So last year (just over) I posted this up on my initial thoughts about the, then hot off the press 710-801

http://benchmadeforum.com/eve/...9603/m/48510197/p/1]


I thought I'd post up my thoughts on the long anticipated CPM M4 steel after a consistant year of good EDC usage.

Overall:
I think that M4 is my new favorite steel, it simply runs for a long time between sharpening.

I like S30V for the corrosion resistance, but in every other catagory I think M4 is superior. Plus s30v chips out easily on some of my knives. Maybe it is the way I use them?

Sharpen-ability:Not sure this is a word
The thing I love about CPM M4 compared to my M2HS knives is how easily it takes a new edge. It is hands down easier than M2, D2, S30V and ATS-34. I'd say it is a bit more difficult to sharpen than 440c or 154cm... but the edge retention is quite noticably more!

Edge Rention:
Ahh, as far as I am concerned... CPM M4 is King of staying sharp! I have an Edge Pro, and once you dial in the correct angle (a bit steeper than BM sets it from the factory) this thing just keeps going. In 12+ months I have sharpened the blade 2-3 times, with perhaps 2 touch ups between sharpening (think 10 passes on a Sharpmakers white stones).

This past weekend I spent 3 days camping in the Rocky Mountain National Park and used my 710-801 nearly exclusively. Campfire prep, food prep, cutting lots of 550 cord, whittling s'more sticks etc, it still had (guessing here) 98% of the edge it started with. It retained enough edge to slice through my thick Sirloin with one stroke over and over until it was all gone

Benchamdes BK Coating
Though not really part of the CPM M4 review, I thought I would say for the wear and tear I have on this blade, the coating is holding up superbly! Keep it up BM. Pics are on page two.

Corrosion Resistance:
I am somewhat OCD about maintaining a blade well, so others may be able to attest to what an unkept blade might be doing after a years abuse... I can only attest to heavy use but no abuse. I generally wipe my blade down weekly or as needed. Most nights I run it under the faucet as I use my knives for food prep often. I blow on it to "dry" it out. I use a quality lube on the pivot and washers like CLP Breakfree or similar as well. All I can say is there is not a hint of rust or pitting.

Final Thoughts:
Not only did BM get the 710 SOOOOO right (I really didn't like the looks of it at first) it really is a fine cutting tool. The recurve eats up cardboard like nothing else I have and with 4" of blade... it can handle some serious tasks.

As far as the blade steel itself. I am eager to see a few more of my favorites come out wearing CPM M4 too! Thanks BM for the 806, it is unreal as well!

Anyhow, I am not sure if anyone really cares about any of this, but I thought that some real world feedback on the much anticipated CPM M4 might help out a few of the guys who haven't put it through its paces yet...

Remember: Use 'em if you got 'em!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rezarf <><,

Thanks for doing this review Drew! I believe you covered everything

I CARE ...... glad you posted this .....I like stuff like this. Good info.

I'm with you on M4 being a great steel.

Not sure about M4 being better than M2, yet, so I put them in my category of "preferred steels".

.

Ya Drew, thanks for posting this. These are my favorite kinds of things to gain from the forum. Good job!

Good writeup Drew, thanks.

still waiting for the pics

Nice Review! IMO the 710 and M4 steel is the best combination Benchmade ever came out with..

quote:

Originally posted by Shadow864:
Nice Review! IMO the 710 and M4 steel is the best combination Benchmade ever came out with..

As you are about to find out!

quote:

Originally posted by zvir:
still waiting for the pics

..right, because it had already been a whole 7 hours since I posted