Titanium, I Think I Like It!

G

Gene

Joined
Oct 2, 1998
Messages
1,781
I've always wanted to check out an all-titanium knife and I've had the chance as I recently aquired two Pat Crawford all-titanium neck knives. An all-titanium KFF and a little all-titanium drop point.

First, let me say that titanium makes the PERFECT neck knife. I've owned them all, (neck knives), and I have to say, I still can't believe how light these things are! They truly disappear when they are worn and that is what you want when you "neck wear" a knife. You won't believe it until you try it, (the Kydex or Concealex sheaths that they came with almost weigh more than the knives!). Also for you defensive knife fans, they WILL penetrate flesh EASILY! ;)

I have heard all the stories about titanium over the years, (no edge holding whatsoever), but believe me, these things are more than adequate! They take an incredibly sharp edge and are on par with a lot of carbon steels, (IMHO), in edge retention. I've cut lots of meat and veggies with these things and they get the job done. As a plus, they are simple to re-sharpen, (I use diamonds and a smooth butcher's steel to straighten the edge). All this and they are tough as nails and completely rust-proof to boot! No, they won't chop logs apart and they won't cut through staples but the edges are adequate as hell! I don't know why I waited this long to get one!
 
Interesting comments, Gene. Good luck with the knives. Do you know if the Ti is alloyed with another metal? Pure Ti I didn't think could be hardened to more than a RC hardness of about 40.
 
Hi Dick,
They are made from 6AL4V titanium which I'm sure has alloy content. I know I used the term "all titanium" but PURE titanium like you say would be WAY too soft to cut anything.
 
I don't know, there is something about the look of titanium that I just don't like when used as a blade material. There is a beauty to steel that titanium lacks. For bolsters and handles it is great, but for blades it just doesn't turn my crank.
 
I agree with Keith.., and of course it's a very subjective deal with the Ti-Blades. I think they look awful :barf: ...but of course it's not a major concern since the piece is a true "specialty" item anyway.

I do have one of Pat's drop-point Ti-Neck knives (actualy I think Wes made it if I remember right??)...anyway.., the edge holding ability did surprise me somewhat, and truly isn't as shabby as I've read elsewhere.

Given the positive aspects of being a true "feather-weight".., I'd say they are a nice back-up piece and a little more utilitarian than one might expect for everyday use.


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Pete,
Next time you have the opportunity to attend one of the larger SoCal blade shows (Blade West, Blade Expo, etc.) check to see if Mission Knife & Tool has a booth. They've been putting a high polish on some of their Beta-Ti blades that really looks great. Most folks don't have any idea that ti can take such a shine. I sure didn't until I saw it with my own eyes.
 
That's interesting in that I don't understand what you gents mean. Both knives are bead-blasted and look exactly like ANY bead-blasted steel blade I've ever seen. If one wants to LOOK at a titanium blade then as Bronco stated, they CAN be highly polished. I like these for their feather weight and their resistance to my highly acidic sweat. I have worn many stainless steels around my neck and they have stained or pitted in short order. I know some folks could wear bowies around their necks and it wouldn't bother them but not me. These literally "disappear" when worn and have to be experienced to be believed.
 
I have seen the Mission Knives stuff come to think of it, but never really took a close look...appreciate the heads-up!!


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Gene:

I had to clean the drool off of my keyboard after reading this thread. Long before I got seriously into knives (and I'm NOT a collector; I own six, but they're all what I find to be the best), titanium was the Wonder Metal in all of my other pursuits (hang-gliding, sailing, bike-racing, etc.). The Strider AR is the tactical folder du jour and deservedly so for its sheer toughness and quality. But, in my humble opinion, the Mission MPF-1 is the tactical folder par excellence. It's light, it's indestructible, it needs no maintenance whatsoever and Mission's sharpener makes it hair-shaving sharp in seconds without affecting its totally non-magnetic signature. As for the Mission MPT (the knife that Mission does absolutely NOTHING to publicize), it is the best dive knife I've ever owned. Because of its unbelievably comfortable hytrel grip, it would be an outstanding tactical fighter, or even just a hunting knife. As of this writing, they are working to IMPROVE that handle dramatically. I don't work for Mission, or know anyone who does and I spent a LOT of time researching before I bought any of their knives. I own the two mentioned above. They're among my best and my favorite knives. Bar none.
 
kshurika,
Nice to know about the Mission knives. I too like them a lot and though I don't have one of their titanium models, I do have an MPT 10" in A2. It's a great knife. I've always wanted an MPF and someday will aquire one.

By the way, WELCOME to the forums bro!
 
Thanks Gene.
Interesting thread and you guys peaked my interest. Like Keith I have never been enthralled with TI blade. Neil is working on a stellite white-water rescue knife for me and after your and Kshurika's comments I might have to splurge and try one out in a TI alloy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top