@baxaraf I think you'll find that CPM M4 is FAR tougher than S30V at equal hardness; free chromium absolutely destroys toughness and ductility. I have noticed micro chipping on S30V while reprofiling with diamond abrasives, and none whatsoever with M4. M4 is much more forgiving both in use, and in sharpening; it offers better edge retention too, in any application. That being said, it rusts like an SOB, much more quickly than regular carbon steels. Gotta keep sweat off, and oil on.
@RebelWrestler45 yes if they were heat treated to equal hardness then cpm m4 would be very tough indeed. usually though s30v is run around 58-59rc (i've had an s30v knife hardened to 61rc and it was not pretty) while m4 is pushing 65.
as to diamond on s30v, i couldn't agree more. course plates just blow the carbides right out of the edge. water stones are almost always my preferance, especially because i favor a fairly thin edge which is even less forgiving to diamonds
@baxaraf I really don't have any experience with M4 of that hardness, my Benchmade Activator and Griptilian in CPM M4 are 60-62 HRC, and my 171 Chopper is 59-61 if I remember correctly. A few years ago I was reprofiling a Spyderco military to a full height convex, just to work on my freehand sharpening skills; I had to remove an ungodly amount of metal, and regular waterstones just wouldn't do. The thing cuts like a laser now but looks a bit pathetic, considering all the metal I removed
also, this edge sweep, I like much better than some spyderco's that seem to lack much curve.
hapelliotte 8 months ago
@hapelliotte ya its a great blade shape
i like this, the para and millie, the stretch, the jd smith and a few others in particular
not that i can complain about the delica or any of its friends
i'm not a huge fan of the leaf shaped blades like the caly though to be honest
baxaraf 8 months ago
great video, crazy sharp
I can see why you like M4. maybe m4 is tougher than all the high V stainless steels?
If so, I must retract my comment about not liking carbon steel in a folder lol
hapelliotte 8 months ago
@hapelliotte lol
its all preference
i might have problems with it now that its getting so hot out
m4 is plenty tough for a folder but at this hardness it might not be much tougher than a really well heat treated s30v
i've never chipped a spydie in s30v and i havent chipped this yet either so i cant complain
m4 is getting big in blade competitions though so it must have some decent toughness
its likely at lower hardness though
baxaraf 8 months ago
@baxaraf I think you'll find that CPM M4 is FAR tougher than S30V at equal hardness; free chromium absolutely destroys toughness and ductility. I have noticed micro chipping on S30V while reprofiling with diamond abrasives, and none whatsoever with M4. M4 is much more forgiving both in use, and in sharpening; it offers better edge retention too, in any application. That being said, it rusts like an SOB, much more quickly than regular carbon steels. Gotta keep sweat off, and oil on.
RebelWrestler45 3 months ago
@RebelWrestler45 yes if they were heat treated to equal hardness then cpm m4 would be very tough indeed. usually though s30v is run around 58-59rc (i've had an s30v knife hardened to 61rc and it was not pretty) while m4 is pushing 65.
as to diamond on s30v, i couldn't agree more. course plates just blow the carbides right out of the edge. water stones are almost always my preferance, especially because i favor a fairly thin edge which is even less forgiving to diamonds
baxaraf 3 months ago
@baxaraf I really don't have any experience with M4 of that hardness, my Benchmade Activator and Griptilian in CPM M4 are 60-62 HRC, and my 171 Chopper is 59-61 if I remember correctly. A few years ago I was reprofiling a Spyderco military to a full height convex, just to work on my freehand sharpening skills; I had to remove an ungodly amount of metal, and regular waterstones just wouldn't do. The thing cuts like a laser now but looks a bit pathetic, considering all the metal I removed
RebelWrestler45 3 months ago
Looks great man!!!!
pietermoore 9 months ago
@pietermoore thanks :)
i like sharpening a hard steel like m4 that will take such a nice edge and hold it well
m4 is definitely my friend
lol
it works well with the thinner edge
feels like it stays sharp longer actually cutting cardboard because it can micro serrate a little more aggressively with less support behind the edge
its a really great steel!
baxaraf 8 months ago