Spyderco Police 4 K390 | "The M4 Killer"

"M4 killer" was a phase coined by Doc Dan on the Spyderco Forum.
While technically not a fair comparison because k390 is closer to an A11 class of steel. I find that it offers plenty of tougheness at the edge, especially with EDC use on a folder.
A11 class steel are my personal favorites.

[@frozenturtlefarts1025]

I haven't seen a sharp point survive being stabbed into rock without blunting.

[@eliteknowledge7298]

Never even thought it was possible!

[@LosRiji]

It's blunt as FAQ

[@eliteknowledge7298]

That is CRAZY! I've never seen a test like this! This channel is Legendary!! Highly Knowledgeable and fearless! I just bought one of these knifes! Thank you Big Bear!

[@harrisquicksilver6595]

Since ive been following ur channel u have put out some of the most amazing videos, thanks my friend

[@josephdaleadams]

I absolutely love your knife videos. You don’t pussyfoot around constantly trying not to give a rock solid answers to questions simply because you don’t want to hurt any viewers feelings by disagreeing with their opinions. You keep it interesting and I can’t get through most of your videos without cringing in horror after watching you torture test awesome knives. I agree almost all the time with your options about knives, their steel, and blade geometry. Keep up the good work

[@monkeyswrench10inch92]

Just got my p4 looks like I'm going to love it have to wait until after work to really mess with it thanks for the review that's the reason I had to have it

[@stillshot2]

That was pretty awesome picking up that cinderblock cap with it. Was on the fence about getting a Police 4 because wasn't really sure if it'd be too big but after seeing this video seeing how badass this knife is in the hand I ordered one and now carry it every day

[@natek1993]

You make beautiful, great working knives brother.

[@martyreno6723]

Great video! Makes me want a P4 k390. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@FearNoSteel]

Thanks brother 👊

[@wde1978]

I am so glad that I landed on your channel. I can not believe that the nose held its shape after you drove it into the cinder block. Thank you for making this video. Keep up the great work, my man.

[@bossmodus5020]

You deserve a lot more subscribers !!

[@Theoutside18]

finally k390 gets the recognition it deserves

[@Oozy9Millimeetah]

At work watching this k390 police 4 in my pocket has been for weeks now.. 1200 atoma and Spyderco uf finish on the edge. Love it.

[@dalelamar7371]

I like your reviews man. You don't spend 10 minutes talking the length and weight of the knife, you tell us about the steel and how it performs. I like the fact that you actually use these steels. Also i have the police 4 lightweight k390 and i love it. I also have the basic vg-10 police 4 lightweight. They are two knives I'll bever get rid of. Good review. Thanks

[@Iamthedudeman00]

That is insanely tough man! Especially given the high carbon content!

[@androidguy9013]

I had, and replaced, a Delica 4. I was really disappointed in how empty it felt in hand while deployed. The mass of the P4 K390 blade just feels great. And it's got a bit of that "shock and awe" factor when produced. I absolutely love this folder. Thanks for a really fun and informative video on this terrific knife...

[@SD-tr3du]

I had a mini heart attack when i looked up and saw the start of this vid hahah nice one, great video

[@gasparortega8838]

This thing is AWESOME ! Will be ordering the light weight p 4 in K390 soon .

[@thedetective8150]

Dang, it bro. You made me buy this knife with your video.

[@DuhYaThink]

Picked up a police 4 lw k390 and even the factory edge is sharp AF. Very happy. Very quite slices through computer paper. Love the knife 👍🏻 Shawn you are the best! Looking forward too grabbing a 15v shaman “unfortunately on the secondary market”. But that’s cool 👍🏻

[@priority2]

Excellent video. Subscribed👍🏻

[@anthonyp7051]

I remember when I played nba live and took the time to create my own players Idk why but your breakdown takes me back to that

[@Hungrybird474]

That’s wild 👍. I can’t believe that tip is still there .

[@veeDubbinit2]

Rex 45 or K390? Can you hack brass with that bad boy? Loved your Rex 45 test.

