Source: Knife Steel Nerds. I cannot claim that CTS-204P is or isn't better than M390 but I do like the MT over the Spyderco for the two specimen I tested. They have always operated with a simple mission: to make the BEST possible knives with the goal to attain and maintain extremely high-quality knives throughout the evolution of growth and change. We use nothing but the highest rated premium metals, carbon fiber, aluminum, plastics, and other project-specific materials. M390 isn’t all that bad to sharpen though, so I wouldn’t let this be the deciding factor. We select blade steels for knives based on availability. Thanks to Josh Warren and Alex K for becoming Knife Steel Nerds Patreon supporters! UPC: ... As the flagship model of the Microtech® O.T.F. I also reformatted the table for easier (and more space efficient) reading. With significant amounts of Chromium, Molybdenum, Vanadium, and Tungsten, these steels are 100% ready for action. For 2020, one of our main go to steels is Carpenter CTS-204P. I think most of us would have a hard time telling much difference in any of them. Moving forward in 2020, we have strengthened our quality control to strive towards excellent customer experience. In my corrosion resistance testing, M390 scored very well (I tested CTS-204P), better than S30V, S35VN, S90V, and SG2, and probably a bit better than S45VN. Microtech UTX85 (232-1 in 204P Steel) https://gearbarrel.com/products/microtech-utx-85-d-e-otf-automatic-3-125-black-232-1 At GearBarrel.com S35VN is a great steel, but it is in my mind inferior to M390/ 20cv/204p. I am wondering if the better edge retention and micro chipping may be an indication of a hardness difference. $294.98 (No reviews yet) Write a Review. Paid Subscribers don't see ads! Vanax would also be expected to have superior corrosion resistance though M390 is likely better than Elmax. Microtech Knives remains one of the best manufacturer of quality automatic knives. If you like a well rounded steel, Elmax is your best bet. I think that the difference is in the heat treatment. This version has a Blue contoured handle with black hardware and Tanto-style CTS-204P blade. In operation since 1998, BladeForums.com has led the industry since Day 1. The Microtech 232-10 UTX-85 features a black handle, and a double edge dagger M390 or CTS-204P steel blade with a stonewash finish. (You must log in or sign up to reply here. It did not do quite as well as S110V or LC200N. microtech ultratech otf automatic knife tan s/e 3.4" 204p satin 121-4ta A coworker recently showed me his new Microtech Dirac Delta D/E OTF knife and I was so blown away with the quality I decided to retire my Schrade Extreme Automatic that I'd carried for the last 15 years. $495.00 (Earn 1485 Reward Points) ... Microtech Combat Troodon OTF Automatic Knife S/E 3.8" M390 Satin Drop Point 143-5. M390 vs 20CV vs 204P – 3rd Generation Powder Metallurgy Technology? Microtech knives are the pinnacle of edged tools so they are relatively expensive, ... At current, the best blade steels available are Bohler M390 and Carpenter CTS-204P, this Dirac is made from the latter. In the Comparison on cts 204p vs m390 steel that M390 is first and foremost an awesome edge retention steel. It’s a steel that’s well regarded as today’s most well rounded higher end steel. CTS-204P(Carpenter) - Carpenter's equivalent of Bohler-Uddeholm M390 steel and Latrobe Duratech 20CV steel.Slightly more Tungsten(W) 0.65% instead of 0.60% in other two. Come to Patreon if you want updates on testing as it is completed. View cart. Our pride runs deep in the materials we choose to deliver a perfect knife. It is just my subjective opinion based on using Military M390 and Whaleshark in CTS-204P, MT seems to hold its sharpness noticeable longer. Microtech TROODON Red D/E 138-1RD If the knife steel is not marked on your knife, the only way we can identify which specific steel it is made of is by having your knife in hand at our facility. Edge retention testing is continuing, we have now tested 18 different steels, and four of those steels with multiple heat treatments. The process of our knives still starts with several initial mock-ups before approval. Spyderco M390 compared with Microtech CTS-204P Discussion in ' Knife Reviews & Testing ' started by Gunsnknives , Aug 1, 2012 . It is slightly better at retaining an edge than S35VN, but it is as expensive as M390. Learn about the materials, design process, and manufacturing of MICROTECH® KNIVES. Since there seems to be a somewhat unexplained difference in performance (except maybe more metal behind the cutting edge), I tested my S90V Millie (usually a drawer queen). The Dirac is Microtech's first double action knife with a cover firing slider. CTS 204P is a premium stainless steel that offers high performance, and the closest equivalents I can think of would be the two following steels; M390 from @Bohler and the CPM 20CV from @Crucible, they are premium steels with close chemical composition and both contribute in making high-end knives (with a little differences in edge retention, hardness, and toughness). Microtech Exocet Champagne Gold Black 204P Plain Double Edge CA Legal OTF Auto 157-1CG In Stock Model # MT-157-1CG-204P M390 vs 20CV vs 204P – 3rd Generation Powder Metallurgy Technology? Edge retention seems comparable to M390...but it just seems to have more bite even though it would no longer slice phone book paper cleanly. Blade geometry has a big factor in those tests. Para 2 did 130 cuts before it refused to cut paper, MT did 200 cuts. Every few years Microtech changes the blade steel they use, only because the best “super steel” is newly developed through time. Overall it’s a popular choice thanks to its high wear and corrosion resistance, it’s premium steel and because of that its a great pick for high end or limited-edition knives. We now boast 100% American built in-house. lineup, ... *Blade steel for 2020 will be Carpenter CTS 204 P / Carpenter XHP / Bohler M390 / Bohler ELMAX® , message us for steel type! All of our knife blades are made of either CTS-204P, M390, Elmax, or CTS-XHP. CTS-204P (16) CTS-204P Stainless Steel ... M390 (11) Blade Style Bayonet (1) Clip Point (1) Double Edge Dagger (20) Drop Point (6) Hawkbill (2) Spear Point (1) Tanto (4) Sort By: Compare Add ... Microtech. ). Our passion is in the American stories behind each material made. It’s got decent toughness, great wear resistance, very good stainless properties, and sharpens fairly easily, assuming you’re using the proper sharpening mediums (diamond based stones). From cutting with M390 (and CTS-204P) to S90V, I get the feeling that S90V will keep a working edge for a VERY LONG time. Each knife is built by hand after it leaves the machining process. These steels are essentially identical, just made by different companies. Edge retention testing is continuing, we have now tested 18 different steels, and four of those steels with multiple heat treatments. We also offer sharpening services! CTS-204P is an ultra premium steel manufactured in Philadelphia, PA. We carefully chose this steel to complete our mission of producing a 100% American made masterpiece for the majority of our knives.. After the materials are selected, we start the creation process through assembly by hard working Americans. I have owned and used a CPM-20CV Mini Griptilian for a few years and have loved every second with that steel. ... (3.125" Black 204P) 233-1T $ 257.00 Sold Out. The knives are created with close tolerances and exacting dimensions to ensure the ultimate precision tool. The SOCOM Elite® Manual sets the standard for tactical/utility cutlery. M390 vs CTS-204P. I'm sure this question has been answered somewhere, just wondering …