CPM M4 is a high-performance powder metallurgical steel with extremely high wear resistance and very good toughness. The steel was developed for applications where maximum cutting performance and high load capacity are more important than corrosion resistance.
Three key characteristics of the steel: edge retention, corrosion resistance, and sharpenability
Edge retention: very high
★★★★★
The high proportion of hard carbides ensures exceptional wear resistance and long edge life.
Corrosion resistance: low
★★☆☆☆
CPM M4 does not have a sufficiently high chromium content for rust freedom and requires protection against corrosion.
Sharpenability: medium
★★★☆☆
Due to its high wear resistance, CPM M4 requires more effort to resharpen than classic knife steels.
Areas of application
High-performance pocket knives: The very high wear resistance is suitable for users who seek maximum edge retention.
Outdoor: The high toughness supports robust applications, however, regular maintenance against corrosion is necessary.
Competition and specialty knives: The combination of hardness and wear resistance makes the steel interesting for demanding cutting applications.
Steel composition
| Element | Proportion |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | approx. 1.42 % |
| Chromium (Cr) | approx. 4.00 % |
| Vanadium (V) | approx. 4.00 % |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | approx. 5.25 % |
| Tungsten (W) | approx. 5.50 % |
Products with CPM M4 Blade Steel
