What is 6-6-2 Titanium?

Daniel Dorn

Daniel Dorn

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I just saw a post for a custom knife for sale with 6-6-2 Titanium listed as the handle material. It is described as "stronger than regular 6Al4V." What is this stuff? Why don't we see more of it around? Would it make a better blade than regular "aircraft grade"? Any info would be appreciated.

If I need to post this in Knife Makers forum, could a moderator move it?

Daniel Dorn
 
I don't know how much better it is, but it has 6% aluminum, 6% vanadium and 2% tin. 6AL-4 has 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium.
 
6-4 has a tensile strength of 130,000 and a 0.2% offset yield strength of 120,000.

6-6-2 has a tensile strength of 150,000 and a 0.2% offset yield strength of 140,000.

What does this mean in the real world? Not a heck of a lot. In knives, when 6-6-2 is used for a liner, it means the liner is stiffer than the same size liner made from 6-4. The increased vanadium also reduces wear a little. The knifemakers I know who have used 6-6-2 like it. They say the liner pops over with more authority.

For aerospace uses, 6-6-2 is the toughest commonly available titanium alloy.

We have information about titanium alloys on our website:
http://www.alphaknifesupply.com/data-titanium.htm
 
Cool! Thanks for the info and links, guys.

So, for the added cost, and reduced machinability, it's not really worth the extra effort?? Is that the story?

Daniel
 
The knifemakers I've talked to say 6-6-2 works similar to 6-4. That does not mean it is easy to work. ALL titanium is a pain to work! 6-6-2 does make a very solid liner lock. I think it is worth the effort.

I looked for the knife for sale and found it. IMO you can't go wrong buying a knife made my Mike Draper. He is a great person who makes great knives. He always pushes himself to learn and do more. Commodorewheeler is a nice guy to buy a knife from. I'm looking forward to seeing some of his new knives this weekend in Las Vegas. Don't hesitate to buy the knife.
 
Thanks Chuck. I actually am in the process of buying a different knife from Commodorwheeler. If he shows you a Microtech Scarab Executive, that's going to be mine.:D The Mike Draper folder is a little out of my reach, now that I just plunked down nearly $400.

Daniel
 
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