Titanium use in knifemaking 12 October 2023
Can titanium be used in knifemaking ?
The different grades of titaniul
First of all, titanium and titanium alloys are classified in grades from 1 to 12.
Titanium grades 1 to 4 are commercially pure grades, i.e. with very low alloying levels.
The grade most widely used in industry in this range is grade 2, due in particular to its excellent corrosion resistance and deformability.
From grade 5 upwards, we speak of titanium alloys. Each has different physical and mechanical characteristics.
Grade 5, also known as TA6V, is the grade most commonly used in aerospace and medical applications. It contains aluminum and vanadium and offers excellent elasticity.
Use of titanium in knifemaking
In cutlery, Grade 5 titanium is used in particular for the manufacture of technical knife components such as Liner-lock spring plates for folding knives. It can also be used to make a carcass for a frame-lock knife.
Titanium is a lightweight material with 50% less density than stainless steel. What's more, it has a spring effect when delivered, so does not need to be heat-treated.
For aesthetic purposes, titanium can also be anodized or heated to vary its color. This is how it can be found in what is known as titanium Damascus: different grades of titanium will give different hues when heated, for aesthetically very interesting results. The same applies to titanium screws and bolts, which can be colored with a blowtorch.
In conclusion...
Is it possible to make a knife blade in titanium?
Yes, it's perfectly possible to make titanium blades. This material is highly resistant to corrosion, and for certain very specific applications, blades are made from it.
On the other hand, the hardness of this material does not ensure a long-lasting, effective cutting edge. This is why it is used to manufacture single-use blades, such as surgical blades or sea rescue knife blades.
