Is an all-titanium "the" ultimate folder?

S

sub420

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Jan 13, 2002
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In search (like many) of the ultimate folder I've came across the Mission MPF all-titanium folder.
I always believed that titanium was much stronger than any steel but looking at the comparison between titanium blade and steel blade on the www.missionknives.com site I saw the following:

steel blade: 310,000 PSI tensile strenght - Rockwell C56
titanium blade: 225,000 PSI tensile strenght - Rochwell C45

Is this right? Is really titanium weaker than steel?
If this is so why big names use titanium liners or handles? Only for rust resistance?
Thanks for your comments.
 
Ti as a liner material has a "galling" effect. The Ti actually sticks to the blade.

Edit: Mission makes wholly Ti knives for those that cannot use a tool that has a magnetic signature, such as de-mining and ordnance disposal.
 
Titanium has a higher strength to weight ration, but is much lighter in weight. So a 5 foot, 1 lb titanium rod is stronger than a 5 foot, 1 lb steel rod, but it's also alot thicker. If space is the constraint, than steel is stronger. I think titanium is a great liner and handle material, and I'd love to see the MPF in person. Now titanium handle, talonite blade...that's awesome.
 
As stated earlier, except for extreme specialized use, titanium is probably not the best choice for a knife blade. A good steel will serve the average user much better.
 
Titanium cannot be heat treated in the traditional sense. It will not hold an edge anywhere near as long as a conventional carbon steel."THE" knife is titanium handled with a Talonite or Stellite blade. Talonite is non ferrous,but holds a great edge. Better than any carbon steel. Unless you are an EOD team member, see mr. Tom Mayo, Darrel Ralph, D.C. Munroe, Kit Carson, Rob Simonich or a small number of other custom makers about this. It won't cost too much more and will be a much better all around knife.
David
 
NO!

I like at least a little "heft" to MY knives, and titanium is just TOO light-weight for what I like.:).
 
You're right, a real knife needs to feel like knife .
 
For the average user a steel blade will work best. However, there are times when an all Ti knife is nice to have. Up until I cam across a Warren Thomas all Ti knife, I wasn't overly impressed with what I saw. Especially the carbide coating that was put on the edges to assist in retention. They just nevered seemd that sharp. WT knows how to make a Ti blade, he also knows how to put an edge on a carbide coated blade. They are EXTREMELY sharp and if what is said about the carbide coating is true, will hold that edge for a long time through actual use. I don't know if that is true, but it sounds logical.
 
Dear All:
I started this tread and thanks to the very good hints and comments I've received from you all I definitely can say that an all-Ti folder is definitely not the ultimate folder.
I will now look into a titanium handle w/ talonite blade although also the Camillus EDC with steel handle and talonite blade looks appealing. Thanks again. It's great to be a member.
 
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