New Steel for Microtech?

[The Tourist]

Recently I heard that Microtech had switched to a steel called 14-4 or 14-40. All of my knives are stamped 154-CM. I don't know a thing about this new steel, nor do I know other companies who are using it. Is it a "better" steel, or did the company switch for cost containment?

I read in another thread that imported steel may be curtailed. But 154-CM is a domestic steel.

What's the story?

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I have no idea what 14-4 steel is. On Microtech's site I could only find one knife that used this steel for the blade. That was the Ultratech. Have you received information that Microtech was going to switch over to 14-4 on all their knives?

 

[GigOne]

14-4CrMo is Latraube's version of 154CM or ATS-34.

Here is a link to Latraube's "Data Sheet" on 14-4CrMo. It looks as if it's an improvement over 440C (anti-corrosive stainless steel). The HRC rating is in the 60's depending on the heat treatment. Should be about as hard or harder than 154CM.

http://www.timken.com/products/specialtysteel/engineering/tech_info/html/14-4crmo.htm

My last Microtech purchase was an Amphibian. . .it came with 154CM. I haven't seen too many posts on the user difference between 154CM and 14-4CrMo.

Personally. . .I've been very pleased with Microtechs use and performance of 154CM.

But, if 14-CrMo means a even scarier Microtech blade. . . I'm there !

 

[The Tourist]

Thanks for the info. The reason I asked was that another forumite said he had a blade stamped 14-4. I had never heard of it. But I do know that Microtech switches over entire product lines. For example, I had several early SOCOM tantos with the two-screw pocket clip. They were all stamped ATS-34. My later Tantos, the three-screw variety, were all stamped 154-CM.

It's a quality company, despite the recent changes. Yes, I like 154-CM, it meets all of my needs. The new steel might be better.