[@misterbaker9728]

Wow great video very informative

[@patricks1225]

I 100% agree. I love k390 and wish they used it more often

[@8thsinner]

When I got my zdp I spent a long damn time fiddling with angles and bte but I also lost a fair bit of steel as I played with it, I picked up the p4 in k390 yesterday, finally. But instead of playing around with it ad infinitum i'm just wondering if you'd share where you ended up with yours after a couple of years of use. For me it is going to be a kitchen/utility/bushcraft knife so it's probably going to be getting a convex edge like the zdp ended up with but...right now it's 20 thou bte (I will be satin polishing it and lose bte anyhow, 15 ish degrees (still need to straighten it out some from factory sharpening tho. So, thoughts please on the geometry you feel settles best for this steel, and also, i've seen you take this to hht5, but where would you normally leave it (stone or grit wise) for best balanced use?

[@neroknives1828]

Moving that back lock better then most guys with these flippers.

[@stefanwolf88]

I'am using mine P4 for a two months now and I am thinking about regrind. It's 0.75mm behind the edge and in my opinion it's too thick. In your opinion can I get it down to 0.2-0.3mm with no worries (no hard use for me - plenty of cardboard, packing strips, food prep)?

[@Apex_grind562]

Amazing knowledge

[@Bwbravowhiskey]

Yes! I have the sprint run urban in k390. I really want them to make a pm2 in k390.

[@oldbenkenobi2864]

Bravo whiskey. Well isn’t it your lucky day. Bento Box just announced it for October 4th

[@case4444]

@@oldbenkenobi2864 and with ranger green G10 at that. It's probably gonna be the last knife I buy for the next 2 years because I NEED that one.

[@firstname3219]

@@case4444 Same here. See you tomorrow 9AM! good luck!

[@firstname3219]

Get one tomorrow morning at 9am from Bento Box shop

[@johnruff7417]

Ordered the PM2 today and I’m pumped!!

[@hsmedia3736]

Insane skills

[@dadiguo2586]

Boss, I am a novice. Recently, I began to pay attention to the spyderco knife. I want to get some help and advice.So I want to ask you some question. That is: how do you rate the spider's K390 and rex45? If I want to do some rough cutting, such as cutting some very hard wood, well, in this case, there will inevitably be some twisting of my blade. So in this case, which blade should I choose from K390 or rex45 or M4 to finish my work? If you were asked to rate the retention and tenacity of K390 and rex45 out of 100, how much would you rate them respectively?

[@ajo4788]

Hey how's it going I loved this video I'm hesitant to purchase one because Spyderco won't replace the blade and they discontinued it would you still purchase blade? Would you think it would last a lifetime I can't decide it's either this or an adamas because if the bm warranty.

[@kevinAuman1]

Hey brother, so I was just wondering I have seen you make some great slicing knives and yet I do not know where to purchase from so do you have a website or just Instagram or how do I go about having a knife made or buying one that you already made?

[@murrayannandale]

RIP Wallet. Need this to become a manly man man

[@lo_que3827]

Police 4 is worth it.

[@murrayannandale]

@@lo_que3827 can't decide between that or something like autonomy 2, pm2, smock. I only have manix2 in g10 S30v. Want to buy 2 Spydies. Caly 3.5 zdp189 might be one.

[@nintendontbutdo5507]

For an edc pocket knife what steel would you take over any? I know you like maxamet and k390. Dont know where you stand on k390 or m390 so just wondering your go to steel. You sharpen a butt load of blades and you have to have one steel you favor lol

[@macmccartney5760]

Man brother that knife at the end is ..... yeah I don't even have words for it, nothing comes across good enough

[@49giants3]

Do you still have your rec pm3? I’ve been seeing those go for $350- $600

[@gregwalker4236]

thanks! that's a pretty harsh test. just ordered a delica k390!

[@TheRaginghalfasian]

dam you went to town on that brick

[@drewtruscott3683]

I picked up a Bento Para 3 in K390. Had it a few days, used it at work a couple days before giving it an edge. It's performance is outstanding. I finished the stropping at .005 micron & it's just a bad mamma jamma. I went from S30V, to M390, M4, 20CV, back to M390 & I was looking at a 204p & decided to get K390 instead. I love my stainless, but this stuff rocks I'm gonna see how long it holds this super fine edge, then do a coarse edge & see which I like better. I noticed Maxamet & M4 really like to be left w/ some bite to them, but this K390 took such a gorgeous polish I couldn't help myself & had to give it the Ken Schwartz treatment & try out the poly crystalline solution on it. Any suggestions as to how I should leave the edge for best general use & edge retention?

