Which custom makers use S90V, S125V, M4 etc?

[Vivi]

I'm looking to try out some of the high-end steels that you rarely, if ever, see used in production knives. What are some good makers for this? I'd prefer a cheap blank, no scales, as my interest is solely in testing the steels.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

When you talk those three steels, even blanks aren't going to be cheap.

You may want to contact Phil Wilson at Seamountain Knife Works. He works with the steels you are interested in.

www.seamountknifeworks.com

 

[brightred]

When you talk those three steels, even blanks aren't going to be cheap.

You may want to contact Phil Wilson at Seamountain Knife Works. He works with the steels you are interested in.

www.seamountknifeworks.com

very interesting information about cpm steels. thanks a lot, keith!

best regards,
hans

 

[commodorewheeler]

I'm looking to try out some of the high-end steels that you rarely, if ever, see used in production knives. What are some good makers for this? I'd prefer a cheap blank, no scales, as my interest is solely in testing the steels.

Those 3 steels that you are inquiring about are expensive and difficult to work and finish. There are not many custom knifemakers who are willing to work with any of them, at least not on a regular basis. Like other posters mentioned above, Phil Wilson is a good one who enjoys working with a wide range of different steels, and he may be willing to work with all of those. Another good one is Mike Mooney, I've had good luck getting him to make me stuff out of exotic steels as well, with great results.

To my knowledge, both still take orders, and I have had very positive experiences dealing with both of them.

 

[tom mayo]

If you want a cheap blank.......you better make it yourself!!!

 

[jujigatame]

They might pop up in Spyderco's Mule program and, if so, that could well be the cheapest option you'll find.

 

[Phillip Patton]

I've worked with M4 some, and like the others said, it's no fun. I've decided I'll only use it if I can sand blast it and coat it with Dura Coat. It's just way too difficult to finish otherwise.

Cuts forever though. Judging from the composition , it should outcut Vasco Wear (I haven't seen any performance data for Vasco wear). And the toughness of CPM M4 is almost as high as A2.