CPM-M4 vs. 1095 (just looking for some info)

Fred Sanford

Fred Sanford

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Sep 3, 2006
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Hey guys,

Just wondered, I've not seen much info on CPM-M4 lately because it seems it's somewhat new (at least for knives). Also, as far as I'm aware Crucible CPM-M4 is different than regular M4.

I wondered if anyone can point me to a link of what exactly is in CPM-M4 and how it compares to 1095 carbon. I'm wondering if it is more or less rust resistant than 1095. Is it similar to CPM-D2 as far as corrosion resistance?

Just a few questions and if anyone can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

I just got a CPM-M4 Spyderco Mule Team fixed blade and I don't really know anything about the steel other than what I have read about the Mule Team at the Spyderco Website.

Thanks :thumbup:
 
CPM M4 and regular M4 have the same alloy content, but are processed differently, the CPM version starting as a compacted, then sintered (fired) M4 powder. Regular M4 starts as ingots and is rolled or drawn or both. It should be noticably more rust resistant than 1095, but I doubt it will approach D2.
 
The rust spots on my M4 Mule say it isn't even close to D2 for corrosion resistence. It doesn't seem to oxidize as readily as 1095 though.
 
David Lowry said:
Hey guys,

Just wondered, I've not seen much info on CPM-M4 lately because it seems it's somewhat new (at least for knives). Also, as far as I'm aware Crucible CPM-M4 is different than regular M4.

I wondered if anyone can point me to a link of what exactly is in CPM-M4 and how it compares to 1095 carbon. I'm wondering if it is more or less rust resistant than 1095. Is it similar to CPM-D2 as far as corrosion resistance?

Just a few questions and if anyone can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

I just got a CPM-M4 Spyderco Mule Team fixed blade and I don't really know anything about the steel other than what I have read about the Mule Team at the Spyderco Website.

Thanks :thumbup:
Click to expand...

This will tell you about the CPM process
http://www.crucibleservice.com/products/CPM/index.cfm

I think this is the data sheet for your steel
http://www.crucibleservice.com/datash/dsM4v8.pdf?CFID=2237821&CFTOKEN=59006596
 
CPM-M4 has more wear resistance and rust resistance than 1095. CPM-M4 has very good toughness for its capability of high hardness and wear resistance, though it might be slightly lower than 1095. CPM-D2 will have greater corrosion resistance, though CPM-M4 does exhibit some corrosion resistance, where 1095 doesn't have any.
 
Well, I just got my Spyderco Mule last week in CPM M4. It came sharp enough for tree topping, push cutting newpaper at about 3 inches. That's SHARP. I cut up some dirty cardboard boxes, probably about 20 ft. worth of cuts in very thick cardboard. It doesn't tree top, but still easily shaves hair and push cuts newspaper at about half an inch. About half a minute on a ceramic stone, and it's back to tree top.

Pretty impressive so far! Very easy to sharpen.
 
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