Harden Ti scales??

[autogateman]

I just finished a slipjoint using Ti scales for the first time and I’m dissapointed in how easy they scratch. Is it possible to harden them enough to make them scratch resistant? Does a blasted finish help that? I’m thrilled with the way it came out otherwise though.
Thanks in advance
Rod

 

[mete]

There are TI alloys that you can harden. The most typical alloy can't be . Perhaps 'mecha' would have some suggestions .

 

[Drew Riley]

A stonewashed finish will help hide scratches to some degree.

 

[REK Knives]

I agree... You don't need to harden just stonewash.

 

[tiguy7]

View attachment 1033485 I find that anodizing the Ti handles gives them a hard surface that resists scratching.The bottom 2 knives in the picture are anodized. The upper knife is TDLC coated (harder to do).

 

[Kali4nia]

How did you anodize the titanium black? Torch, windex repete?

 

[tiguy7]

View attachment 1033880 The Camillus Aftermath has a Tungsten Diamond Like Carbon coating which is a (PVD) physical vapor deposition process. It was applied at the factory and is basically a Tungsten Carbide finish. Here is a picture of an anodized Aftermath.

 

[Alpha Knife Supply]

autogateman , what titanium alloy did you use for the scales?

Chuck

 

[autogateman]

autogateman , what titanium alloy did you use for the scales?

Chuck

It’s 6AL4V.

 

[Alpha Knife Supply]

Years ago Kit Carson recommended shot peening titanium with ceramic beads. He said the matte surface was much more scratch resistant and did a good job of hiding scratches.

Chuck