Colored Titanium

[lagriffe]

Does titanium become brittle or weaker when heated? I want to "color" the liners of my emerson karambit by applying a torch to the liners. Do certain colors indicate particular temperatures?

 

[cutter17]

I do not think it becomes brittle or weaker when heated as you see a lot of this done by makers. Colors will range when heated. Be careful when you torch the liner that holds the ball bearing for the ball bearing detent as the heat can cause the hole to expand and let the ball bearing fall out. If it does....no more detent to hold the blade closed.

Also, you might want to finish the liners to a satin finish or mirror if you can, before you torch them as the finished product will be more pleasing to the eye. Oh yeah, do not hold the torch in one spot too long.

 

[oregon]

You might want to consider anodizing the titanium. I got some pretty good results. Here is a thread on bath anodizing: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=413875&highlight=anodizing+titanium

I had a thread on spot anodizing, using a small paint brush, but it looks like photobucket has removed the pics for an unknown reason, hmmmmmm.

The pictured DC power supply is still lurking under my bed, on the ready line, waiting for more work...

oregon

 

[Cougar Allen]

Let’s see if we can find the right forum …

 

[knarfeng]

Heat won't hurt it.

Here's a good thread with some good pointers:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=298848

 

[SR_matt]

on liners it shouldnt be an issue unless there is a liner lock (dont know the mentioned knife off hand)

heat will color it but it could temper it to being softer a bit, the electo anodizing will be easier to control using an adjustable power supply since you can set it and let it sit to get it all even.

-matt