[@LosRiji]

800 diamond

[@theknifeconnection9571]

Knife skills on point

[@cp1532]

Sweet moves bro

[@KnifeNinjaEDC]

Still on the hunt for a g10 police like this

[@OperationNonsense]

dude this is hardcore knife abuse. nonetheless we appreciate you taking one for the team doing this sort of tests, cuz we would never beat on our collection like this.

[@richardkev3077]

Interesting. By contrast, I have a Dragonfly 2 in K390. I've been impressed by how well it holds an edge. It's a little knife, and I don't use it for big jobs. And yet, somehow the very tip snapped off. I can't tell you how much force it took because I never pried with it, and I don't remember using the tip on anything prior to noticing it was broken.

[@ThomasShue]

So how can I buy that bone copper pinned knife?

[@Apex_grind562]

Sick sick sick! Where can we get that fixed blade??

[@ombapisau]

try Dulo K390

[@thechugdude]

I just bought my first two k-390 Spyderco knives. After a few weeks of using them I've really grown to love them. One of these days I'm going to buy my cousin one of your knives. He hunts a whole lot more than I do and I feel like he would get great use out of it.

[@kevinAuman1]

Better make sure that he is aware BBB grinds his knives sooo super thin to be used as a cutting/slicing tool only which means ya can't be so careless as you can with a reg production knife and most regular "non-knife-nuts" wouldn't even know what to do with such a high performance knife and how to maximize that cutting ability.... Not saying not to buy one hell buy two lol and if your cousin is careless and breaks it then buy another one 😝🔪 keeps the lights on in the shop the more you buy lol

[@bobsmith-st9lq]

Lots of faith in that small tooth on the lockbar.

[@FearNoSteel]

there is a unsharpened ricasso that stops the blade from closing on my fingers if it fails. For some reason people don't realize I pay attention to detail. I ask the same in return. Pay attention xD love youuuuu

[@quique7764]

Are you by any chance still ding regrinds? If so I have a 3" XM I'd like you to work on. Ty

[@FearNoSteel]

I'm slammed

[@kevinfitz3721]

I wonder how the k390 from golden will hold up, I seen that its softer around 62 63 Hrc

[@glockgaston2922]

BBB + K390 killing cinder blocks like a BEAST!!!!👊

[@goodnessgraciousitellya5004]

Stretch 2 in K390 is the best spyderco deal available at the moment

[@skycorrigan6511]

Sweet moves

[@dustinwhitt5297]

I got a lil temperance in k390 and was wondering if I force patina it if it would patina evenly across the blade?

[@dustinwhitt5297]

As a side note I would LOVE one of those custom fixed blades with two different micartas almost like it has green handle with a black bolster. Do you still do customs?

[@genuinelyconcerned3504]

Is the tip thicker than the endura in k390?

[@markanthonystringfellow3923]

If you don't mind the Corrosion limits,i think k390 is one of the best balanced steels out there :-)))

[@FearNoSteel]

I'd say it's more of an extreme edge performance steel. Balance is definitely Vanax

[@markanthonystringfellow3923]

@@FearNoSteel Pricey but Worth It :-)))

[@raulvillanueva9051]

dam good review you gotta teach us some of those quick openings.

[@michaelfatner9424]

Got one of these off Amazon from dead wood knives no regrets amazing knife! 🔪

[@hermanhyde7000]

What's the difference between toughness and strength?

[@ed2335]

Remind me to not draw a knife on you😀 How hard is it to sharpen? Im a use knife very little type guy. Vg10 or k390? Small tasks.

[@49giants3]

So you like k390 better than maxamet?

[@sheepdog819]

Could you do that with maxamet?

[@michaelrash1478]

Awesome steel, and your knife you show at the end is bad ass. Let me know if you want me to send you some money for that. No, but for real, I'd be very happy to buy that one from you.

[@FearNoSteel]

Will do!

[@SupraDeluxx-ro1qg]

imma take your advice and next spyderco i look at will be in k390

[@gregorywalker4997]

liked, subscribed, and ordered.

[@jamestownsend1207]

Hey bud loving these videos! 4v or cruwear in your opinion. I have no experience with 4v... cruwear (zwear)

[@don0giorgio]

Great stuff Shawn! Blade length on police 4 is another upside

[@FearNoSteel]

I wish it was smaller

[@don0giorgio]

@@FearNoSteel if someone can make that blade shorter and thinner - thats you))) Handle will stay the same though)

[@lo_que3827]

K390 Mafia👊 The only reason I'd buy an M4 knife instead of 4V or K390 is availability. Just picked up an M4 Shaman and Yo2 because they don't make them in K390 or 4V. If I had a choice K390 all day.

