Carbon Fiber and Titanium...So What?

[Locutus D'Borg]

My ideal knife: Timascus scales, zirconium bolsters, and SM-100 blade.

 

[ericvar101]

I like the titanium, Like the new Zts that come with steel (566), I wish they had titanium. But I don't care a thing about carbon fiber. I like G10 better. Carbon fiber itsn't even a "high end" material. I can buy a Enlan with CF for under $30.00

 

[macknife12]

I like CF and titanium as choices.
To me, CF can add to the overall esthetic of the piece making it pleasing to the eye. Another dimension in some cases.
As a collector and user, the only issue I am sometimes faced with is getting it dirty or scuffed up. Having said that, I have put my Gayle Bradley though some tough tasks and it still shines up nicely. I know it's not exactly a high end material, but it does seem to match up a lot in the folder world. Happy for the choice.
Titanium is also a pleaser for me. Especially the Sebenza and the Ti Millie. Two big slabs of metal ready to go. I also like the way titanium wears. I must say however, don't carry them much in the winter here, probably stick to my leg,
The combinations are also great, loving my Domino right now, but mostly carrying anything with G-10 or FRN or something because of the cold.
All in, I am glad we have so many choices.
Enjoy.
Cheers

 

[cncpro11]

I had a couple of knives with CF scales, didn't care for them and off they went.
Titanium is alright and I have a few knives with Ti handles. They are ok but in my opinion just a bit overrated.

The two knives that had both Ti and CF did not appeal to me at all and I got rid of both.

I do like CF bicycles and my brother has a CF acoustic guitar that looks and sounds beautiful.

 

[KnifeyMcStab]

I much prefer g10 to cf. I'd rather have a grippy handle than a smooth.

 

[Apec]

I prefer the look of Ti bolsters and CF scales, but CF only scales are starting to bore me. Though on a knife like my 0560CBCF, it's a great addition.

 

[McVeyMac]

I really like CF in a Corvette and any super car application. Not so much as a knife scale. African Blackwood and Ebony are frequently used as knife scales/handles. These same woods are known as tone woods, and the finest woodwind instruments in the world are made of them, including bagpipes. This material is much denser than CF, yet is longed after by knife makers and collecters. I think that this might represent two ends of the spectrum of handle materials. And there is a market for both, and everything in between. Whatever floats your boat. But woods that do not float in water are African Blackwood and Ebony.

Titanium, on the other hand, I enjoy, especially in the strider SMF and CRK large Sabenza. That SMF is a really big, and really light folder.

 

[seelow123]

I much prefer g10 to cf. I'd rather have a grippy handle than a smooth.

You can get peel-ply Carbon Fiber.

 

[ToddM]

Titanium has some advantages, I'd bet mostly easy of machining compared to steel, weight (but frankly few are interested in weight these days of tank tactical folders) and corrosion resistance. Neither IMO are holy grail materials many people make them out to be, both just happen to be a fad right now that consumers equate to high quality. I'd much rather see manufacturers put their $ into better tolerances, quality control, and blade steels, things that actually improve the function of the knife instead of it's aesthetics. However all you have to do is look at sales of Ti/CF knives to know that the majority of knife buyers do not feel the same.

Honestly I think the fact that smooth handled knives are so popular like many Ti/CF knives makes more of a statement about how many people really use their expensive pocket knives. I can't see anyone that works with their knife for extended periods of time or with sweaty/wet hands or in hot/cold temps (for Ti) preferring metal or smooth CF slabs over a more grippy functional G10. I do still love some of those designs and own some but when I'm going to be using my knife in the field all day, all of them stay home for a more functional full G10/Micarta/Wood option.

 

[dsimmons]

Dude you really need to chill, we're all friends here and some FNG coming in romping around and trying to stir the pot doesn't help anything. Sorry but look at your post history, you've attacked several people randomly for no reason... This is a place for friends and like minded people to come together and talk about knives, who cares if we get a lite off topic or joke around about the topic at hand. I was in no way calling you out about the CF hammer comment, just joking around about it. Please bro, settle down and join in the fun, of you want to slam on people because of a miss interpreted internet comment there is a forum where that's more than acceptable- wine&cheese, but other than that it's usually best to try and not come off quite as hostile.

Also not everyone knows what "JFC" is (I had to think about it) and I find it pretty inappropriate... And again I wasn't calling you out or saying you were wrong, I had never seen any CF hammer before, regardless of what sort of hammer it was, so more than anything I was joking and having a learning experience. Thanks for the respect you showed me tho, I'll be sure to return it.

Ah, so this is another circlejerk forum where about five people can say whatever they want and everyone else has to take it. Got it. I'll leave forthwith.

 

[Charlie Mike]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Warren Thomas.

 

[McVeyMac]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Warren Thomas.

I saw his offerings just this AM and chuckled to myself after going through this thread. It clearly adds a look to the knife, but I am not sure if it has any enhancing effect on function.

 

[tiguy7]

Answer to post #23. I carry the one on the right for an EDC. The C/F is used for back packing and bicycle touring. The rest are back ups and flippers.

 

[glocker199]

Just to be clear, if you love this stuff, more power to you. I just find myself vaguely puzzled whenever people get excited by CF scales on a knife.

I agree. It amazes me that people will buy a $170 scales for a $70 knife.

