heat treat necessary for TiAl6V4 framelocks/liners?

[M Wadel]

i will attempt to make a framelock folder using TiAl6V4 and i just wanted to know if i can bend it without heating it or will it break or become weak in some way by doing this. is it possible to just heat the spot i intend to bend with a torch (and maybe some thin copper or stainless to protect it from the open flame but still get it hot)

should framelocks made of TiAl6V4 be heat treated in some way to make the titanium "springy" and strong or is that overkill. are TiAl6V4 production knives generally heat treated? what do u guys think?

well thats all i have for now /mike

 

[Les Voorhies]

I'm not an expert on titanium but i've been making liner lock with it for years and i've never had to sofen or harden it. Its plenty spring as it is, and quite bendable.

 

[Don Robinson]

Hi, Les.

Ti doesn't need any heat treatment or heating before bending the spring, as you know.

6al/4v Ti makes a natural spring.