- Joined
- Aug 24, 2005
- Messages
- 219
Ok all... I recently was able to acquire my first Timascus knife and I realized I had no idea on the best way to properly care for this very cool material. I emailed Phil Boguszewski since I know that he works with Timascus and happens to be my favorite folder maker hands down. (I know, like saying you like a Rolls Royce!)
Phil and his wife Sue are such nice people and I am always in awe of his creativity and ability to make knives which are functional, beautiful and without question the best of the best. (IMO)
Bottom line folks is you never want to use Flitz or Simichrome polish on a Timascus finish. It will remove the oxide layer! You may have known this already but I did not. Here is my email with Phil shared with Phil's approval for the benefit of all of us who love Timascus...
The color of anodized titanium or Timascus isn't delicate, but it isn't bulletproof either. There actually is no color on the metal itself, a clear layer of titanium oxide (corrosion) is reflecting light seen as colors like a drop of oil on a puddle.
The oxide layer is only a few atoms thick. Never use metal polish, anything abrasive or a jeweler's rouge polishing cloth on colored Ti. Fingerprints, oil or wax may change the perceived colors but the handles can be cleaned with Windex or rubbing alcohol and returned to normal again.
Should I not use renaissance wax on it like I do my other knives?
Wax will alter the percieved color but won't hurt anything. Probably doesn't help either. Titanium is extremely corrosion resistant.
THAT COVERS IT. I HOPE THIS HELPS US ALL AVOID ANY HASSLES!!!
Phil and his wife Sue are such nice people and I am always in awe of his creativity and ability to make knives which are functional, beautiful and without question the best of the best. (IMO)
Bottom line folks is you never want to use Flitz or Simichrome polish on a Timascus finish. It will remove the oxide layer! You may have known this already but I did not. Here is my email with Phil shared with Phil's approval for the benefit of all of us who love Timascus...
The color of anodized titanium or Timascus isn't delicate, but it isn't bulletproof either. There actually is no color on the metal itself, a clear layer of titanium oxide (corrosion) is reflecting light seen as colors like a drop of oil on a puddle.
The oxide layer is only a few atoms thick. Never use metal polish, anything abrasive or a jeweler's rouge polishing cloth on colored Ti. Fingerprints, oil or wax may change the perceived colors but the handles can be cleaned with Windex or rubbing alcohol and returned to normal again.
Should I not use renaissance wax on it like I do my other knives?
Wax will alter the percieved color but won't hurt anything. Probably doesn't help either. Titanium is extremely corrosion resistant.
THAT COVERS IT. I HOPE THIS HELPS US ALL AVOID ANY HASSLES!!!
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