 

[PURPLEDC]

I think carbon fiber and titanium arent exactly necessary but what really is? Is super steel necessary? After a certain price point EVERYTHING becomes a luxury option that isnt required. Its up to the individual to decide which options are worth the price of admission. To some its steel, to some its luxury materials appointments like mammoth ivory and tooth. I fully understand not getting it. But really think about how non knife people dont get knives in general. I would assume people who have to have carbon fiber feel just like general knife people do. We like what we like and really there is no need to explain why. I personally really like carbon fiber. To me its not so much that the stuff looks the way it does or that its light. I simply am drawn to advancements in the art of knife making. And the implementation of new materials excites me. Is it an improvement? It depends on your point of view and your requirements. I personally would rather have a carbon fiber handle and a NOT so special steel. The reason being I prefer steel that is easy to sharpen. And I like my knives to be lightweight. So for me carbon fiber is a better upgrade than having a S110V or ZDP blade.

 

[PURPLEDC]

The strength-to-weight thing simply doesn't matter. If you're using your knife in such a way that steel isn't strong enough you need to find the RIGHT tool for the job and quit destroying your equipment. No, it's the lack of upkeep that makes Ti desirable as a handle material. Ideally it would also be a good blade material but its properties just don't allow for it.

NOTE TO PEDANTS: Yes, there are titanium blades. They almost universally suck for one thing or another.

Actually stength to weight ratio is what it really is about. No one ever says that titanium is stronger than steel. Its the fact that its a good alternative to steel when you want to save some weight. And yes titanium is considerably lighter than steel. The argument of if steel isnt strong enough you need the right tool for the job really doesnt apply since everyone knows that titanium is generally weaker than steel. But when you compare the strength to weight ratio of the two materials titanium has the edge. Its a compromise. You accept that its less wear resistant for the sake of not being so heavy. Is it as lightweight as carbon fiber? No. But carbon fiber wont work for a lockbar. So when you think about materials that are suitable for a knife frame and weight is a concern there really is no better choice than Ti.

And Sm100 is a pretty darn good titanium based alloy for blades. And warren thomas does some pretty nice carbidized edges on normal titanium. I guess universally sucking would depend on your needs and preferences as nearly anything sucks for one thing or another if its not being used as intended. A titanium knife sucks for batoning just as a 1055 carbon steel knife sucks for diving, remember right tool for the job.

 

[Firestrike]

Let me ask this,

Strider uses carbon fiber and Ti?
Chris Reeves uses carbon fiber and Ti?
Emerson?

Are these not companies who design and sell thier product based on hard use philosophy?

If so, then why would one choose to introduce an immediate weakness into thier hard use design?

Steel of equal thickness is stronger than CF and/or Ti?

Seems to me, people are gobbling up this Carbon Fiber and Ti for two reasons only, weight reduction and for pocket candy. Out of the two only one has somewhat of a realworld application, weight reduction, and let's be honest if you cannot handle an extra once or two of weight then perhaps one should lay off of the Big Macs.

I care not at all for pocket candy, in fact it would be highly unadvisable to go out and flash around your candy as you can likely become a target for some junkie that thinks your Rolex, Pretty Knife, or whatever your other candy is, can be sold for thier next hit. Not to mention the other honest guys in the work place that will put it in thier pocket and walk away if they ever have the chance.

Maintane a low profile, keep Opsec, stay Gray, seems way more important than a pretty toy.

That is just my opinion,

Please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Firestrike]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Warren Thomas.

This is what I am talking about, this pic is a classic example of candy. Rolex check, Carbon Fiber check, first guy to get held up by a junkie looking to get a fix CHECK.

No offense is meant towards the hand in the Pic.

 

[macknife12]

Let me ask this,

Strider uses carbon fiber and Ti?
Chris Reeves uses carbon fiber and Ti?
Emerson?

Are these not companies who design and sell thier product based on hard use philosophy?

If so, then why would one choose to introduce an immediate weakness into thier hard use design?

Steel of equal thickness is stronger than CF and/or Ti?

Seems to me, people are gobbling up this Carbon Fiber and Ti for two reasons only, weight reduction and for pocket candy. Out of the two only one has somewhat of a realworld application, weight reduction, and let's be honest if you cannot handle an extra once or two of weight then perhaps one should lay off of the Big Macs.

I care not at all for pocket candy, in fact it would be highly unadvisable to go out and flash around your candy as you can likely become a target for some junkie that thinks your Rolex, Pretty Knife, or whatever your other candy is, can be sold for thier next hit. Not to mention the other honest guys in the work place that will put it in thier pocket and walk away if they ever have the chance.

Maintane a low profile, keep Opsec, stay Gray, seems way more important than a pretty toy.

That is just my opinion,

Please correct me if I am wrong.

So you don't like candy. Fair enough.
I do. I could not imagine living my life without it. I don't really have the personality to stay "low profile" I think it's okay for a bit of flash now and again. Out of the forty or so folders I have, I would say 12 of them would be considered candy. Candy that I can treat myself to on the weekend and such.
Probably comes down to my mid-life crisis lol I also traded my Corolla for a G37S because I DESERVED IT!
Not saying that I go around waving my flashy knives around, just saying it's okay to have some toys. I do agree with you on discreteness though this comes down to your own judgement.
Cheers

 

[stabman]

I care not at all for pocket candy, in fact it would be highly unadvisable to go out and flash around your candy as you can likely become a target for some junkie that thinks your Rolex, Pretty Knife, or whatever your other candy is, can be sold for thier next hit.

I like shiny things.
Like my 40 inch silver chain with giant cross.
One idiot thought they could take it...so I laughed and shoved him handily out of my way. :thumbup:
I didn't even think of using my pretty knife to deal with the moron (imagine, trying to mug me...dumbass).

I've overheard other people who got jumped for their pretty things; don't carry what you cannot defend.