That is very very nice and it's CPM154!
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
CPM154 is different from 154CM.
Scrap Yard and Swamp Rat have been using 154CM
Even stamped on the blade:
Per Dan:
I did some major dumpster diving to bring you numbers & letters. The next ScrapYard offering will be The Mud Puppy. It is a serial numbered, Limited Edition made of 154 CM. It sports the mudder grip that makes it a great feeling knife.
The following are the specs for the Mud Puppy Limited Edition (MPLE):
Overall Length: 8 1/4"
Blade Length: 3 1/4"
Blade Thickness: 3/16"
Steel: 154 CM
Hardness: 58-60 Rc
Finish: Satin
Handle: Resiprene C "Mudder Grip"
I will be taking a small quantity of the lower numbered knives to the Blade Show while also making them available in the shopping cart on our site…more details to follow.
Enjoy
Dan
My understanding is that "CPM 154" - is different, due to the Crucible powder metal process. Per Crucible: "The CPM process produces very homogeneous, high quality steel characterized by superior dimensional stability, grindability, and toughness compared to steels produced by conventional processes."
Other advantages of CPM per Crucible:
Advantages of CPM®
- Consistent Heat Treat Response
- Predictable Size Change on Heat Treat\
- Excellent Grindability
- Improved Machinability
- Improved Wear Resistance
- Improved Toughness
- Consistent Tool Performance
Per interview with Crucibles "Scott Devanna":
Devanna & Crucible steel had a theory that,by recreating 154CM using the CPM process,not only would CPM 154 be easier for knifemakers to finish & polish to a high sheen, but it would also be tougher than 154CM,even though the elemental makeup of the two steels is identical.
Another quote: "Tests from our research facility in Pittsburgh show that CPM 154 is twice as tough as 154CM". Devanna notes: "It suprised everybody. We knew it would improve toughness, but we didn't know it would be that much".
* CPM154 costs considerably more than 154CM. (as much as twice as much)
Also, I have read about "Rumors" about Crucible adding Vanadium to the CPM154, but I haven't seen anything to confirm.
Am I missing something???
In any event, although there is reason to believe that CPM154 would be better (assuming equal quality heat treatments), I wouldn't have too many problems with either 154CM or CPM154 if heat treated by Busse.
The toughness level seems sufficient, but I prefer the ease of sharpening offered by certain other steels. Personally, it seems I have been able to sharpen my D2 from Swamp Rat with more ease than the 154CM (at least it seems so far <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />).
That said, I would prefer "affordable" INFI. (* Like the SS4 with "black" mudders!!!)
OR I wish Jerry would start using A2 again or I would be very happy with Satin SR-101 as my 2nd and 3rd choices. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
CPM3V is an option that I am still very interested in, but CPM3V is expensive - although should be cheaper than INFI and very sufficient for most knife designs.
.