For many years I was satisfied with the 1095 from Schrade USA models, the CV and SS from Case slip joints, and the 420HC from Buck knives. Then about ten years ago I got some knives from Queen that had D2 steel, and I pretty much quit using all the others in favor of Queen's D2 blades. That D2 held an edge it seemed like forever. Then last year I got some M390 blades from Spyderco. They hold an edge as long as D2, if not longer. But, the M390 seems a bit harder for me to sharpen. Then I got a Gayle Bradley in cpm m4. And, I fell in love with the steel. It holds an edge much better than my D2, and seemingly better than any of my M390 blades. I was in love. Now I have several cpm m4 blades, mostly from Benchmade. I find the m4 much easier to sharpen than ANY of my M390 blades. It holds an edge seemingly much better for my uses, which include some pretty hard use in the garden, yard and garage. Initially, I didn't like the coatings of the Benchmade knives with m4. But, after some use and the coating wears off they gain some character. I live along the Gulf coast. And, I've not had any trouble with my cpm m4 blades rusting at all. In fact, they haven't even patina'd much, just a little hear and there. I absolutely Love cpm m4.
