Talonite heat treating

Bronco

Bronco

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Joined
Feb 25, 2000
Messages
7,576
I've reviewed many of the strings (going back over a year) discussing the pros and cons of talonite. One of the major advantages of this material appears to lie in its inherent homogeneity. The excellent info you have all provided gives me the impression that, unlike traditional heat treated blade steels, as you wear your way into a talonite blade the underlying material retains all of the same characteristics (and to exactly the same degree) as the surface material. In subsequent discussions I thought I read about what seemed to be a breakthrough in the preparation of talonite through a heat treating process which, as with steel, improved hardness characteristics. Am I understanding the history of talonite development correctly? And if this heat treating process was developed after talonite's introduction has it come at the expense of the homogeneity which is so important to talonite's functionality and appeal? I realize this question is a bit involved for a first time contributor, but this forum is so outstanding, and the regulars so knowledgeable, I feel like an expert after reading only two days. Thanks to all.

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Semper Fi
 
Bronco, welcome aboard! If you don't get much response in the reviews section try the same question in the Shop Talk Blade Smith forum. There are alot of guys here that have a wealth of knowledge in Talonite and Stellite. I have enclosed a url to link ya up with Rob's site. It has alot of info about Talonite if you haven't found it yet.

http://www.simonichknives.com/idxtest.htm
 
Properly heat treated steel is as homogenous as it gets. I'm not sure what made you think otherwise. I suppose it is possible when finishing a blade to draw the surface temper by overheating it, but decent makers are pretty careful with their steel and protect it from overheating by sacrificing their thumbs as thermostats.

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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
 
There seems to be some confusion here.... A few hand-made steel knives are differentially heat-treated so the spine is softer than the edge, and after many years (or decades) of sharpening you could wear it down so far you'd get to the softer part. All factory-made knives and the great majority of hand-made knives are heat-treated homogenously. I have never heard of a differentially heat-treated Talonite knife and don't think it's possible.

-Cougar :{)
 
Thanks for setting me straight gents. I think I'd gotten the impression from some of the previous threads that steel blades demonstrated an ever so slight "shell" effect, for lack of a better term, where the underlying layers of steel don't react in exactly the same manner as the surface layer. I'm sure my own deficiencies in the art of blade resharpening have also contributed to this misperception.

Can I say that it's great to be involved in a forum where people are willing to share their years of experience with a newbie in such a professional manner. This is a quality sorely lacking in the vast majority of on-line forums I've participated in.

P.S. Jerry, after having visited your website I can only imagine that your long list of satisfied customers appreciate the sacrifices your thumbs have made.

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Semper Fi
 
For the better I hope. I'm not sure it could get a lot worse.
smile.gif


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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
 
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