What makes titanium so wear resistant?

[Crayola]

Just curious! Is it the vanadium in titanium that makes it wear resistant, or is it the microscopic structore, or what? I've really taken a liking to using titanium in the knives I make (Thanks Chuck!). However, each time I work with it, I am reminded of its special properties!

 

[Gabe Newell]

MatWeb has detailed material properties data on over 200 titanium alloys.

MatWeb Titanium Alloy Materials Properties

 

[mete]

While the basic strengthening mechanism for steel is the transformation to martensite, the mechanism for titanium alloys like Ti6Al4V is precipitaion hardening.Works pretty good doesn't it .