Tell me about ZIRCONIUM bolsters and pocket clips

A

ap1169

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Sep 5, 2014
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Hi BF, I just purchased a custom knife that the bolsters and pocket clip and made from Zirconium. I tried Google, but could not get the answers I was looking for on this material.
Is it scratch proof? Is it solid grey material? Is it better or as good as Titanium? What is your experience with this material? Thank you, Robert
 
First off, what knife did you get? I'm guessing a Thorburn.

I don't own a zirconium knife, but I recently had one in my possession for about a week. The biggest difference you will notice outside of aesthetics, is weight. Zirconium is heavy!

It is not a solid grey material, it is anodized like titanium to achieve the dark oxide layer. The layer can scratch off just like titanium. I personally haven't scratched up a Zi knife, but a website the sells Zi wedding rings states that they wear like any other oxide layer (think anodized titanium).

Also, from what I understand, is that it doesn't have the springiness that titanium does. It makes a fine pocket clip, but it wouldn't make a good lockbar.

Example picture of a friends Zi knife that has been carried (looks great!):

ab2031b0911617da158b14b4b7a656c4_zps7qf01mbl.jpg
 
ap1169 said:
Is it scratch proof?

No, anything can scratch, but it does resist scratching much better than Titanium.

Is it solid grey material?

No. The links above give you the answer you are looking for.

Is it better or as good as Titanium?

Depends on what Titanium you compare it to and what your applications are. This will be dependent on the applicable industry. For knives, what applications? Bolsters? Frames?

What is your experience with this material?

Very attractive material for bolsters, loves fingerprints.
Click to expand...

Replies above in red.
 
Only loves fingerprints of its polished. Matte finished zirc shows scratches more but doesn't show fingerprints.

Zirc is also easy to recolor.
 
Zr and Ti are similar as they both have a hexagonal crystal structure .They also are both used in the body to replace bone .
 
Thank you all for answering my questions. I just needed a little history lesson on my new knife.
 
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