When it comes to selecting a steel for knives, there are many options to choose from. Two popular choices are 7Cr17MoV and CPM-M4 steel. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the composition and characteristics of each steel, as well as compare the two to determine which one is better for specific use cases. 

Here is the short answer:

7Cr17MoV is a cost-effective stainless steel that is easy to sharpen and offers good corrosion resistance, but lacks in edge retention and toughness. CPM-M4 is an expensive tool steel that offers exceptional hardness, edge retention, and toughness, but is more difficult to sharpen and has lower corrosion resistance.

Now that we have looked the short answer, we can look closer at each steel like their composition, their best uses, how they compare in-depth, and the best knives in each steel.

Deep dive on 7Cr17MoV

7Cr17MoV is a low-end stainless steel that is used commonly in kitchen knives and less costly EDC and hunting knives. It has the following composition:

– 0.75% carbon

– 17% chromium

– 0.75% molybdenum

– 0.1% vanadium

– 1.2% manganese

– 0.08% sulfur

– 0.03% phosphorus

It is considered to be a good budget option due to its cost-effectiveness, easy sharpening, and good corrosion resistance. However, it lacks in edge retention and toughness, making it less suitable for heavy-duty tasks. However, this steel is a good choice for an EDC knife that will only see light work as it can be easily sharpened back to a razor edge.

Deep dive on CPM-M4

CPM-M4 is a tool steel that is made using the powder metallurgy process which refines grain size leading it to a more consistent edge and an overall tougher knife steel. This steel is known for its exceptional toughness, hardness, and edge retention. Its composition includes:

– 1.4% carbon

– 5.25% chromium

– 4% vanadium

– 5.5% molybdenum

CPM-M4’s high carbon, vanadium, and molybdenum content are responsible for its exceptional hardness, while its toughness comes from its steel structure. However, it is more expensive and more difficult to sharpen than low-end steels like 7Cr17MoV. Additionally, it has lower corrosion resistance due to its lower chromium content. 

7Cr17MoV versus CPM-M4

When it comes to choosing between 7Cr17MoV and CPM-M4, you must consider what you will use the knife for.

For budget-friendly knives or knives that will be used in environments with high levels of moisture, 7Cr17MoV’s good corrosion resistance and easy sharpening make it a good choice. 

However, for those who prioritize edge retention and toughness above other characteristics, CPM-M4 is the superior steel. It is ideal for heavy-duty tasks and outdoor activities where a knife’s durability is crucial. Additionally, its exceptional hardness and edge retention make it a good choice for knives that will see frequent use.

Best knives in each steel

Now that we have looked at each steel and how they compare, we can look at what we at Blade Fun have found to be the best knives in each steel.

Gerber EXO-MOD Drop Point (7cr17MoV)

The Gerber EXO-MOD Drop Point is a skeletonized hunting knife that is very versatile. This knife has an orange handle that is easy to see, has a 3.75-inch drop point blade, has an overall length of 8.5 inches, and weighs a mere 2.6 ounces. If you want an affordable lightweight hunting knife, this is a knie you should look at.

Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)

Benchmade Bailout – CPM-M4

The Benchmade Bailout has Benchmade’s signature AXIS lock (which makes closing very easy), an aluminum handle, a CPM-M4 tanto-shaped blade, and weighs just 2.72 ounces. Overall, this is a high-end knife that will serve you well.

Check it out here (link to Amazon)

Spyderco Bradley – CPM-M4

The Spyderco Bradley isn’t as super flashy but it’s a consistent workhorse of a knife. It’s got a carbon fiber handle, CPM-M4 steel, a liner lock, and Spyderco’s signature thumbhole for opening, which helps reduce the chance it gets snagged on your pocket.

Check it out here (link to Amazon).

Conclusion

CPM-M4 is a better steel for those who want to sharpen their knife once and not have to worry about resharpening for a long time. While 7cr17MoV is a better steel for those who want a carry knife that is easy to resharpened and won’t see much or any hard cutting tasks.