- Joined
- Jun 20, 2006
- Messages
- 456
I am looking for a source of titanium to practice on, whether from common objects that may be routinely discarded or products sold as scrap to test on.
Also any advice on what machines are capable of producing all the colors- even black and red if possible.
I've scoured the net for weeks without much success on where to find Ti to practice on and information, books, etc. on different grades of titanium and how they anodize differently (if they do).
Also, it doesn't seem like aluminum and titanium share any equipment.
I have contacted the big companies but haven't been able to get much info.
Last thing is that in all my time looking at knives I have never come across any that have that "old school" or vintage Colt blueing that has almost a depth to it. The 1960's National Match .45's are a good example of what I am talking about.
I have seen some glossy black finishes like on the Kerdhaw Chive rare black version, but that's not blueing, it's more of a ceramic coating.
The blueing I am after almost has a depth to it, it must refract or reflect light down through several layers of oxide to give that glossy blueing. Not at all like Parkerizing or any of the modern finishes which leads me to believe that it uses chemicals that aren't available anymore or techniques that were just never passed on. I'll try and post pics of my National Match with the "true blue" Colt blueing that just isn't made on any pieces by any company anymore. Doing this to a knife blade would look really great!
Any thoughts on any of these topics would be appreciated!
Also any advice on what machines are capable of producing all the colors- even black and red if possible.
I've scoured the net for weeks without much success on where to find Ti to practice on and information, books, etc. on different grades of titanium and how they anodize differently (if they do).
Also, it doesn't seem like aluminum and titanium share any equipment.
I have contacted the big companies but haven't been able to get much info.
Last thing is that in all my time looking at knives I have never come across any that have that "old school" or vintage Colt blueing that has almost a depth to it. The 1960's National Match .45's are a good example of what I am talking about.
I have seen some glossy black finishes like on the Kerdhaw Chive rare black version, but that's not blueing, it's more of a ceramic coating.
The blueing I am after almost has a depth to it, it must refract or reflect light down through several layers of oxide to give that glossy blueing. Not at all like Parkerizing or any of the modern finishes which leads me to believe that it uses chemicals that aren't available anymore or techniques that were just never passed on. I'll try and post pics of my National Match with the "true blue" Colt blueing that just isn't made on any pieces by any company anymore. Doing this to a knife blade would look really great!
Any thoughts on any of these topics would be appreciated!