Titanium welding

[Atlas Knife Company]

I know, titanium make a poor knife. I didn't know this before I bought the material a few years ago. My son got the itch to build a knife for Mommy before mushroom season this year, so I bought a belt sander(4x36" with 8" disc) and we started making the knife. We've got the general shape and sanded and polished like crazy. We're beginning to experience why Titanium makes a poor knife. The gentlest of mishandlings leave a mark.

We are at the point of putting the guard on. It's a tight fit, but I would love to have it welded. Unfortunately, none of the local shops have any experience welding titanium. Does anyone know where I can ship the knife to get the guard welded on, at a reasonable price?

 

[STR]

Give Mark a call at Leading Edge 1-231-893-2605. He welds titanium quite a bit.

STR

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

Why bother putting a guard on it? I would put a finger groove in and then drill some holes for the handle.

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

STR: I called Mark, he was very helpful. Thank you.

Chuck, can you show an example of what you are thinking?

 

[Mr. Bad Example]

How about just using JB Weld? From what I've read it is pretty close to soldering in strenght. I can't imagine the guard will take much stress in hunting the wild fungi.

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

Do you mean epoxy? I suppose I could let some semi-harden and then fill it in. I hadn't really considered that as I didn't think it would adhere to the metal well enough.

 

[Mr. Bad Example]

Do you mean epoxy? I suppose I could let some semi-harden and then fill it in. I hadn't really considered that as I didn't think it would adhere to the metal well enough.

Yes, it is a form of epoxy. Here is a tutorial:

http://www.northcoastknives.com/northcoast_knives_tutorials_hints_tips13.htm

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

Hmmm, I might have to try this as it would be much easier (and cheaper) than sending it in to get welded.

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

Something like any of these.

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

Nice, very nice. They look black in the picture. Are they anodized?

I just ordered some red, white, and blule scales for the knife. I'm planning on hammering the guard into place then using some epoxy to back fill the gaps(square peg in a round hole). Do I just push the scales up against the guard?

 

[Leu Custom]

Nice, very nice. They look black in the picture. Are they anodized?

I just ordered some red, white, and blule scales for the knife. I'm planning on hammering the guard into place then using some epoxy to back fill the gaps(square peg in a round hole). Do I just push the scales up against the guard?

I think those knives are made by Brian Goode of NC. The blades are black because they have been differentially hardened (using an oxy/acet torch) and then etched in probably ferric chloride mixture of some kind. the harder steel in the edge becomes more black then the softer spine.

http://www.bgoodeknives.com/

 

[blgoode]

WOW - Didnt think I'd see my knives in this thread

I would simply try and make the handle area slightly less wide than the knife blade and slide the guard down using the pinned in wood to hold the guard tight against the blade area. Maybe some JB weld in there too.

Or ditch the titanium and go with another design all together.