Using Zirconium?

Hankins

Hankins

Joined
Dec 7, 2008
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Using Zirconium?
Has anybody here tried this for handle material? If Tips Tricks Etc
Any help is appreciated
 
I think we need a bit more info. Are you planning on making a solid zirconium handle?
Or did you mean ziracote?

If you plan on using elemental zirconium, I got nothing.
If you meant ziracote, it sands and polishes well. I use it stabilized, but it can be used as-is.
 
Zirconium as in metal../ thanks anyway Stacy
Will be contacting Mr Pohan Thanks rolf
 
Zirconium as in metal../ thanks anyway Stacy
Will be contacting Mr Pohan Thanks rolf
 
I have seen zirconium advertised in at least one knife supply shop, and in what seems to be blade thicknesses like 0.060" up to 0.200". However when I google it I only find ceramic blades of zirconium oxide.

Pray tell, what is this zirconium of which you speak and what does one use it for when constructing a knife? Also if you please, further indulge my curiosity by explaining why it is a good material for the intended purpose?
 
Tuffthumbs, Snody, and many others are using it now as scales inlays or bolsters on their folders, very nice looking stuff when used right but the dust is highly combustible. When it's ground or milled the shavings can ignite and burn extremely hot.
 
Thanks, my curiosity was peaked by the sizes available mostly. I had seen it before at AKS, as Frank mentioned, and wondered what it was used for. Now I know.
 
this should help:
http://www.espimetals.com/index.php/technical-data/337-zirconium-machining

Cliff notes - Grind at 2000-3000SFPM on coarse belts (24-50 grit). Finish at 3000-4000SFPM with lots of pressure and 60 grit or finer. Water flood or soluble oil is recommended for all grinding and milling operations. The sparks are white hot and will ignite any other zirconium dust as well as any flammable materials.

Sounds a lot like working with Ti.
 
Somewhat related to Ti. At one time saw some application of use in the body , like Ti but nothing else. Basic structure is hexagonal like Ti so it handles like Ti.
One of the Kyocera ceramic knives uses Zr oxide IIRC.
I'll research it if requested.
 
I use it for bolsters and it works like titanium, only gummier. It grinds hotter and with whiter sparks than titanium. You can anodize it like TI or if you use heat it turns black. The color of black will vary depending on finish. Scotchbrite and you get a matte black. Polished and you will get black with hues of greens and pinks when you move it in the light.

Just be careful when working with it, vacuum up chips as you make them.

On the attached pic I polished the bolsters and scotchbrite the clip.
 
For somw of those reactive metals the proper procedure is to always mix machining chips and dust with sand .You don't want the chips to ignite !!
 
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