Titaniam Blank

[Nosight]

Well guys heres my problem...

I was given a piece of Titaniam 8"long x 1 and 5/16" wide x 1/4" thick.

Have an idea for a knife for a friend that has stood by me in the worst of time. I think this would be a great blade for him.

 1) Now do I need to anneal this before starting?

 2) do I need to heat treat it when done?

 3) if it needs heat treating. Would it need to go to someone with a very good oven or can I do it at home with very limited gear?

 I hope to get some input on this....

 Thanks in advance.....

 Later........Buzz

[LONGBOWKID]

Taken from another site:

"I can't imagine anyone outside of a fantasy gamer or a yuppie with more cash than sense wanting a knife made of titanium. The most common grade, 6% Al- 4 V- balance Ti, a.k.a. 6-4, or Grade 5, won't hold an edge, even in the highest strength heat treatment. Even the beta titanium alloys, the highest strength ones, will only get to mid 40's on the Rockwell C hardness scale. Compare that to 420 which easily makes it to 50+ HRC, or 440C at 60+. I did a quick search of "titanium knives" on Google and most of the offerings were stainless steel coated with PVD titanium nitride (a worthy combination) or a titanium carbide powder metallurgy product (also reasonable). But straight titanium alloy? Wrong material for the job."

No promise this is accurate, but whomever this fellow is, seems to know his stuff. I'd probably try it anyways.

Good luck friend.

The Kid

[Mark N]

It may not hold an edge, but it may make a good dive knife-being in-oxidable. (stainless) Any other opinions?

[loyd]

it will put off some neet sparks when you grind it. loyd

[Ray Hammond]

Nosight,

In my opinion you should save that Titanium and use something else...you can probably trade it for some substantial amount of S30V or some great carbon or tool steels and make you friend one heck of a great knife...and let someone do something awesome with the titanium that it's more suited for.

[Nosight]

To All,, Have been researching blades out of Titaniam and have decided to go a differant route for the blade.

 Want to thank you for all of the help on this...

 Will save the piece in question for something else..

Thanks Again....

Later,,,,,,,,,,,Buzz