Talonite or Stellite...

alejandrino

alejandrino

Joined
May 16, 2006
Messages
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is it gone for good? Was there a problem with the material itself aside from being expensive? I still have a couple of talonite folders and wondering why there are no topics on this anymore??
 
While it was very wear resistant due to carbides the matrix was fairly soft so the edge could roll over .Cost was high and sharpening difficult unless diamond was used. In all there were better choices for cost/performance ratio !
 
I don't think its gone for good. Tom Mayo, probably arguably the most high profile maker to extensively use the stuff, is still making knives with it. I do believe that it got a reputation for being good at some things, but not too good as a utility blade. For example, it will cut cardboard all day long and come back with just a stropping, but if you hit a staple you'll see a big dent in the edge. With that, I think it had its moment in the sun and now is just one of many options out there. Plus, as you say, its VERY expensive stuff.
 
It's still here and will likely be here for a very long time. It's used in industrial cutters, and wasn't "designed" for cutlery like we use. Custom makers willing to deal with it will continue to offer it.
 
It was vastly overhyped and did not live up to the promotion . David Boye still uses a cobalt based alloy as the main one for his production boat knives. There is no issue with ease of sharpening with talonite, stellite, etc., in regards to grinding aside from the fact they are gummy and soft and difficult to obtain a crisp edge on just like any other high carbide - low hardness material.

-Cliff
 
Would Stellite make a good hunting/skinning knife or should a guy go to some thing like S30v?
 
elimcbee said:
Would Stellite make a good hunting/skinning knife or should a guy go to some thing like S30v?
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Depends. If you are just skinning and cutting flesh, it is excellent. If you are going through cartlidge and hitting bone, I would be leary of what may happen to the edge.

I carry a Stellite Snitch everyday made by Jim Burke and love it because I never have to worry about rust and it is a great cutter. I also have a Mini Talon too, which is one of my favorite knives for around the house. I believe Stellite/Talonite to be a little tougher than what the critics say as I have tested mine carving red oak and maple with little problems, however, it is not even close to being as tough as S30V.

I will continue to get customs in Stellite where I want corrison resistance and cutting ability. While I like H-1 for what it is, it doesn't cut like Stellite.
 
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