CPM M4 vs. Magnacut - The last knife I will ever need

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Devil said:
Hello folks. My name is Justin. This is my first post on the forums and have a bit of a dilemma.

To make a long story short, I'm looking to buy the last knife I will ever need. Something I can send to hell and back without fear, a piece that can be handed down to my kids one day when the time comes.
Thats not to say I'm done collecting though, hahaha. Just want one knife that will go with me everywhere and handle any task from now on.

I have narrowed down my search to M4 and Magnacut. The only benefit I have seem to have found is with corrosion resistance. But part of my love for knives and firearms is the maintenence that comes with em, I don't mind having to clean and oil my blade all the time.

Besides this, is there anyone who has experience with these steels willing to share their opinions on what they prefer and why?
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Add cruware and v4e to that list
 
Between the two choices in the OP, MagnaCut for me. Both steels will perform pretty similarly enough in use far as the edge goes, but I strongly prefer having good corrosion resistance for a true every day steel.
 
The True North said:
Why limit yourself? There are plenty of other steels. Why not K390? Higher wear resistance than M4.

If it's going to hell and back, why not a tough steel like 1095?

Fixed or folding? Big or small?


This sort of post almost always should have simply been a thorough Google browse instead.
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Hey man! Thanks for the response, I'm doing my best to reply to everyone here.

I did try to do as much research as I could before posting, maybe it wasn't enough. Though I didnt quite get the clarity I was hoping for, and so I asked here. First hand experience is always a plus too.

I should have specified in the original post that this will be a fixed blade, not a folder. 6-7 inch blade.

As to why not other steels: The knife(ves) in question are custom made, and already made, but being sold. Either knife is from two of my favorite makers in the industry. There are some minor differences between the two knives, but they both check almost every the box in what I am looking for.
Further, I did search into other steels including k390, but again, these knives already built to my liking and ready to go.

Anyhow, hope this clears some things up. I apologize if these kinds of posts are annoying. Just looking for some advice from fellow knife enthusiasts!

have a good one and thanks again for commenting
 
I have 3 k390 knives and love me some k390 too but not sure it has the toughness to be a one go to hell and back knife. I'd personally pick magnacut. Something about being able to baton a nail in half and not chip, and being close to rustproof is what I'd want on a to go to hell and back knife. M4 would be a great second option but I'd like the worry free Ness of no rusting issues. Never know what'll happen if hell freezes over and your knife gets wet
 
Devil said:
Hey man! Thanks for the response, I'm doing my best to reply to everyone here.

I did try to do as much research as I could before posting, maybe it wasn't enough. Though I didnt quite get the clarity I was hoping for, and so I asked here. First hand experience is always a plus too.

I should have specified in the original post that this will be a fixed blade, not a folder. 6-7 inch blade.

As to why not other steels: The knife(ves) in question are custom made, and already made, but being sold. Either knife is from two of my favorite makers in the industry. There are some minor differences between the two knives, but they both check almost every the box in what I am looking for.
Further, I did search into other steels including k390, but again, these knives already built to my liking and ready to go.

Anyhow, hope this clears some things up. I apologize if these kinds of posts are annoying. Just looking for some advice from fellow knife enthusiasts!

have a good one and thanks again for commenting
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Knowing these 2 knives are both already made. I'd say pick the knife you like the best out of the 2 and not pick by steel.

And in the future if you make it back from hell, maybe pick up a k390 folder for fun.
 
Ilikesharpstuff said:
Generally speaking, M4 will have better edge retention while Magnacut will have better toughness and corrosion resistance.

Assuming that in sending your knife to hell and back without fear may include some heavy duty cutting, I would probably prioritize the toughness of Magnacut over the better edge retention of M4. Being that you love maintenance, I would assume you'd have no qualms with maybe sharpening Magnacut a little more often.

Realistically, for pocket knife tasks, either is a great performer. Snag a Magnacut Umnumzaan or Inkosi and you'll have an amazing, hell and back worthy, heirloom pocket knife that can go with you everywhere and handle any task.
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hey! And thank you for your comment, I do appreciate the information.

I should have included some more information in the original post, I wasn't even thinking about it at the time. Im looking at 2 knives, both from different, but very well respected makers. They are fixed blades, 6-7 inch blade length. Not sure if this changes anything, but again I do appreciate the information :)

Thanks again
 
Since it has to be M4 or Magnacut then I would just be asking myself if I need that stainlessness of the Magnacut foremost or not. Moot if your M4 has a rusty edge.
 
Corton93 said:
Welcome to the forum, its good to have you.

Im answering without the context of folder or fixed blade, or intended uses. But of the two as an overall user, from my experience, I would probably take Magnacut just for the better toughness.

For a true one and done, and this is more in the context of a fixed blade. I would probably still opt for 3V. Because in my mind, at the end of the day, if it's my only knife I want to be able to dig through a brick wall if needed.

Would Magnacut do that? Possibly, idk. But with a proper heat treat I know 3V will. Just my .02 cents. Good luck on your decision!
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Thanks for the greeting! I made a mistake of not including more info in my post. Im looking at 2 custom fixed blades, both between 6-7" blade length... would be used for everything and be carried daily. Some frequent camp work back home in Michigan too, chopping, batoning, etc...

The knives are already made so I'm choosing just between the two.

Thanks for the knowledge and will do! I'll make another post in the future on the knife.
 
Can you post pics of the knives? Design will dictate which will chop and baton better. What are the full specs for each also.
 
Delgadonine said:
'Hell and Back'?

Well, tell us what you use knives for, how and why. Day-to-day use? Hard use? Outdoor use?

You will get more answers if you answer those questions. Likely, answers from experts.

'What is steel boy, compared to the hand that weilds it?'. Thulsa Doom. Conan.

[R.I.P. Darth Vader.]
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you know, the usual, setting up camp, picking food from my teeth, chopping my poop up before I flush, so on and so forth
 
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