What is 6-6-2 Titanium?

[Daniel Dorn]

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

 

[Keith Montgomery]

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.

 

[mete]

Slightly stronger than Ti-6-4. For a list of the alloys see www.northamericanalloys.com

 

[Alpha Knife Supply]

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

 

[Daniel Dorn]

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

 

[Alpha Knife Supply]

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.

 

[Daniel Dorn]

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. The Mike Draper folder is a little out of my reach, now that I just plunked down nearly $400.

Daniel