Titanium is down near the bottom of the list for blade materials. It makes great liners since it's tough, wear resistant, and easy to anodize (not for me yet, but most).
Titanium is hard to work, but that doesn't mean it's a good blade material. It's tough and hard, but doesn't have the properties to hold an edge.
For a first blade, I would recommend either ordering a chunk of 440-C, ATS-34, or a simple tool steel like 0-1, 52100, or 1095.
A lot of guys will tell you not to use a good steel on your first knife, but I say, "why not?"
If you take your time and really think about what you do to it, you will end up with a nice blade that will be very servicable with a good heat-treatment.
There are several books on making folders. What kind do you want to make, lock-back or liner-lock, or automatic?
For lock-backs, there is "How to Make Folding Knives" and also a book called "The Hand-Crafted Folding Knife" which is easier to follow...but I would buy both if you're serious. I spent the money to go down to Woodson, TX and make a lock-back in JP Moss's shop, and it was great...but spendy.
If you want to make liner-locks, I'd go buy the cheapest one you can find at Wal-Mart, and then pick up a copy of "The Tactical Folding Knife" You can take the el-cheap-o apart and use it as a prop while reading Terzoula's book. He was thorough and clear in his book.
Hope this helps.
Nick
[This message has been edited by NickWheeler (edited 12-20-2000).]
