, 2010
Messages
1,663
Wow, this has to be the nicest knife i have bought for less then 250 bucks. I was at work about a week ago when Knifecenter sent me an email about these. I saw they were running their M390 at 62 rc so i had to get one. No other production knife that i have seen has obtained that hardness on m390 yet. Spydercos i have seen tested around 60+ 61 tops, benchmades have been tested around 59.

When i got this blade the fit and finish blew me away ,simply superb.It has a recurve blade wich i love. The handles are made from aluminum but are really textured for grip. It reminds me a lot of the g10 on the zt 0300 model. It has a nested ti liner lock thats has nice size to it . The lock sits about 40% . Its has a straight cut on the blade for the lock to sit into, similar to the new way striders lock up now . I know people have loved that change so its nice to see that the htm lock employes a similar design. I got the manual only because the AO was sold out but let me tell you its fast. It utilizes the Maxx glide system. It is similar to the ikbs but has a cover to keep any gunk or dirt out of your bearings. Mr Ralph has said,''its the bearing system that keeps your balls in the race''.I really dont know how its possible that i havnt bought an htm yet,this blade is top notch. I will be buying more DDR/HTM knives in the future.

I had to put my own edge on it on the edge pro. I sharpened it to 1200 grit with the standard ep stones. Btw i have never had a knife withstand the 120 grit stone like this steel did, makes me think it will cut forever. Once i get some good work in at the plant nusery i work at i will get back to you on its preformance. I will also upload a video later of the action(My smart phone wont let me load to the tube without wifi)
428830_323133021111158_1206921583_n.jpg
559077_323133494444444_773704750_n.jpg
531433_323133751111085_352979074_n.jpg
 

Attachments

  • 428830_323133021111158_1206921583_n.jpg
    428830_323133021111158_1206921583_n.jpg
    80.3 KB · Views: 49
Last edited:
Is that the Bowie or Torpedo?

How does the f&f compare to, say, a CRK?

If this is the best you've seen for under $250, what do you judge better for more?

Thanks for the first impressions and photos!
 
Bowie,
On par,
Just an xm 18 production wise and a lot of different customs,
Thanks
[video=youtube;EslYzsl37_o]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EslYzsl37_o&feature=plcp[/video]
 
Last edited:
Thank you for the review.

I want one of these, but I would rather have the Torpedo blade shape instead.

Plus, they are considering new handle color choices.

So I will wait a while and see what they decide to offer regarding that.
 
Last edited:
That's slick -- thanks for the vid.

I'd like to see a stonewashed version. Why use beadblast on a folder this expensive?
 
Note to the manufacturer and buyers at the dealers: the fact that the manual versions of these models sold out immediately should tell you something.
 
This variation of the gunny came in black and satin not bead blast? The blade finish had more of a selling role then manual or ao. Both satin blades sold out before the manual black. I know cause i wanted satin and it was gone lol
 
Update: i can tell you this, it definitely seems to be holding its shaving edge longer then my m390 military has.
Disclaimer : nothing scientific ,just an observation of putting it through similar tasks at work
 
Thanks for the observations. I have always been interested in the Gunhammer and your review is making it much harder to resist!
 
About the 62 HRC: I've often wondered why production companies ran their m390 at less than 62. m390 really shines at 62, maybe even higher. Personally, I don't think m390 is worth it if it isn't at least at a 62 HRC. Then again, Darrel does his own heat treating in house and likes reading steel data sheets in his spare time!

I noticed you put a different edge on it. Did you reprofile? If so, how many degrees inclusive?

Regarding bearing systems, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but IKBS does not use a shield bearing system, which is why I prefer Darrel's Maxx Glide, Brian Tighe's STBS (stands for sealed thrust bearing system IIRC), and RJ Martin. All three of these makers use some version of a sealed system.

----------

All the satin versions were assisted. The black coated ones were manual with Maxx Glide.
 
harkamus said:
I noticed you put a different edge on it. Did you reprofile? If so, how many degrees inclusive?

----------

All the satin versions were assisted. The black coated ones were manual with Maxx Glide.
Click to expand...

Its right about 15 per side , from tip to start of recurve it came a little thick,all better now.
Thanks for the clarification, now im glad the satins were sold out cause i wouldnt have got to try this awesome super smooth bearing system. I would take it over any ao i have tried
 
At work wearing old blue work pants lol
599725_328700627221064_697846421_n.jpg
i like it where it is . I have never been to fond of deep pocket, i feel they can be harder to deploy at times
 
harkamus said:
About the 62 HRC: I've often wondered why production companies ran their m390 at less than 62. m390 really shines at 62, maybe even higher. Personally, I don't think m390 is worth it if it isn't at least at a 62 HRC. Then again, Darrel does his own heat treating in house and likes reading steel data sheets in his spare time!

I noticed you put a different edge on it. Did you reprofile? If so, how many degrees inclusive?

Regarding bearing systems, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but IKBS does not use a shield bearing system, which is why I prefer Darrel's Maxx Glide, Brian Tighe's STBS (stands for sealed thrust bearing system IIRC), and RJ Martin. All three of these makers use some version of a sealed system.

----------

All the satin versions were assisted. The black coated ones were manual with Maxx Glide.
Click to expand...

Yes there is a HUGE difference in performance between the typical ~60 HRC that most run and 62 HRC, but it's not easy to get it there.

M390 can take around 63 HRC (62.5-63 HRC) if done correctly and CYRO Treated.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top