CPM M4 Steel

Daniel Fairly Knives

Daniel Fairly Knives

Full Time Knifemaker
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Just the facts...


http://www.crucible.com/eselector/prodbyapp/highspeed/rexm4.html

http://www.crucible.com/eselector/general/generalpart4.html

CPM M4 has the reputation as a top steel at cutting competitions.

M4.png
 
Yep, M4 is amazing stuff! Check out Gayle Bradleys stuff, like his competition hunter he did. He took the edge down to .007" before sharpening! I can get M2 locally, but the HT is a pain and I can't grind it hardened either. If you are going to use this stuff Daniel, let me know your plans, I am very interested in a high performance cutter.


-Xander
 
fast14riot said:
Yep, M4 is amazing stuff! Check out Gayle Bradleys stuff, like his competition hunter he did. He took the edge down to .007" before sharpening! I can get M2 locally, but the HT is a pain and I can't grind it hardened either. If you are going to use this stuff Daniel, let me know your plans, I am very interested in a high performance cutter.


-Xander
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Wow that is some serious edge stability! I only hear good things about the M4.

Yes it sounds harder than normal to grind, the specs list the machinability as low. I have extra belts coming in!

The piece I got is small and will make two 6.5" blades, it is roughly 3/32 thick so they will be great slicers for edc use.
 
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M4 is an awesome steel. I have made several hunters and utility sized knives from it and you can grind the edge thin. I used one to section some carpet we were tearing out of our house and it held the edge beautifully, a few swipes on a strop with 800 grit paper and it was shaving again. I also have one of Benchmades 171 choppers and that is an animal. The edge was very thick when I got it. I thinned it down considerably, probably around .015 behind the edge and I can take down a three inch tree in one swing. Good luck and have fun.
 
Big Chris said:
M4 is an awesome steel. I have made several hunters and utility sized knives from it and you can grind the edge thin. I used one to section some carpet we were tearing out of our house and it held the edge beautifully, a few swipes on a strop with 800 grit paper and it was shaving again. I also have one of Benchmades 171 choppers and that is an animal. The edge was very thick when I got it. I thinned it down considerably, probably around .015 behind the edge and I can take down a three inch tree in one swing. Good luck and have fun.
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Nice! That is what I wanted to hear! :cool: :D

I should be getting my piece of M4 in a few days, I have some cool ideas for it.
 
Dude, seriously, grind before HT with this stuff. This is what they make machine lathe tooling from. Save your wallet and that poor old platen on your grinder, go 97% before HT and finish up after.


-X
 
fast14riot said:
Dude, seriously, grind before HT with this stuff. This is what they make machine lathe tooling from. Save your wallet and that poor old platen on your grinder, go 97% before HT and finish up after.


-X
Click to expand...

That is great to know and keep in mind. I know the feeling when a new belt just screeches against the steel, then you know it's going to take a while!

I recently switched to grinding bevels post heat treat because I like the consistency and straightness I get. Then again I ground a .360" chopper today and it about took me out, lol! I felt like I was lifting weights after all that grinding. Great information!
 
Yeah, get set up for doing the Rick Marchand straightening during the temper and you will soon forget about minor warps and bends during quench. No need to punish your grinder and wallet with hardened steel if you can control it before hand. I've been sticking with 1080/1084 for the last year and have finally started to feel I can control it through the entire process.


-X
 
M4

I may make 2 more that match these in CPM-3V and sell them as a pair, I'm not sure yet. It depends what you guys want! I do have the 3v coming in soon.

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031-6.jpg
 
that bottom one of the 3 pictures, I want, give. thanks :D oh yes, black paracord over cream cordage, hemp preferably.. PEACE!
 
I like the first one with 4 holes. Reminds me of the EDC. Both would be great for back pocket carry.
 
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