Standoff between ELMAX and CPM M4. Help! ZT 0770CF

[JustinMaximus13]

Ever since I laid eyes on the Triple Seven and was crushed by the sight of the price, I have loved it's more modest 0770CF sibling.

I opened the packaging on my own 770CF in Elmax only 12 hours ago and have just now stumbled upon the exclusive M4 version.

My question is, should I ship this knife back and spend an extra 60 dollars on this version? This is my first High End Carry Knife and I want the most out of my money, but also the most out of my knife. Fast and decisive answers are greatly appreciated as I don't know how long I can contain my excitement...

 

[Cursum Perficio]

Hello and welcome to BF.
Standard answer here for this kind of question is...buy both! Helpful yeah?

Neither steel will disappoint you.
I have 2 other ZT's in Elmax, and an Elmax Para2. Elmax has become a favorite of mine, I find it has very good edge retention and is not too difficult to sharpen or maintain, plus the corrosion resistance seems very good. A great balance of properties.
Better edge retention than S30V and easier to sharpen than S90V.

I only have 1 M4 blade (so far), and like it a lot. M4 also has great edge retention, I don't think you will find much difference between the two in that regard. M4 may be a little bit easier to sharpen. Of course, it isn't stainless but the DLC blade coating on the M40770 will help protect it.

The Elmax version is the standard production model so will continue to be available, don't know how long the exclusive M4 version will be available though. Maybe someone else can speak to that.
Aesthetically I believe the CF weave is a bit different on the M4 version too. Looks nice IMO.

If you can have only one, then perhaps the M4 maybe worth the extra dollars and effort? I know I'd like one but I already had an 0770 in M390 when the M4 became available. Mine is a sweet lightweight EDC folder and at ~12.5' per side it's a mean slicer.

It's up to you to decide and honestly, I don't think you will be disappointed either way.

There are others here with much more knowledge and experience than me so hopefully they will chime in with some good advise for you.

 

[strategy9]

I think That ELMAX is a better "all around" Steel, (m4 will be a bit tougher), but, as Cursum pointed out, the m4 model is an exclusive, and (as you know) more elusive model, where the ELMAX is standard, and therefore readily available.

If I were in your shoes, I would return the ELMAX, secure the m4, and save up to reacquire the ELMAX version...

 

[NJBillK]

I wouldn't trade my 770cfM4 for any other 770, and I would buy another in a heartbeat.

I don't mind the lack of corrosion resistance and I live near the beach in NJ. My M4, 1095, 1084 and O1 all need up keep, but the M4 seems to need less than all but my D2.

If you don't go with the M4, you will always wonder about it. I sharpen mine to 600 grit then strop and I cut about 100'-150' of double walled cardboard daily, along with plastics and banding material, I tend to have to sharpen my ZT about once every 10 days.
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As the others have said, return it, grab the M4 while you can and watch the exchange if you still have a want for the elmax (which I feel won't be the case).

 

[bdmicarta]

I think That ELMAX is a better "all around" Steel, (m4 will be a bit tougher), but, as Cursum pointed out, the m4 model is an exclusive, and (as you know) more elusive model, where the ELMAX is standard, and therefore readily available.

If I were in your shoes, I would return the ELMAX, secure the m4, and save up to reacquire the ELMAX version...

I think Elmax is a great steel for all around use. It is supposed to be one of the toughest of the high end stainless steels. For performance I would take M4 over Elmax, but I find that my EDC experience is different from most people. I don't live in a humid climate and I take reasonable care of my knives, but I can get stains on stainless steel so M4 really takes work. But I like M4 for a working knife. So if your knife is for EDC then I would say Elmax will be just fine, if it is for a working knife than consider going for M4.