To M4 or not to M4...

Discuss Spyderco's products and history.

Would you be in favor of Rex 45 replacing M4 in dealer exclusives?

Yes
13
19%
No
21
30%
NO!
17
25%
Maybe...
12
17%
Huh?
6
9%
 
Total votes: 69

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Albatross
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To M4 or not to M4...

#1

Post by Albatross »

All you M4 lovers out there, I'm curious; would you take Rex 45 over M4 in dealer exclusives/standard production models, given how similar the steels are? Since Rex 45 is a slight improvement over M4 in edge retention, stain resistance, and ease of sharpening, it seems like a given, but that's just my take.
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abbazaba
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#2

Post by abbazaba »

Tough call. I agree that it might be a slight improvement, but man I love M4. I think just for name recognition's sake, this wouldn't happen anytime soon. Maybe not the perfect example, but M390 still seems to still have a bigger following and a more perceived value than 20cv.

Hopefully we'll see some Pakkawood REX45 Knifecenter exclusives out of Golden :)
JuPaul
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#3

Post by JuPaul »

I answered yes only because I've liked hap40 in my seki models and I'd like the chance to try more rex45 in other golden models (manix!). I have no issues with m4, though.
- Julia

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tjsblade
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#4

Post by tjsblade »

No. While I don't have anything in Rex45, I really love the way m4 sharpens and performs. One of my favorites.
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wrdwrght
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#5

Post by wrdwrght »

No. A new steel doesn’t lessen the proven goodness of an old one. But, I am game for more Rex45.
-Marc (pocketing an M4 Sage5 today)

“When science changes its opinion, it didn’t lie to you. It learned more.”
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JonLeBlanc
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#6

Post by JonLeBlanc »

wrdwrght wrote:
Fri Sep 27, 2019 3:53 pm
No. A new steel doesn’t lessen the proven goodness of an old one. But, I am game for more Rex45.
Here, here
My collection so far: 52100 Military (2); 52100 PM2 (2); 52100 Para3; Stretch2 V-Toku; KnifeWorks M4 PM2; BentoBox M390 PM2; BentoBox S90V Military; Police4 K390; S110V PM2; SS Delica AUS-6; Wayne Goddard Sprint VG-10
Wish list: Hundred Pacer; Sliverax; Mantra; 52100 PM2 SE; Kapara
Sumdumguy
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#7

Post by Sumdumguy »

I disagree that REX45 has more corrosion resistance than M4.

My REX45 PM2s blade was the same color as the handle within 2 hours at work. M4 on the otherhand, has only the slightest patina after a year of use.
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ferider
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#8

Post by ferider »

Albatross wrote:
Fri Sep 27, 2019 2:56 pm
Since Rex 45 is a slight improvement over M4 in edge retention ...
I disagree. Rex 45 is harder, but wears quicker. At least with my Spydercos.

So No.
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ferider
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#9

Post by ferider »

JuPaul wrote:
Fri Sep 27, 2019 3:11 pm
I answered yes only because I've liked hap40 in my seki models and I'd like the chance to try more rex45 in other golden models (manix!). I have no issues with m4, though.
My 4V Manix behaves kind of similar to my Rex 45 knives (hardness and wear resistance). Obviously geometries are dramatically different, just saying.
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jpm2
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#10

Post by jpm2 »

All of my m4 knives are excellent performers, not a questionable one in the bunch, so maybe.
But if I get several more rex45 knives that perform as well as the only one I presently have, then yes.
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knivesandbooks
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#11

Post by knivesandbooks »

I want some REX 45 knives or just one.
But, I'd rather have M4. Old tried and true.
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and on those in the tombs bestowing life!
JuPaul
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#12

Post by JuPaul »

ferider wrote:
Fri Sep 27, 2019 4:33 pm
JuPaul wrote:
Fri Sep 27, 2019 3:11 pm
I answered yes only because I've liked hap40 in my seki models and I'd like the chance to try more rex45 in other golden models (manix!). I have no issues with m4, though.
My 4V Manix behaves kind of similar to my Rex 45 knives (hardness and wear resistance). Obviously geometries are dramatically different, just saying.
I'd also be interested in another run of the 4v Manix (or a st. Nick's version). I love my cruwear Manix and I've read that 4v and cruwear have similar properties, but with 4v being slightly less rust-resistant. I'm just now trying out 4v.
- Julia

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Mattysc42
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#13

Post by Mattysc42 »

Switch M4 to k390 then **** yes. Otherwise no.
BRING ON THE MANIX XL SPRINTS AND EXCLUSIVES! And 10v or K390ify the Golden lineup, please.

Top 5 folders I’ve owned: Serrated Caribbean Leaf, Shaman, Manix XL, ZDP-189/CF Caly 3.5, Native LW.
Top 5 steels I’ve owned: LC200N, K390, CPM S90V, M390, CPM REX45.
Top 3 steels I want more of: M390 class, A11 class (including K390), CPM REX45.
bdblue
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#14

Post by bdblue »

M4 is my favorite Spyderco steel, I have 5 of them for various uses. IMO a replacement for M4 should have similar edge-holding but better toughness. Otherwise why bother.
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aaronkb
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#15

Post by aaronkb »

M4 is by far my favorite steel, but I haven’t had the chance to test Rex45 yet. Really looking forward to the rumored shaman sprint.
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Pelagic
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#16

Post by Pelagic »

Mattysc42 wrote:
Fri Sep 27, 2019 5:17 pm
Switch M4 to k390 then **** yes. Otherwise no.
Exactly.
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dj moonbat
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#17

Post by dj moonbat »

Would it be cheaper? Otherwise, no. Ain't nothin' broke with M4.
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steelcity16
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#18

Post by steelcity16 »

Where is the option to replace M4 with Cruwear?? :D Jade plus DLC Cruwear would be been a dream combo for me.
:bug-white-red CRU-CARTA THE SEKI MODELS! :bug-white-red AND BRING US THE DODO-FLY! :bug-white-red
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jpm2
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#19

Post by jpm2 »

steelcity16 wrote:
Sat Sep 28, 2019 8:29 am
Where is the option to replace M4 with Cruwear?? :D
I think the OP is looking at a possible upgrade to m4, not downgrade. :D
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Albatross
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Re: To M4 or not to M4...

#20

Post by Albatross »

Sumdumguy wrote:
Fri Sep 27, 2019 4:23 pm
I disagree that REX45 has more corrosion resistance than M4.

My REX45 PM2s blade was the same color as the handle within 2 hours at work. M4 on the otherhand, has only the slightest patina after a year of use.
Rex 45 has less carbon and the roughly the same chromium, you shouldn't see more rust, you should see less. The general consensus is that Rex 45 is less prone to rust than M4. My own experience, as well as others from this forum, have shown this to be true.


ferider wrote:
Fri Sep 27, 2019 4:29 pm
Albatross wrote:
Fri Sep 27, 2019 2:56 pm
Since Rex 45 is a slight improvement over M4 in edge retention ...
I disagree. Rex 45 is harder, but wears quicker. At least with my Spydercos.

So No.
My own testing, as well as 4 others that I'm aware of, show Rex 45 with slightly better edge retention. Maybe it's possible you got one of the "softer" ones? Maybe it's not at 66-67 hrc, but 64-65. There were a few that were found to be in the 64-65 range, it's bound to happen from time to time. If you have multiple Rex 45 knives and and find M4 stays sharp longer, then I would assume you have a stellar example of M4.
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