Some good options in UNCOATED M4 folders

[Motega]

I don't like coatings, and any rust is just going to be cosmetic if you get to it in a few days at most... SO

What are your top choices in a folder in M4 that aren't over $300 or so new? A lot of these folders in M4 seem to come with an inflated price due to maker, but of course heat treating and geometry are what made some of these makers earn their price points.

Anyway, bottom line, in a 2.75-3.5" folder what's your recommendation for non-coated blades? Looks like those "Dixie Arachnid Primate" folders might be a candidate. Or if Mick and Dwayne would just cave in and make me my SM-100 I could just die a happy man and stop this madness. : )

 

[Biochemdawg]

The PM2/ para 3 comes up fairly often on the secondary.

 

[Dadpool]

Lots of folks seem to like the Spyderco Gayle Bradley 1 and 2. The 1 is just under your blade max, the 2 is just over.

 

[lambertiana]

Spyderco Bradley

 

[Yimes]

Both already mentioned but picture for reference

 

[South paw draw]

Yep I have a pm2 in M4 satin blade on the sales forums right now. Basically just how it came from BHQ

 

[trevitrace]

A GB in micarta?

 

[TRfromMT]

Gayle Bradley 2.

A lifetime knife.

 

[Therom]

IMO the spyderco GB2 is the best value for what you are looking for

 

[hhmoore]

If you can find a Spyderco Advocate, it's worth grabbing.
Same for the Mantra 2.
I wasn't aware that there had been a satin M4 Spider Monkey; but, honestly, I wouldn't have gone for it...not because I dislike the knife, or the steel; but because I already have one in copper, and one in cf with green liners. Given the low production numbers, prices are likely to be crazy on the secondhand market.

 

[BilboBaggins]

Agree on the Advocate. Spectacular knife.

 

[Skidoosh]

Mantras are on sale for cheap right now

 

[sgt1372]

GB1/2, Advocate or Mantra 1/2 which only come w/an uncoated M4 blade.

The Advocate is my favorite.

 

[ShadyMethods]

There was a Yojimbo 2 sprint in M4 a while back.

 

[SpyderPhreak]

How has the Spyderco Shaman sprint in M4 not been mentioned?



I made mine blue using a blue Sharpie on the inside of the scales.

 

[marcus52AR]

Jade manix M4 with aftermarket micarta scales.

 

[Cscotttsss]

Yeah, I only prefer my M4 DLC coated but hey, whatever floats your boat.

Like others have already mentioned, look no further than Spyderco, they have several offerings that are all excellent examples.

 

[Artifice]

The yojimbo 2, military, shaman sprints will all probably be great, but are hard to find. I adore my Yo2 in M4, makes me less worried about the thin tip, and the liners look cool through the g-10.

Between the GB1 and 2, I'd recommend the 1 any day. The rounded choil actually makes for the best hammer grip I've used on a knife, very close to the edge. The GB2 doesn't do ergonomically anything other knives don't do, like the BM grip. If you're on the fence between them, I suggest tracing both onto some paper, then cutting them out of some thin cardboard to understand the handle differences.

Benchmade offers the Freek in M4 now, you could strip the coating or regrind the knife. Some folks have used vinegar, others a scotchbrite pad. If you're careful enough, you should be able to leave the logos intact.

I'd also suggest the Contego, given its size and blade shape, but I find the ergos to be awful, would need to heavily mod the handle to recommend to most people.

M4 itself isn't nearly as bad as 52100 or carbon steels for rust. After 5-6 years of use, my GB1 has dark grey patina where my thumb touches the blade, which I personally like.

 

[sok]

I would recommend the Advocate. If you like M4, you might like K390 better.

 

[ShannonSteelLabs]

I would recommend the Advocate. If you like M4, you might like K390 better.

I agree with that statement K390 is great!!

They also may like 4V. Another exellent steel.