M4 vs m390?

kingston73

kingston73

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Oct 14, 2013
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Given identical knives, and the fact that I don't mind non-stainless, what would your preferred steel be and why?
Similar question, given identical style scales which would you pick, titanium or aluminum?
 
M4, because it's slightly tougher in my opinion and resists chipping.

Also titanium. Aluminum knives tend to be anodized and come very smooth...which is fine until you get these scratches and dings in it that you cant unsee! Sorry, thats one thing that irritates me. Ti seems to be a little better in my experience, since they're usually finished in ways that hide scratches better.

I'd pick G10 usually, as its very tough and can resist alot of scratching and dinging.

Hope this helps!
 
If it’s well done M390 like BM then 390. But barely.

I like titanium.
 
I don't think it matters on the steel. M4 is a fair bit tougher (resistance to breaking and chipping), but M390 has better wear resistance.

Stain resistance is a bonus for M390, but maybe not for you.
 
for me, cpm-m4 - especially since I have a gb2, ... pure art...

m4 is much tougher than m390, who cares about a tiny bit of patina?
C134CFP2_Both.png
 
I prefer M390. Because it stains less. If that's not an issue to you, then flip a coin.

I prefer titanium to aluminum. Because all day long I deal with aluminum structure held together with stainless steel fasteners and the ensuing galvanic coupling corrosion issues. The concept of willingly putting that combination in my pocket is a huge turn-off to me. YMMV. (Your Mileage May Vary).
 
They are two very different steels. Fairly similar edge retention, but M390 has poor(although not the worst) toughness and excellent corrosion resistance and M4 has excellent toughness and poor corrosion resistance. I like them both, although I would personally take M4 if forced to choose.

Handles: titanium for strength. A little added weight doesn't bother me.
 
I love both steels, and usually prefer M390 if both are uncoated because I tend to make M4 rust in no time. Been trying to force a decent patina on my Gayle Bradley 2 but that thing is resisting me! LOL If the knives are coated, M4 all the way. Both are great, and I don't really need the extra toughness of M4 in a folder.

For everyday carry? M390.

Handles? I really like titanium.
 
As an addendum, you really can't compare the two. Very different.

I will say this about CPM-M4. It takes an keen edge and holds a long time. But, if you let it get too full, it can be difficult to sharpen.

M390 has so many variables, and that's without considering blade shape, grind, thickness. Plus, throw in CTS-204p and CPM-20cv into that equation. Are they really the same.

I own three knives with M390, and one with 204p. All are different brands and all 4 different blades types.

Which will hold it's edge longest? High hollow grind reverse tanto by bestech/apurvis, full flat modified wharnie from Viper, full flat drop point by WE, or whatever the heck the high hollow grind of the Spyderco Southard?

I've had my GB for 8 years (next month). No chinks in it's armor. I've had it professionally sharpened once and since I've kept it up on the fine and ultra fine stones on the sharpmaker. It has not chipped, rolled, or rusted. I've carried and used it a lot, probably only my Manix 2 has seen more use. The GB was my around the apartment/house handle anything knife.

These days, I don't live the same life, do not use/abuse my knives as I once did.

The verdict? Depends on the knife, the use, the environment, and your sharpening ability.

If rust and sharpening isn't an issue, go CPM-M4. If you tend to cut very thick, abrasive material, choose this as well.

M390 for everything else.
 
jstn said:
I don’t think M390 is anywhere near that tough. Not sure where Bladehq gets their steel info but some of it is comical.
Click to expand...

I have no dog in this fight. That’s the only chart I could find to copy/paste. Perhaps you could find a similar chart and post it.

If the OP is serious about all of this he should read the sticky at the top of the page by Larrin Larrin .
 
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I have only used one sample of each: Benchmade 761 in M390 and a Spyderco Military in CPM M4. At best it's an apples/oranges comparison for me.

Even though the 761 is hollow ground and probably thinner near the edge bevel, I can get a much, much sharper edge on the Military using the same tools and the same set of skills. I value how sharp I can get a knife and how well it cuts what I need to cut over incremental differences in edge retention, so I'd go with CPM M4 given my tiny sample sizes!
 
No experience with the steel, but frankly I'm not too keen on metal scales. Partly from picking up scratches, partly weight.

G10. Hell, even a nicely textured FRN works for me.
 
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