How about MIM blades?

[gud4u]

I know that MIM (metal injected molding) is commonly used and accepted for some firearm and machine parts. But what about suitability of MIM-processed knife blades?

I just read a description of the MIM-process used for the Kershaw Offset here: http://www.southsummit.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4031

Every blade I own or have used has undergone at least some stage of forging. Even the CPM steels are forged when they're hot-rolled to appropriate billet size.

Has anyone on these forums used an Offset or other MIM-processed blade? What's known about wear-resistance, edge-holding, hardness and toughness characteristics of these blades?

 

[GarageBoy]

I thought MIM was undesirable on firearms..but it seems to be all the rage on knives

 

[mete]

MIM in guns has been sorted out and appropriate alloys and uses has been found. Earlier they had some problems. ...The second stage of Kershaw's process, high pressure ,is neccesary , otherwise it would be very brittle . I wonder how they compare to wrought 440C .Somebody should do some tests.

 

[orthogonal1]

I've been waiting for an answer to that question myself.