Question: subtleties of making a titanium frame lock

[missin_hobo]

Hey everybody, I've been an aspiring knifemaker for a few years now. I recently acquired several of the tools and a few of the materials needed to try my hand at it.
My plan is to start experimenting with smaller fixed blades, but sooner or later - and sooner than sensible, I bet - I'll want to start making folders.
For everyone who's done it before, I wanted to enquire about the tricks involved in making titanium frame lock folders. I likely have all the tools necessary to cut the metal and force it into the spring shape, but I'm sure there's more to it than that. Does the metal need to be tempered at all in order to be functional? Are there severe peculiarities to machining titanium? I'm aware of toxic fumes and pyrophoric sawdust, but wonder if anyone can contribute some tactile feedback.
Most intriguing, can anyone explain the process of carbidizing the mating surface of the lockbar, Chris-Reeve-style, to reduce long term wear on the lock?

Hopefully this is the start of a long and exciting craft for me. Thanks for any input!

 

[tiguy7]

Google carbidizing. They offer services. The equipment is sort of expensive.

 

[Frank Niro]

Well here are just a few of the simple things you must deal with. When it's wrong , it's wrong and this almost every time means starting over on that particular piece; it's not wise to think adjustments and corrections can be made once the folder is together and almost what you thought to be completed; if you see an error or problem now, make the correction or start over now; what you may think is a simple or very plain design usual isn't; if you get frustrated easily, these folders are not what you want to try making; individual metals all have different make ups to deal with and titanium sure has it's own; it you are a newer maker of folders and aren't starting with a hard pattern, back up, for sure; and one of my last observations is boy do I feel great with every one I finish and I'm well past the thousandth one by now. So sure, go to it but start slow and with help when you need it. I have a few hard patterns here. Just contact me and I will send you one or two. The simplicity will surprise you, but the care needed in the making will amaze you. Frank

 

[Sam Dean]

Yeah, what Frank said^^

To clarify, Chris Reeve does not carbidize their lock bar face. They apply heat, which most likely creates an anodized layer. 6AL4V titanium is not hardenable by traditional means, but it does work harden very rapidly. Any time you cut it, make sure your cuts are fast & deliberate.