Heat Anodizing

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Edcgearreviews

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Jan 23, 2010
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Hello Everybody,

I had a few questions regarding heat anodizing. I have seen some pictures of modified Sebenzas that have been heat anodized. Wouldnt this ruin the heat treat of the titanium? I know that you can get some more intricate patterns when heat anodizing (over normal titanium anodizations). Thanks in advance for responses.

-Matt
 
The proper term is 'heat coloring' and as the term implies it's done with heat .The heat is not enough to damage the HT of the titanium.
'Anodizing' for titanium or aluminum is done in a solution with electriciy.
Check the Cris Reeve section of the 'Manufacturers' part of the forum for photos.
 
Depending on the titanium alloy, ti can only be hardened a couple points on the rockwell scale and is no where near how hard steel gets (only goes to the high 30s IIRC, while steel is in upper 50s which is on a log scale). So even if it was to make the ti softer, it would be a negligible amount. Plus, the ti in a knife is a structural piece so how hard it is doesn't really matter. The only place it might make a difference is the end of the lock bar to reduce wear. But a good knife is going to have a carbide layer added to the lock bar face so that it is not an issue.

Basically, I don't think you have anything to worry about.
 
Thanks for all of the informative responses. Just to be clear: am I correct that while though they use two very different processes, titanium anodization and heat coloring do the same thing to the surface (build up an oxide layer)? Thanks.

-Matt
 
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Yes that is my understanding of both processes. I think using voltage it is easier to control the color and get a more even or solid color. The thickness of the oxide layer varies with the voltage so a uniform voltage gives a uniform oxide layer thickness. The finish of the Ti seems to change the look quite a bit. A polished surface seems to have more vivid colors than a satin or bead blast finish.
 
I do a lot of propane torch coloring. It takes some practice and thorough cleaning, but I can control the color fairly well.
 
Can you do a little how-to tutorial in heat coloring titanium ? My Sebenza looks a little too plain, and this might be the perfect solution for a little flair. :D
 
Edcgearreviews said:
Hello Everybody,

I had a few questions regarding heat anodizing. I have seen some pictures of modified Sebenzas that have been heat anodized. Wouldnt this ruin the heat treat of the titanium? I know that you can get some more intricate patterns when heat anodizing (over normal titanium anodizations). Thanks in advance for responses.

-Matt
Click to expand...

Theres more than one way to skin a cat.

I've used my stove top , the coil kind , to heat color all my titanium handled knives , it works good but depends on how thick the titanium is as to what colors I get.
You can also use Oxyclean to darken it , or a combination of oxyclean and heat like I did on my JYDII.

Tostig
 
beluga said:
Can you do a little how-to tutorial in heat coloring titanium ? My Sebenza looks a little too plain, and this might be the perfect solution for a little flair. :D
Click to expand...

I'd like to, but I don't have any spare Ti laying around:(
 
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