[@FearNoSteel]

Agreed man

[@bp-hx9ts]

Lo_Que noice shaman is an awesome knife

[@MrLooseSkrews]

Lo_Que i got the M-4 Yojimbo 2 as well. Missed the Shaman. I’m sure K390 is great and all, but I’ve had enough experience with M-4 to where I think it’s quite adequate for a pocket knife. No matter it’s roll. I’ll have to give this fancy steel a try sometime.

[@mooseclappin11]

I got the BHQ M4 Manix two years ago, very nice knife.

[@firstname3219]

Bento box shop is selling K390 PM2's tomorrow morning 9am pacific time

[@lymedog3176]

I wish they made a k390 manix 2…that with titanium scales( which I know they have) would make this one of the most awsome knives ever!

[@nandayane]

Wonder if this video convinced Sal to make K390 regular production for the Seki Models.

[@shannonandsheila1403]

I know about steel a little but what does strength refer to? PS serious question

[@FearNoSteel]

Ability to hold up without deforming plastically permanently. Imagine you have a knife that rolls on you at the edge when cutting wood without abuse that would be the opposite of a strong edge

[@jtscustomcutlery317]

I hate to sound like a nerd but you looked like a badass in the beginning of this video 💪🏻😁🤙🏻

[@godforever27]

Wow did not break the tip. That is one strong ass knife lol.

[@JustPorcupines]

Is there enough of a difference between K390 and Rex 45 to warrant buying a Police 4? I kinda wanna buy one anyway, since the G10 Police 4 wont exist in the very near future. When the FRN Police comes out, if it does well, we will see some in K390 again. Since K390 and Zdp-189 will be offered in that model, I'm really hoping it means the Endura and Stretch will finally get K390 too. Shorter blades and all.

[@FearNoSteel]

Personally I was torn between them as well. I feel though that the k390 won out because it takes a more aggressive edge and cuts a longer in my experience. While not as tough as Rex 45 the K390 has plenty of edge toughness in the bank for EDC use. Tough call if the steel makes up for design preference and size. Can't wait to see more K390 models

[@cp1532]

Which one is better is one question, but I'd say there's definitely enough of a difference to warrant owning both steels. The compositions are quite different. I own both steels, and they are 2 of my favs, wouldn't want to be without either.

[@JustPorcupines]

@@FearNoSteel I have a Rex 45 Military and dig the model, but have been disappointed with the lack of aggression the edge has. I've been finishing on 600 grit diamond, but might have to try going lower. Sounds like K390 might be a better fit for my preferences. I guess the S90V Manix I have, spoiled me with it's more aggressive edge.

[@lo_que3827]

I really need to buy a back up G10 police4 before they are gone.

[@FearNoSteel]

@@JustPorcupines right? Yeah the Rex 45 is some hot shit too. They really pushed the hardness on that stuff.

[@realdeal5940]

Link please!!!! for exactly the same fixed blade knife..

[@Iamthedudeman00]

I would probably have been fine with it that is is not stainless but why didn't they coat it with DLC?

[@steeltoez8345]

Not a fan of the overall length of the police model. And the urban is a good sidekick blade, both models offered in k390 but I feel those were bad choices. I can hope they put it out on a model I'm interested in tbe future. I'm glad it lives up to the hype it has.

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

I'm calling Brick Protective Services.

[@nschepis]

Great video. I have a k390 police 4. Bought it a year or so ago and within weeks started to see rust. I have a dozen other spydercos and dozens of other knives some of which I’ve had for years. I didn’t get it wet and it saw no heavy use. Just cleaned it and set it on the shelf carrying it on and off a total of a few days. I was very surprised. I have no rust on any of my other spydercos many of which have been used and carried for years on and off. The majority of the rust that appeared is around the hole, so may have something to do with the way my sweat reacts to the k390 in particular. The rest of the blade has a patina and minor spotting. I’m curious if anyone else has seen this. I have other similar steels like maxamet and Rex 45 that have been carried more without any corrosion. Considering this I still love the k390 p4 and the edge retention is very good. One of my favorites still and I enjoy the patina. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this with k390.

[@daltonstickler3254]

Every time I pull my knife out of my pocket there's more pitting on it. It's an amazing steel but I wish they would make it in DLC or something.

