Are there any significant DRAWBACKS to TALONITE?

What Tom posted is of course correct. There are no perfect materials for making blades. Every one will excel in certain areas and not in others. 6BH and 6K have proven themselves to be very good blade materials. Very good, not perfect. The softness can be a problem, but on most daily use knives it probably wouldn't be.

One of the other problems with Talonite is its cost. For those that think there is no reason to own a knife that costs more than $100.00, this material is definitely not for them. You are going to pay a premium for this material. However, you will pay a similar premium for many of the high end steels.

The biggest problem I have with 6BH and 6K is that it can not be forged, and my preference is for forged knives. This is a personal preference and has really nothing to do with whether these materials make good blades. Many times personal prejudices govern what we prefer more than the actual attributes of what we are looking to acquire.
 
Keith I agree with you. I much prefer a forged blade over any other knife steel I have tried to date. Talonite is very good material for a using blade, but so are many others. When it's all said and done, just give me a properly forged blade and I'll be a happy camper!
 
I love Talonite for small general blades. It holds an edge for a LONG time. I’ve done extensive cardboard cutting with Talonite, and it just won’t dull. The abrasion resistance is phenomenal, and the corrosion resistance is superb. If I were to buy a new bid & trout knife or neck knife, Talonite would be my choice.

The only problems I’ve had with Talonite have involved impacts with hard objects like staples. Staples will rip the edge in nothing flat, and can be a bear to remove. A mistake with a Talonite blade can lead to a lot of repair work.
 
Aloha. I just have to chime in here and say that living in Hawaii, Talonite (and stellite) is THE WAY to go. The air here is salt laden and corrosive, so everything corrodes. I have a couple of blades in S30V that seem to be holding up pretty well, but time will tell. With Talonite, I just dont have to worry about it.

wabi
 
Hey Wabi, you said that your s30v blades are holding out....just wondering what you think about their edgeholding and ease of sharpening? Especially compared to other stainless steels.
Thanks!
 
Originally posted by Keith Montgomery
The biggest problem I have with 6BH and 6K is that it can not be forged, and my preference is for forged knives. This is a personal preference and has really nothing to do with whether these materials make good blades. Many times personal prejudices govern what we prefer more than the actual attributes of what we are looking to acquire.
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Ok Keith & Berettaman12000,

Why is it you like forged blades? And I mean this as a serious question, not a challenge.

Is it a psychological preference? (e.g., Red is my favorite color)

Similarly, is it the idea that the blade represents a more "hand made" tool? That it represents a tie to the tradition of the blacksmith?

Is it the feeling or experience it produces a superior blade? If so, in what ways? How do you know?

Or is it the look of a temper line you prefer?

I'm sure you know that Schwarzer forged a drop point Stellite hunter that Kit finished (grinding, lots... and handle). Not sure if Will York still owns it, but it's a rarity... more of the single exception that proves that Stellite is rarely forged into a knife blade.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...d=109080&highlight=kit+carson+forged+stellite
 
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