Talonite Vs Stellite

D

Double Edge Dave

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Can someone help a "metallugically-challenged" Individual understand the differences between the two?I know that Talonite is an age hardened,rolled version of Stellite, but what real world advantages does one have over the other? Enquiring minds want to know!
Thanks,
David

 
Let me give it a try.
At the turn of the century a guy named Elwood Haynes, from Indiana, discovered the use of cobalt as a base material for wear resistant properties. He discovered the star like appearance under the microscope, hence the Latin name "stellar" which was copy righted to "Stellite".

Cobalt 6B, 6BH (Talonite), and 6K (Stellite) are all of the same composition. 6K does have more carbon (1.40-1.90) added to the alloy to achieve its hardness, at some loss to its ductility. Cobalt 6BH achieves its hardness through hot rolling, then age hardening, thereby keeping its ductility.
6B is the same as 6BH except it is not not rolled or age hardened.

I have been using 6K for 8-10 years, 6BH for several years, and 6BH (Talonite) since Rob Simonich brought it to popularity.

Which one is best? Both 6K and 6BH. 6B is not a good choice. How's that for walking the line? I feel the difference is in the satisfaction of the customer and I've not had one returned, whether it was 6BH or 6K.

Okay, Rob, now it's your turn.



 
Good reply Kit, and I wasnt aware of the Stellar thing. All of Kits facts on the composition of the alloy and the history are right on. Stellite was used extensively in the chamber portion of machine gun barrels during WW II to get more life out of the chamber and throat area, this gives you an idea of it hot hardness and wear resistance.

How do the 2 compare? I dont have a clue myself as I have never used or made a Stellite knife. And to be totally honest I probably never will, and if I do I will never tell, then I will have to post all my comparisons! ha ha ha I do have customers that have both and not one can say one is better than the other. So I guess the big difference between the 2 is mostly price, Talonite is about $50 a pound avg cheaper from my limited knowlege. Is everyone confused yet?
wink.gif


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www.simonichknives.com

[This message has been edited by Rob Simonich (edited 07 October 1999).]
 
Kit and Rob,
Thanks so much for your responses.With your input,I feel I have the last word on these revolutionary materials.
David
AKTI#150
 
We have just heard from two of the most sincere knifemakers I know. Kit has been a friend for years and Rob since the Blade Show. Now when I get my last .41 custom paid for maybe I can afford to get them to make me two identicle knives for a test.

How about it guys? Kit knows I like either a 9" camp knife or a 5" utiliy knife.

Film at eleven.

Cheers,

ts

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Guns are for show. Knifes are for Pros.
 
ive been using 6k for over 15 years...maybe as many as 17.....just started using 6bh.. the main thing i have noticed is that talonite is easier to work...takes a better edge...and seems to be more resilient (sp?), the 6k is extremely tough and was prone to chipping...but it kept an excellent edge and like its cousin....will not rust...both are good....and as one who knows...rob has some 6k and probably already made a knife out of it...so fess up dude....

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http://www.mayoknives.com


 
Davidb415, I deserved that shot! However I was being completely honest. As Tom said, I do have a bar of 6K right there on the bench, Tom knows cause I got it from him! I still have not worked it so I dont know yet what to think of it. Tom post has been enlightening for me as he has worked both and you have read his opinion. So one of these days I will have to make that bar of 6K into a knife and do some side by side testing. Till then, I have to rely on Toms, Kits, and other makers and knife users that have used both. One thing is sure, those that have either a 6K or Talonite knife are not complaining any!

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www.simonichknives.com
 
After almost 4 years of using a stellite Mod. 16(sm.) of Kit's I have only touched up the edge once and even then it wasn't really necessary. Have had no problems with the edge chipping out(haven't tried to cut any nails though!). The Talonite Cetan I recently acquired seems to be equal in cutting ability & edge holding though subjectively the blade does seem to be a little more ductile - I don't plan to do any real tests - I like the knives tooo much. Haven't been able to test ease of resharpening since they hold an edge too well - can't get them dull enough for a real test! From a user standpoint its a toss-up regarding edge-holding & cutting ability - Talonite might have a slight advantage under extreme hard use due to being more ductile, but you can't go wrong with either(esp. when done by Kit & Rob!). My impressions.

Bill
 
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