Choosing Titanium for Liner/Frame Lock Knives

Mudbug007

Mudbug007

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Nov 29, 2010
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Okay, I'm about to try my hand at making my first folding knife. While I love a good fixed blade knife, I'm also in love with folders of all kinds. Been wanting to try my hand at making one for quite a while and I have a few folder templates I've made.

Here's my question. I see on Alpha Supply's site that they list two different kinds of titanium. A 6-4 which their site says is 6AL4V. I've read several places that recommend 6AL4V for knives. But he also has 6-2 (which is known as 6242) which he says that is the same family as 6AL4V but he feels this titanium polishes and grinds better than 6-4.

I don't doubt Chuck for a minute. But I'd like some opinions of other knife makers, especially those of you who make Liner/Frame locks from titanium. Will I notice a difference between the two titaniums?

I'm planning on using something in the .040 to .055 for liner locks and in the .090 to .100 or so for frame locks. Is this a good thickness? If not, suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks for your time!
 
Many are using either for the liners. Some will say the elasticity of the 6242 isn't as good. The 6242 is a much easier titanium to work and finish. I use a lot of this for back bars on liner locks. The result is a high finish like 416 SS without the weight. Frank
 
Your thicknesses sound OK as far as lock side Ti stock.

I'm interested now, too about 6242 for lock side titanium- if it works easier, but is still as springy, it sure sounds promising.
 
I ordered some titanium recently for my first liner lock project (.050" by the way), and was told on the phone that the 6242 grade was a 'higher' grade of titanium that isn't always available, but when it is that they always procure it. I was also told that it would work great as a substitute for 6-2 and that there weren't really any downsides to using it, so that is what I ordered. I have never worked with titanium so can't provide any feedback vs. working with 6-2.
 
Salem. I have made a lot of folders with the 6242 for both liners and back bars. I believe it's a good to go titanium. Frank
 
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