Ti - How Sharp?

Stockman

Stockman

Joined
May 23, 2004
Messages
1,175
Looking at a few Ti blades, a neckknife and a credit card knife. Can anyone tell me from their personal experience what this material is like to sharpen and how sharp an edge it will hold. Are their grades of Ti, treatments, etc things to look out for when buying a blade made from Titanium?
 
You can get it sharp but it doesn't stay sharp as long as decently treated steel.

OilMan
 
IMHO Ti doesn't make for a blade (not even Ti precipitate). Bolsters, handles, liners and clips are in order, but not blades. There are steels with very good corrosion resistance (Ti's strong point) and with better edge retention (H1, for instance).
 
The standard alloy used in knife making is 6al4v. There are other alloys, but this is most common. It will take a wicked sharp edge and won't hold it. Usually a blade made of Ti is for light weight self defense applications where edge holding isn't a major issue. There are various coatings (various carbides) that can be applied to a Ti blades edge that will help increase edge holding ability. They don;t make Ti into a good working metal for a blade. From the questions you are asking and the information you have posted, you seem to be looking for an easy to carry, light weight SD type of knife. If that is correct, then Ti will work well for you. Just don't plan to use it for anything but SD.
 
I haven't been able to get ti as sharp as normal steel, and definitely lacking in the edgeholding department. the only cool thing is that they can be flamed coloured...hahaha
 
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