looking for info on steels -M4 and T1

A

Andy_L

Joined
Dec 1, 2004
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does anyone know much about these steels

I've been told T1 is similar to M2 but with tungsten in it which I'm guessing makes it a fair bit hard. (I've also been told it's heavier)

also came across M4 listed on a website for a company that makes industrial blades

I'm just looking into making a knife and my uncle suggested M2 or D2 as it's easy to work with (I can get HT done for any of these)
 
M4 has 1.3% carbon, 4% vanadium and 5.5% tungsten. T1 has .75% carbon, 1% vanadium and 18% tungsten. These steels are not very much alike at all.

I would think that working with a steel that has 18% tungsten would be a real pain for manufacturers and custom makers couldn't afford the belts and grinding wheels that they would go through.
 
I don't know why some look to exotic tool steels which are inappropriate for knives [ Grind and polish T1 ? have fun] when there are many fine steels very appropriate for blades. O1,A2,D2,52100, etc give you a big choice.
 
I was so excited after reading M4 Rex CPM datasheet - I even bought CPM M4 - so called M4 Rex, but Heat Treatment require high temperature and so complicated that even Paul Bos refuse to do it for me. So I have this bar and wait until somebody be able to HT it.

m4.jpg


Thanks, Vassili.
 
I go with D2 over all of these regardless. It is a good edge keeper and it can easily be HT by any number of folks.
 
The reason I ask is my uncle grinds blades for use in heavy industry so could get bits of any of these steels and thought T1 might make a good knife. He grinds it most days so I guess they've got stuff thats good for it

he suggested I start out with D2 if I want to make my own so he's getting me some of that

It can all get a good HT where he works so that isn't a problem.
 
M2 is better then D2 in toughness and wear resistance -according to Crucible.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
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