Are MIM blades no more?

PURPLEDC

PURPLEDC

Joined
Apr 4, 2007
Messages
8,578
I loved the offset and I had thought there was going to be more MIM blades to be had. Has KAI abandoned this technology now that powedered steels have become more mainstream and easier to obtain? i know the sintering process was different than what Crucible and others are doing but I thought the end results where similar with similar goals. Im just wondering if they are done with that area of work.
 
I'd like to know that as well.

But I think that the MIM Offset was more of a one time deal.
I really like the process or at least that they were able to pull off the two different grinds, full flat with belly out front and the hollow ground hawkbill in back.

I think the Offset is thd only Kershaw offering to use the double pumper, dual torsion bars.
 
bluejayburly said:
I'd like to know that as well.

But I think that the MIM Offset was more of a one time deal.
I really like the process or at least that they were able to pull off the two different grinds, full flat with belly out front and the hollow ground hawkbill in back.

I think the Offset is thd only Kershaw offering to use the double pumper, dual torsion bars.
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The Ti Tyrade had 2 torsion bars I believe.
 
Hmm. I'll have to look into that, I've never taken mind apart yet.

Actually I don't think it's possible with the frame lock. It would get in the way.
The Offset has the stud lock making the double pumper possible.

Ya the Ti-rade does pop out with a nice thwack.
 
Take it apart. You'll find 2 torsion bars. :)

bluejayburly said:
Hmm. I'll have to look into that, I've never taken mind apart yet.

Actually I don't think it's possible with the frame lock. It would get in the way.
The Offset has the stud lock making the double pumper possible.

Ya the Ti-rade does pop out with a nice thwack.
Click to expand...
 
If I remember correctly back when the G10 offset was being manufactured they claimed it was not going to be the only knife they produced with the process. I cant imagine a company spending that much money to acquire the technology to make such items and then scrap it at a loss. I would think that MIM technology could have been used for something other than blades. Maybe even to make custom D/A OTF handles? Maybe Im wrong and they sold off the equipment. I just think the tech would have come in handy for making precise items that are hard to machine. Hence my idea that they could have improved the inherent defective qualities of OTF knives.
 
PURPLEDC said:
If I remember correctly back when the G10 offset was being manufactured they claimed it was not going to be the only knife they produced with the process. I cant imagine a company spending that much money to acquire the technology to make such items and then scrap it at a loss. I would think that MIM technology could have been used for something other than blades. Maybe even to make custom D/A OTF handles? Maybe Im wrong and they sold off the equipment. I just think the tech would have come in handy for making precise items that are hard to machine. Hence my idea that they could have improved the inherent defective qualities of OTF knives.
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That would have been awesome. I would definitely let my Microtechs go if ZT had their own out in the market.

Even with the problems that the ZT OTF's experienced in development, at least ZT has customer service. WIth MT, you're on your own.
 
Well M/T uses the laws to their full advantage when it comes to warranty work. They know that the vast majority of those who collect their wares are no active military nor law enforcement. In their eyes they simply follow the rules by not sending their parts through the mail nor sending knives directly to customers.
 
No more info about MIM?


Funny, I broke out my Tirade and was thinking about taking it apart, but ah. . . where are the frame screws hiding? Under the carbon fiber obviously, is it just the pivot screw holding it together with pins?

Now I want to take my Offset apart just to check it out.
 
bluejayburly said:
No more info about MIM?


Funny, I broke out my Tirade and was thinking about taking it apart, but ah. . . where are the frame screws hiding? Under the carbon fiber obviously, is it just the pivot screw holding it together with pins?

Now I want to take my Offset apart just to check it out.
Click to expand...

The frame screws are underneath the inlay which is glued in, kershaw recommends you send it in if it needs to be taken apart. So if you attempt to take it apart and mess the inlays up I think you are out of luck.
 
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GarrettWeidman said:
The Ti-Tyrade does not have 2 torsion bars, I have taken mine apart multiple times, it has one just like the other tyrades had.
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according to many sites the Ti tyrade is supposed to have the double torsions. I wonder why their is this rumor out there.
 
PURPLEDC said:
according to many sites the Ti tyrade is supposed to have the double torsions. I wonder why their is this rumor out there.
Click to expand...

I don't know why it's out there, but I can tell you from first hand experience with multiple tyrades that there is only one torsion bar.
 
Ya I read about the Tirade being dual torsion bars, but haven't dared take mine apart yet, now I know I won't. Thanks for the tip, I could have spent hours trying to get the carbon fiber off.

Back on topic! I have some info from the 2007 Kershaw catalog:

Complex Blade Geometry and New “Double
Pumper” Opening Technology
The Offset’s rugged and complex blade
geometry is provided through state-of-theart
Metal Injection Molding (MIM) and hot
isostatic pressing. The result is a precision
blade with two bevel geometries, hollow and
flat, for incredible cutting power. This
process produces a premium 440C-PM
stainless-steel blade with complex, true 3-D
geometry. The Offset also features the latest
SpeedSafe configuration. It’s our “Double
Pumper” design and it features two torsion
bars to ensure easy assisted-opening for
folding knives with larger blades—such as the
Offset. The Offset comes with a 3D machined
G-10 handle.
 
More info on the MIM process:
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MIM.jpg
 
I think that the blade mold is VERY expensive to make and probably wears out after so many uses. This might be the deciding factor in why they aren't using the MIM process in more blades.
Its way cool because they can get a truly 3d blade geometry.

I really appreciate the fact that KAI is even willing to push boundaries in terms of innovation and the process used to manufacture their knives. I don't see any other companies doing stuff like MIM and composite blades, or much 3D machining G-10. Keep coming up with new patent ideas KAI!
 
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