carbon steel folders

S

skyliner32

Joined
Dec 9, 2009
Messages
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I have been looking for a one handed opening carbon steel lock blade folder. The closest I have found is the case trapperlock but it has no clip. I don't like d2 steel so thats out and all the m4 knifes I have found are either over priced, too tactacool, or sold out.
 
The only one I've found is the Mooremaker Roper. 1095 steel, one handed opening, pocket clip, and comes in three different sizes. A great, unknown knife.

Bear & Son makes them for Mooremaker, but on the Bear site there is a seemingly identical knife, except the handle is not Yellow Delrin, and the blade is 440A with extra carbon added. I have one on order but it's not here yet.
 
Coldsteel's Trail Guide is a nice litte lockback with a Carbon V blade, opening hole and pocket clip. You can still find them on Ebay and I think they are relatively inexpensive.

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LorenzoL said:
Did you try the Spyderco Bradley? It costs around $120 and is just awesome.
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CPM M4 is not "carbon steel". The properties are significantly different.

Case is not currently making the "mid folding hunter", but they did make them in CV and you might find one if you look.
 
It is a high carbon tool steel. The OP specifically mentioned not finding any available folders in M4.
Carbon steel is sometimes used as a generic term in opposition to stainless steel.
 
LorenzoL said:
It is a high carbon tool steel. The OP specifically mentioned not finding any available folders in M4.
Carbon steel is sometimes used as a generic term in opposition to stainless steel.
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+1 :thumbup:

That's how I interpreted the OP's post. Whether or not it's technically 'carbon steel', I assumed the OP was referring to non-stainless. From what I can see, M4 qualifies. And more importantly, he did seem to indicate some interest in this steel (barring price or availability problems).
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
+1 :thumbup:

That's how I interpreted the OP's post. Whether or not it's technically 'carbon steel', I assumed the OP was referring to non-stainless. From what I can see, M4 qualifies. And more importantly, he did seem to indicate some interest in this steel (barring price or availability problems).
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:thumbup: I thought the same thing from the post. I thnk that's a good suggestion.
 
I am not opposed to m4. I would like to find a knife in1080 to 1095 or 1095 cv. the spyderco offering in m4 is a good alternative but is sold out or backorded.
 
skyliner32 said:
I am not opposed to m4. I would like to find a knife in1080 to 1095 or 1095 cv. the spyderco offering in m4 is a good alternative but is sold out or backorded.
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The properties of M4 or CPM M4 are significantly different from those of 1095 or CV or Carbon V. (CV is 1085 with small additions of Vanadium and Chromium. Carbon V was 1095 with similar additions.)

If all you want is something that will take on a patina, M4 is a reasonable alternative to 1095. However, most folks looking for a carbon steel blade in a folder want a steel that takes very little work to achieve a very very fine edge combined with the level of edge retention you get from carbon steel.

M4 does not have that combination of properties. It holds an edge much longer, but requires significantly more work to achieve a fine edge that is so easily achievable with 1095. Diamond hones, stropping with diamond paste, etc. are recommended for M4 to get that level of edge. A simple Washita stone will give it to you with 1095.
 
I like the 1095 for its very good edge retention and can be sharpened with a water stone or Arkansas stone.

The m4 is a good alternative because I get one of the longest wearing steels and more durability than the stainless "super" steels.

The cv steel I was referencing was 50100-b what kabar calls 1095cv.

I have not contacted any custom knife makers. I would have the knife made in l-6 if i do.

You know some days what I want and what I can afford or need are on opposite ends of the spectrum.
 
Cool. As long as you don't go spend a pot load of money for a CPM M4 knife and then find out it doesn't have the properties you wanted.
 
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