[@barkingspider2007]

Tough stuff 😃👍

[@lordnicenstein5105]

What did the poor wooden beam do?

[@astrazenica7783]

Dulo Knives in Europe are doing some great steels like this but shit do they make everything so thick

[@SalvoEDC]

Watching you stab that brick stressed me out more than horror movies ever could! Thank you I guess..? 😂😮

[@recycled3654]

I'm getting one. It would be a much better buy over the VG10, only at a little higher price !

[@seanleau]

How does it compare with m4, d2 and maxamet in terms of rust resistant?

[@FearNoSteel]

Not as reactive as M4. It will still rust though dawg

[@seanleau]

@@FearNoSteel how about maxamet?

[@FearNoSteel]

@@seanleau it's more stable than Maxamet but doesn't cut as long

[@brandonroberts6815]

What's your thoughts on benchmades new bailout in 3v. ? 3v vs k390??

[@FearNoSteel]

3V will have more shock resistance and impact toughness. The k390 will not be as tough but will cut circles around 3V and still be plenty tough for EDC use.

[@brandonroberts6815]

@@FearNoSteel thanks BBB .also serrations in 3v? Trying to decide plain or combo for versatility.😃

[@FearNoSteel]

@@brandonroberts6815 I'm diehard plain edge man. Friends don't let friends go serrated.

[@brandonroberts6815]

@@FearNoSteel lol good answer

[@J_Dukes]

@@FearNoSteel i agree man plain edge all day only time I'll go serrated is on a dedicated self defense knife for quick deep cuts like a spyderco civilian/matriarch or harpy basically curvy self defense blades maybe on a yojimbo serrated would be alright everything else plain edge.

[@PaulK390S90V]

Hey BBB how do I buy one of your Badass knives?

[@FearNoSteel]

@triplebhandmade on Instagram is the best place. You can also see my progress.

[@SteveKluver]

How dare this Doc Dan, want to cause harm to my beloved M4! Blasphemy! : - ) #k390forthewin

[@glalih]

Oi mate, give some point of contact please.

[@allisadavis87]

Crkt M16 03 DB D2 tool steel and I'm in the pile driving industry and I use this knife for everything including a pry bar and it's still pretty going on a year and a half now

[@krispybeats6615]

Was watching this 2 days ago and now i got one on seconds sale 🤣 Powwwwwwa 🤣

[@NDeemz]

I love k390 but honestly I don't mind m4. It's a decent Steel for what we can readily purchase on the market

[@oceanwaves83]

M4 is great.

[@FearNoSteel]

@@oceanwaves83 in the same knife I like k390 better. It's just that M4 is more available from companies.

[@bp-hx9ts]

Nadeem Steel I haven’t had a bad experience with m4 but haven’t tried 4v or k390 or cruwear or most of the other high end tool steels

[@oceanwaves83]

@@FearNoSteel I realize that. But unfortunately it doesn't mean M4 isn't great.

[@oceanwaves83]

@@bp-hx9ts I've tried them all, but all were production models. The k390 I tried was the best. It was a mule.

[@cheesychester9647]

I’m interested...

[@marekmasar5216]

This just wow.. Not the steel but your skills ;-)😁 Kidding.. I'm amazed with this beast.. I have to find one for me..But you just ruined it for me at the end 😭Mini Trapper in K390 at 65-66hrc!!! That is different level of machine,!!! Hmmm but custom made by you means for me 1/10000000chance to ever reach that level.. But the smile of s owner of that beauty warms my 💓 cause someone will really enjoy that knife with (for me ) perfect shape with clearance for knuckles and super thin edge purposely heat treated for ultimate slicing.. Thank you for sharing your knowledge Shawn.. I'm your secret student so don't tell anyone 😉

[@fixedfuji]

Let's assume that a knife newbie is amazed at what the K390 Police 4 is capable of. How would you council them to sharpen it? Having spent over $200 on a knife, they would probably freak about buying some CBN waterstones.

[@FearNoSteel]

Spyderco double stuff 2 works brother

[@quintond.7888]

I'm hurt. I really do need stainless. Lol

[@FearNoSteel]

LMAO

[@Hvac.tools_]

Shawn! 🐻 your videos are amazing bro, You do shit no one else would hands down!! I got a couple knives trying hard not to become a collector (it’s hard tho) 😂 just own a few great knives, can you hit me with your top 3 knives brother ? Appreciate you!

[@Hungrybird474]

Yup , thinner is a winner