Screw/clip/standoff materials

[jprime84]

I have an assumption, but I just wanted to see what you guys thought.

I am assuming that unless otherwise noted, the screws, pivots, clips, standoffs, etc on the major brand name knives are typically made of some kind of stainless steel.

The reason I ask, is that I have considered getting titanium hardware for some of my ZTs that I particularly like. I want to make sure that I am actually upgrading the material, and not just spending money on aesthetics.

 

[kniferbro]

I prefer hardened steel screws over titanium. I'm not big on coloring (I'm down with mods and customization just not rainbow knives) my knives so I don't sweat the loss of possibly anodizing the hardware

 

[Rasco]

Anyone know of a place where steel standoffs (preferably in a range of colors) can be found online??

I'd really love to get some red ones going on some of my knives, or just a good source for future reference.

 

[dkb45]

Almost everything that doesn't cost an arm and leg uses stainless hardware, most likely one of the hardenable 300 series grades. I have had a few knives that use titanium hardware, and the screws can be a nightmare. Titanium is only somewhat hardenable, and most people don't heat treat it. A nonhardened titanium screw is about as effective as one of those $5 knife pot metal screws. Properly done, titanium will be more than strong enough, and look purdy.

As for the colored steel hardware, it can be colored a few ways. I know it can be electroplated, heat colored, and painted, but there are probably more methods. Buying steel to make your own isn't the best idea, because in shaping it down you will lose most all of you coating, and it should burn off in heat treating.

 

[Rasco]

I'm not planning on *crafting* my own, I just want to purchase some red ones.

For example, the ZT 0450 or the Kershaw Ruby

 

[PURPLEDC]

I'm not planning on *crafting* my own, I just want to purchase some red ones.

For example, the ZT 0450 or the Kershaw Ruby

I dont believe either of those are steel but rather anodized aluminum. I visit a lot of sites and unfortunately I have found most times you either make it yourself or have it custom made. Either option has its own share of headaches. So far I have not found a website that sells drop in hardware in colors.

 

[Rasco]

Crap.
Well, if such a site crosses your view, please think of me and shoot me a PM.

I'm looking mostly for red hardware for a couple of knives.