Hardest Metal?

R

rodogg

Joined
Nov 25, 2011
Messages
279
Hi this is a random question and not actually a knife making question so sorry if its the wrong sub-forum! If anyone wants to move it to a more appropriate place go ahead.

The question: What is the hardest, not massively heavy, or expensive material (presumably a metal) that you could recommend for me to make a self defence weapon with? Obviously I dont want something that will break when struck either. Preferably something I could buy in the form of a bar to work with. Also even if it IS very heavy, I could hollow it out as much as I needed.

Thanks in advance! :)
 
What kind of self defense? If it is cutting, then there will be a different answer than if it going to be used as a club. Describe what you are thinking.
 
Sounds like you are looking for the elusive Unobtainium. :cool: :D

In all reality there is no steel that has all the best qualities and none of the bad, or all knifes/swords/axes/everything would be made out of it.

Good news is you have come to the right place. If you sketch up a drawing with some minimal dimensions on it, I am sure you will get some informed answers here.

Good luck.
 
Sorry I should have said, no I don't want to make a knife, I want to make a club/pole type thing... Sorry if that sounds vague lol but I havent much more of an idea than that yet. Just wondering what metal wold inflict most damage in a self defense situation!
 
For what you are needing, some alloy of steel, which others will be able to help you with. 1090? After that, Tungsten and Titanium.
 
Go with titanium. It is light, strong, readily available in any size and shape, reasonably priced, and reasonably hard...especially if you hit someone hard with it.
 
Well. The Geek has a point.

Really what you are after is very simple. Unless you are hammering on steel, aluminum or titanium are your best bets. What you want is velocity.
Kind of like hitting a 90 mile an hour fastball. Major league baseball players need to get the bat head around fast. Heavy solid bats would work, but would still be coming around when the ball was in the catchers glove.
Likewise it doesn't do you any good to swing at someone in self-defense and have them move out of the way before you had a chance to hit them.
Maybe a better analogy for this forum would be the difference between two people fighting with a big chopper knife and a light and balanced fighter. Sure, the chopper would take your head off, but so would the fighter, and the fighter would get there first. I'd want to be holding the fighter.
Look up ASP Baton's. My LEO friends all have several types. Some have a ball, some a hook at the base for retention.
Also, some laws will restrict owning a baton in certain cities and states.
I'd suggest if you make something from steel, that it be 1/2"-5/8".
I've messed around with my friend who is a deputy sheriff
and it was the speed and reach that were the advantage for him.
 
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You live in Ireland, so defending yourself is illegal. Just roll over and take one for the team.:eek::D
 
This question is not knife related nor is it "shop talk" related. You should ask this question in a tactical forum. For all I know you might be a 12 year old boy who wants to take revenge on a kid at school and those who give advise here are feeding the fire.
 
So you want to make a self defense weapon out of metal? What do you want it to do? How do you intend to use it? Do you want to carry it around? Have you researched your local laws on what items are permitted?

Readily available self defense items: hammer, baseball bat, baton, metal rod, etc.
 
jawilder, I guess you have a point that it isn't "knife" related, but do we really have to be so legalistic about what's in this forum? We're guys and gals that work with steel and other metals. He wanted some info and has received some info. As for being a 12 year old taking revenge at school, I've seen first hand the damage a fist-sized rock can do. No need to get so technical to accomplish that goal.

--nathan
 
Nathan, I suppose you are right about not being so legalistic.

At the same time I would say that any reasonable adult would know that it doesn't matter if you get hit with a piece of S7, O1, Carbide, Titanium, Aluminum, or a rock. They will all win compared to bone.

After further research, it looks like he is looking for something to ward off dogs and has been given great answers.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/929923-Weapon-For-Dogs

So to answer your question, a nice walking stick made out of hickory or some other type of hardwood. Personally, I use one made from Osage.

But to better answer the question, if you can't carry a gun, knife, or pepper spray then get a can of Raid or other wasp repellent. It shoots a long range and will make the dogs think twice.
Jason
 
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Point taken. My thoughts were leaning towards a telescoping baton or tire-iron. Of course, my first choice would be something in .45 or 9mm. :D

--nathan
 
And here was me thinking this was a fairly simple question. Yes I wasn't sure where the best place to post this question was, so sorry if its in the wrong place. Secondly Im NOT a 12 year old school boy, Im 22 years old. Thirdly thanks to those who suggested other self defense weapons but that wasn't my question. I almost regret asking it now!!! All I really wanted to know was what is the hardest metal I can purchase in a bar form to work into a weapon of my own imagining. There were a few helpful answers, and I will bear those ones in mind. Thanks. :)
 
The problem is that the question is a bit flawed

A very HARD material is also very brittle, like glass, or saphire, or diamonds
They are very hard and abrasive resistant, but

that won't help you when you want to use it for whacking.


the titanium, or good plastics, or aluminum suggestions that have been suggested are also very springy, or ductile

Once you use a hollow aluminum baseball bat on a sharp corner and crease it, it will also fold in half.

I like the idea of solid composite fibre/ fibreglass / carbon fibre/ rod or solid , titanium, or solid aluminum.


or buy an ASP just to play with if you can.
One of those in titanium would be pretty awesome.
 
Um, why don't you just find a nice dry length of bamboo? I'm sure you can find some over there, and being hollow you can add shot or sand to increase mass. Cord wrap it very tightly to reduce splitting on impact. Also fiberglass wound over it would work.


Be safe, whatever you do with it!

-Xander
 
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