linerlock folder materials

D

dgm

Joined
Jan 16, 2012
Messages
4
I have started trying my hand at folders. The first 2 were practice but now would like to maybe do it right. why is titanium used insted of stainless for the linerlock. All i have read says titanium is difficult to work. The 2 I made with Ats 34 seam to work fine. Any input might put me on the right path.
 
I'm moving this one to "Shop Talk - BladeSmith Questions and Answers". Maybe these fine folk can answer your question.
 
Ti is used mostly for wieght reduction and it is a natural spring so no H/T of frame is necessary.Not much harder to work than SS just different.Sharp belts and bits are a must as it will work harden.
Stan
 
You want 6AL4V or Grade 5 titanium.

It's not that difficult to work with.

Drill hacksaw, file- no problems.
 
I read, albeit on a site that sells such things, that titanium wears out a lot faster than steel in a frame/liner lock folder rendering the lock useless fairly quickly.

Is there any truth to that?
 
Thanks. I am going to make a material order soon so will probably order some Ti. Not sure how thick maybe .062. I want to have thick enough for threads. Any thoughts about thickness?
 
For liner locks from .040-.080,for frame locks .100 minimum and can go as thick as you want.
Stan
 
Stan It seems like you have worked with Ti so could you recomend how to cut without overheating. Is there a wear issue with Ti as compared to other material like stainless heat treated or not? dgm
 
I cut mine on my metal cutting band saw and cut the lock bars with a dremel cutoff wheel in my mill.When grinding use sharp belts and a slow to medium speed to keep it from work hardening.
I use an old 14 tooth blade on the band saw and just takes some practice to learn how fast to feed it to keep the blade from hanging up.
Stan
 
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