M390 vs cpm M4

ron finkbeiner jr

ron finkbeiner jr

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I am bidding on a Contego on the bay and was wondering how CPM M4 would stack up against M390? Let the debate begin!
 
M4 is tougher. It will hold a thinner edge, but M390 could hold the edge longer. Depends on final Rc hardness.
 
Rust resistance for those days you forget your gear is soaked. M390 in my daily carry, M4 for special occasions. That way, I remember.
 
Big Chris said:
M4 is tougher. It will hold a thinner edge, but M390 could hold the edge longer. Depends on final Rc hardness.
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This.^^

I would add that strangely enough, M390 is easier to sharpen than M4, despite it's higher wear ability.
 
DSCN1369_zps1c3d61fc.jpg
 
For my needs, I prefer the M4. I have a Contego, and I don't need to be as protective of the edge.
 
you will most likely never notice a difference between a well heat treated and hard m4 and m390 in either wear resistance or toughness, they perform that similarly.
corrosion resistance you will probably notice. m4 will stain a little, but is still quite resilient and I doubt you would ever see bad rust on it.
 
goodeyesniper said:
you will most likely never notice a difference between a well heat treated and hard m4 and m390 in either wear resistance or toughness, they perform that similarly.
corrosion resistance you will probably notice. m4 will stain a little, but is still quite resilient and I doubt you would ever see bad rust on it.
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I think that's right. It's worth mentioning that earlier BM M4 was relatively soft, and also that BM seems to run M390 softer than Spyderco does, to the extent that that is relevant.
 
goodeyesniper said:
you will most likely never notice a difference between a well heat treated and hard m4 and m390 in either wear resistance or toughness, they perform that similarly.
corrosion resistance you will probably notice. m4 will stain a little, but is still quite resilient and I doubt you would ever see bad rust on it.
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bladesteel50Kview-1.jpg
 
Considering the Contego is cerakoted, I doubt rust will be a problem.
Unless you go swimming with it in the ocean.........Which I've done ;)

After 2-3 hours in the Atlantic





After a wipe down and a dry, this is all the rust that stayed on (which rubbed off the next day)

 
Wearing my Gayle Bradley IWB while working on a hot day, I developed significant small rust spots on the blade which have been very hard to remove. I really like a lot about this knife, but the tendency to rust in this hot humid area (perhaps the salt air is a factor) make me reluctant to carry it on a day to day basis. Now I keep the blade wiped lightly with Break Free.
 
Contego with M4 is very well priced, mine cost just over $100, I like it a lot!!!!!!!!!

If m390 blades were at the same price point, I'd have many!!!!!!!!

I have a ZT 0350 with M390, but it cost me $180 shipped, and I like the longer blade on the Contego!!!!!!
 
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