Non magnetic knives.

C

cybrok

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Aug 7, 2005
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Hi

I study to become a metallurgist and here in Quebec, one of the BIG metal industry is Aluminum (Alcoa, Alcan).

In these foundries, there are HUGE magnetic fields, so you can't keep any metallic object on your person. Even the lift drivers have to be careful or they can get stuck on some tanks.

Since I have like 1 on 3 chances to end up there, I start looking for a non-magnetic knife or alloy to get myself an EDC. I know mission knives make some non-magnetic knives, but they are quite expensive. I don't want those Cold Steel nightshade series either.

So I need other suggestions of brands or alloys so I could get a custom made of it. (Koster Karda maybe?)

I'm not looking for something undetectable, but for something non magnetic. Not a tactical knife, but an EDC.

Thanks.
 
How about a David Boye cobalt folder? GOOD LUCK! Kevin :thumbup: Also makes fixed blades too!
 
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You may be able to find some Camillus Cuda Talonite fixed blades. They are non-ferrous but discontinued. They will also be pricey if found, over $200 probably.
 
Remember that the blade isn't everything. I have a ceramic bladed Boker with titanium handle slabs, but there is still some steel in the construction. Cobalt or Talonite blades may have steel handles or liners.

Pat Crawford has some small titanium fixed blade/neck knives you might consider at http://www.crawfordknives.com/neck_knives.htm
 
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Esav Benyamin said:
Remember that the blade isn't everything. I have a ceramic bladed Boker with titanium handle slabs, but there is still some steel in the construction. Cobalt or Talonite blades may have steel handles or liners.
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One of the reasons I was considering a fixed blade. Wooden handles and brass pins are fine. I think the rivets on kydex sheaths are brass as well?
 
Bokers ceramic blades are nice, but there again, I think you might be hard pressed to find a knife with no ferrous components. Good luck though. By the way, I'v worked in the Alcan plant in Robards,KY on many occasions, always with a knife in my pocket, and never had a problem. Granted, I wasn't around all of the equipment though.
 
cybrok said:
I think the rivets on kydex sheaths are brass as well?
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I have the perfect knife for that -- titanium necker by Newt Livesay with paracord and Kydex (with no rivets at all).

Maybe not perfect ... it's good for everything but cutting. :)

Seriously, especially if you're wearing it on a belt, you can have Kydex without rivets, or you can even have leather.
 
As long as the problem is magnetism not ultra high frequency a Stellite bladed knife with titanium and stainless steel hardware would serve the purpose.

George
 
You want a knife, not a dagger. I think you'll find titanium alloys other than beta ti to be too soft, much softer than the steel knives you're used to, and you can forget about plastic. Either Mission beta titanium or Talonite will work well, and so will Stellite. Your best chance of finding something affordable will be Talonite.
 
stellite/talonite blade with wood handles and aluminum pins. :thumbup:
 
I used to work with an MRI machine.A 1.5 Tesler which is like a giant maganet.I carried a titianium handle and talonite blade folder.I never had a problem with it.
BTW if you're going to work in maganet fields remember to remove your credit cards or they will be wiped out.
 
I agree, if a mission knife is too much, look at some of the Boker stuff. A few years ago I bought a Boker kitchen knife. According to the blade marking, it's made of 'titanum--sintered titanium/carbide.' Subsequently they came out with cera-titan. I've always been impressed with how well it cuts. I also have a couple of the Mission knives, and to me the 'titanum' takes a better edge. Obviously the Missions are far more rugged. It's a kitchen knife, so the blade is too thin for even light prying, but as long as you just use it to cut, you are ok.
 
Back to square one guys !! Iron, nickel and cobalt are magnetic !! Haven't ever checked Talonite or the Stellite alloys but I would assume they are magnetic. For nonmagnetic titanium or ceramic are available. If you want to make one then try beryllium copper. I'm not sure if the austenitic PH stainless steels would be hard enough.
 
I have a David Boye folder and a magnet will not stick to it. If you read their web site you will see that the knife is non magnetic. It will not set off a metal detector. GOOD LUCK! Kevin
 
I can personally confirm that the Boye cast cobalt knives are not magnetic as measured in human senses.

Note though that AC fields can induce voltage or current in all sorts of "non magnetic" things like copper or silver.

Sooooo, I'd stick with ceramic.
 
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