Stellite Vs. Titanium

[Walking Man]

Could someone please let me know which is better for knifemaking, and why?!?
When I say Titanium, I am refering to a good Ti alloy that a knifemaker might use.
I haven't seen any real comparisons between the two.
I just did a search.
Thanks.

 

[DaveH]

they are really two different kinds of things entirely.

Ti (actually the alloy 6AL4V) is often used for handles, very occasionally as a blade for corrsion or anti magnetic properties. Pure Ti is soft and used for bolsters, furnishings and stuff like that.

Stellite is a Cobalt alloy, not really steel, used for blades for non corrosion and because it can be cast into blades. Stellite is not used for handles AFAIK. It has a couple of other names Talonite for example, slightly sifferent but along the same lines.

 

[martin j]

they are really two different kinds of things entirely.

Ti (actually the alloy 6AL4V) is often used for handles, very occasionally as a blade for corrsion or anti magnetic properties. Pure Ti is soft and used for bolsters, furnishings and stuff like that.

Stellite is a Cobalt alloy, not really steel, used for blades for non corrosion and because it can be cast into blades. Stellite is not used for handles AFAIK. It has a couple of other names Talonite for example, slightly sifferent but along the same lines.

I blieve Mission advertises their Beta Ti is superior for blades, however that is superior to other titaniums not other blade materials of course. It still bends easily but if your main concern is a noncorrosive blade that will not break, then ti may be your answer. Won't hold a great edge however.
Stellite I believe only David Boye casts it, everyone else uses stock removal technique. Many people speak highly of stellite edge holding ability but it is also softer then steels. So it is corrosion proof but as with everything there is a compromises.

 

[cpirtle]

Yep, most knife makers grind Stellite/Talonite. Their properties are similar but I think Stellite has a higher heat resistance than Talonite. IIRC Stellite was designed for deep core drilling where temperature gets extremely high. (way more than a knife should ever be exposed to)


I have some knives in Talonite that I've used for years and they hold an edge as good as my ATS 34 blades for the most part. Since they are softer you would not want to use them as chopping knives, but they are more abrasion resistant which accounts for longer edge holding - it evens out in the end.

To answer your question, IMO if you need no magnetic signature & prybar capability with edge holding being toward the bottom of the list Ti is okay, if the primary goal is rust resistance go with Stellite or Talonite, you won't be disappointed.

 

[Alpha Knife Supply]

Asking if titanium makes a good blade is like asking if steel makes a good blade. You have to be more specific.

The majority of titanium used in the knife industry is 6AL4V or 6-4 which is 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium and the remainder titanium. 6-4 is used for scales and liners. There are four alloys of commercially pure titanium CP-1 through CP-4. As the number increases so does the amount of oxygen which provides additional stiffness. However none of the CP grades compare to 6-4. The strongest titanium alloy is 6-6-2 which is 6% aluminum, 6% vanadium and 2% tin. It has a higher tensile strength that 6-4 but will not bend and return as well. It is a very strong alloy.

Some knifemakers use 6-4 for blades. Most of the blades are meant for self defense where the user slashes and runs. Many times the knife is worn next to the skin. Titanium is used so corrosion is not a problem. Edge holding is not a major concern. Warren Thomas has a process for adhering carbide to the cutting edge. His knives work well. Mission uses Beta C which is an incredibly tough titanium that can be heat treated to the mid 40's Rc. Nick Wheeler is currently finishing a knife made from Beta C. Ed Schempp forged rod into the blade blank. I was there when Nick heat treated the blade. It cuts nicely. I'm looking forward to receiving the knife.

Talonite is a type of Stellite. Both are Haynes alloys. These alloys are comprised primarily of cobalt. The main difference for Talonite is it is hot rolled and age hardened. Haynes alloys are know for being very heat resistant. Talonite will hold a razor edge for 5 hours at 2000 degrees F! These alloys cannot rust, are impervious to salt water and non magnetic. The rockwell hardness for Stellite or Talonite is in the mid 40's Rc. However the hardness comes from the cobalt matrix holding the carbides. The carbides are much harder. The cobalt wears away exposing new carbide which do the cutting. Because the cobalt is relatively soft, Talonite and Stellite do not make good chopping knives. They are better suited to knives that will be used in the kitchen or skinning and butchering game.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask or call me and I'll bore you with more information than you ever wanted to know.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Could someone please let me know which is better for knifemaking, and why?!?

Mission's Ti has a similar hardness to the Stellite alloys and is much tougher and more ductile with the same corrosion resistance. I would choose it readily between the two.

-Cliff

 

[faramir]

If you have any more questions feel free to ask or call me and I'll bore you with more information than you ever wanted to know.

You could "bore" the rest of us right here I found your post to be extremely informative - it's hard to ask questions though when one knows so little about specific subject.