A pair of titanium light choppers

[Mecha]

Well, they don't chop light, but they will straighten up unruly undergrowth in a flash! Weight is about 11 ounces per blade, making them quick and keen with little effort. They are about 22" oal with 14" cutting edges.

Both are forged from heat-treatable beta titanium alloy, composition 89.5Ti 10Nb 0.5Fe. Machete-like choppers are a great blade use for this metal, and take full advantage of its eccentric properties.

The grips are a layered wrap of neoprene and waxed nylon cord, with an over-wrap of deerskin lace. The deerskin is a delight to the touch, gives great grip, and despite its soft touch has proven to be quite durable, both as a grip and as the outer layer of sheaths.

Rough grind:

Marked:

Heat-treated:

Final grinding:

All wrapped up and ready for some choppin'! (minus the final edge)

I'll post a testing video of the straight one soon.

 

[Lorien]

I miss my Mecha Ti...

 

[Mecha]

Lorien you used the purple sad face. I can't stand to see you use the purple sad face. Your ti chopper problem will be remedied immediately!

 

[David Stifle]

Lorien you used the purple sad face. I can't stand to see you use the purple sad face. Your ti chopper problem will be remedied immediately!

Awwww, you're such a nice guy! Beautiful, functional blades, Sam. Way to go!:thumbup:

 

[Chris Larrikin]

Awesome looking knives. One day I am going to have to pick one up. I'll start working on convincing my other half immediately! !

 

[Lycosa]

I love that curved bit-chez.

 

[Lorien]

just in time for trail building season!
I'm spoiled- it's so nice to not have to worry about rust, and these days I have a lot of distance to cover so the light weight is a huge benefit:thumbup:

 

[Lycosa]

I like not worrying about rust on my EDC Ti kwaiken either.
You are in great shape tho, Lorien.

 

[HJK]

They look and sound great? Where will they be for sale?

 

[Mecha]

Awesome looking knives. One day I am going to have to pick one up. I'll start working on convincing my other half immediately! !

Upon the arrival of a ti chopper, there is an 88% chance that any better half will immediately claim it for themselves. It's true, it happens all the time! Thanks for looking and for the nice words, fellas.

HJK, these two already belong to a couple of choppin' fans. With luck, I'll get this thing going soon and then I'll be able to make them more efficiently and quickly:

 

[Bigjonhoss]

i can verify the 88% --- first hand.

 

[Mecha]

i can verify the 88% --- first hand.

Apparently the spousal claiming of a chopper is accompanied by a little dance and a gloating song, "I've got a katana! I've got a katana!," sung like the "neener neener neener" song.

 

[HJK]

Quite a piece of machinery. Reminds me of the first Soviet steam powered can opener....

 

[Mecha]

Quite a piece of machinery. Reminds me of the first Soviet steam powered can opener....

In Russia, steel hammers you!

 

[sloth357]

Sam just likes to tease the end user

And rain it is! damn today is nasty out.. I miss the sun already O_O

Sam, keep us posted on your work! And what ever became of that white steel? or did you get blue? I can't recall.. tell tell tell!

 

[Mecha]

Oh yes the iron alloy. It's Hitachi blue #2, the one alloyed with tungsten, one of my favorites. Oh there are plans for it all right. *cackle*

 

[Philosophis]

Great work.

 

[Mecha]

Great work.

Thankee kindly.

 

[Storm Crow]

Those look fun!

How big is the new power hammer?

 

[Lycosa]

Bigger than you, James. ^