Anything new with MIM?

[Joshua J.]

Well sure JJ, that was the hook when we entered in with the MIM/HIP blade patent. The capability to work with higher alloy grades of steel, and even to be able to mix custom types of blade materials for specific applications. This can all be done with very little machine time needed. Your also have the ability to add features to a blade that would be cost prohibitive any other way. Lot's of potential for sure.

There are a few obstacles still to overcome with this technology, and we are slowly moving towards understanding them. I trust that our future will bring on more "exotic" MIM blades and steel.

"Biggest step since PM?", hmmmm, I'll have to think about that.

"Sigh", the waiting game again.
Don't move too slow or Sal will beat you to it.

I do appreciate your efforts (feeding a bunch of crazed hobbyists), and everybody else at Kershaw making it possible.

As for the "biggest step since PM" comment. I see it as overcoming the next hurdle to achieve new potential.
Pouring ingots had it's limits, and a way was found to get around the limitations.
Now PM has all sorts of capabilities, but we've reached other hurdles. MIM seems to be the only way around those right now (even crucible themselves can't properly process their best alloys).
MIM could be the way all high end blades are made in the future.

Yeah, but from mathematical extrapolation, the S165V is gonna be a beast!

S165V? How about S500V!
Remember if you don't have to grind it out (except sharpening) the new limit will be determined by the alloy's saturation point.

I think we'll eventually see carbide blades rather than steel anyway. Take carbon and iron out of the picture, find something that mixes with vanadium for a nearly pure carbide blade (with an Rc level in the 80's).



Why are you all looking at me like that? People can dream can't they?

 

[Thomas W]

"Sigh", the waiting game again.
Don't move too slow or Sal will beat you to it.

I know, waiting is tough , it's painful for me as well. Look Kai USA has invested into the hard work, technology, and patent when it comes to MIM/HIP blades, and we won't just let that knowledge and venture be forgotten. There are future plans JJ, it's just that our focus has gone in other directions as of late (Composite Blades).

As far as getting "beat", it's all good. I know Sal feels the same about how competition pushes the very best to shine their brightest.

I do appreciate your efforts (feeding a bunch of crazed hobbyists), and everybody else at Kershaw making it possible.

As for the "biggest step since PM" comment. I see it as overcoming the next hurdle to achieve new potential.
Pouring ingots had it's limits, and a way was found to get around the limitations.
Now PM has all sorts of capabilities, but we've reached other hurdles. MIM seems to be the only way around those right now (even crucible themselves can't properly process their best alloys).
MIM could be the way all high end blades are made in the future.

I really am optimistic that the MIM blade we see today is just the beginning of something very special tomorrow.