M4 stock

einsteinjon

einsteinjon

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Dec 22, 2008
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Hi all...sorry if this has been addressed before but the search function keeps giving me a Database Error.

I am wondering where the best place is to buy M4 stock. I can't really find anything but a couple stores through Google, and I have to request a quote with them (I'd like to just see the prices up front).

Also, is M4 air quenchable? I am asking b/c whenever I get around to making a blade, it's going to be sent out for heat treat, probably to Texas Knifemaker's Supply. They say they only heat treat air quenchable steels.

Thanks! :thumbup:
 
I think someone just recently bought it direct from Crucible steel. I would call them direct.

Paul
 
That should be Crucible's CPM M4 which is better than the standard version.
 
I just got a 3' by 1.5" billet of CPM M4 for $126. Call them up (800-365-1168) they are reallly nice :D they didn't give me any grief for not being w/ a company, or only ordering one piece, or anything very neat. :D
 
So expensive. Is the regular wrought M4 significantly cheaper than the CPM version?
 
3' of CPM-M costs $126. That will make two or three superb knives. That is not expensive, that is using the better material to make a better knife. Try it once and you will like it. Yes ,it air hardens.
Stacy
 
I got a couple of questions too, the data sheet says air quench (listed first) but it also says salt, or interrupted oil quenching, last it says the best is a salt bath treatment, what is that? and do you know anybody who will heat treat it to about 2100 F, and what kind of quenching medium do they use, standard, cheapest, or can I request something. and finally will they temper it as well b/c I don't think I can temper over 1000 F without a heat treat kiln which I lack :confused:
oh by the way do not get it from mcmaster its like $178 for 1.5" x 18" its almost 1.5 times more expensive for half as much steel, and the crucible people are really nice did I mention that?
 
Nebulae said:
I got a couple of questions too, the data sheet says air quench (listed first) but it also says salt, or interrupted oil quenching, last it says the best is a salt bath treatment, what is that? and do you know anybody who will heat treat it to about 2100 F, and what kind of quenching medium do they use, standard, cheapest, or can I request something. and finally will they temper it as well b/c I don't think I can temper over 1000 F without a heat treat kiln which I lack :confused:
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You can use any of those methods for quenching. You'll have to call the heat treater to find out what medium they use and what can be requested. Heat treaters generally temper for you.
 
i love my m4 lum,,,i polish convexed her,, an have carried her to work every day for a month,, and still sharp,, i might make a blade from it too..,, but.. i have a load of cpm m2,,
 
Nebulae said:
do you want regular or CPM steel?
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Honestly I don't know for sure if it matters to me. If the regular stuff is significantly less expensive, say 50% less, I'd get that. If the CPM stuff is more but by a reasonable margin, I'd get that. My intent was to possibly get a 36" x 2.5"/3" piece of either 3/16" or 1/4" to make 2 18" choppers. But I haven't even made one knife yet let alone going that far :D. I'm just thinking about getting some so I have it on hand when I'm ready...also thinking maybe a blank of 3V as well.
 
Horton_Knives said:
i love my m4 lum,,,i polish convexed her,, an have carried her to work every day for a month,, and still sharp,, i might make a blade from it too..,, but.. i have a load of cpm m2,,
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A Horton knife in either M2 or M4, .34" or so thick...for when the jaws of life just aren't doing the job :D:thumbup:
 
well you probably want regular then, besides crucibles thinest section was .29" wich is kinda thick
 
keep us posted on what you make out of it, how it is to cut/grind, and where you got it HT

Thanks
 
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