Thread: Alternate materials for blades

"Old ways are the best ways" - Tom Stoppard

That said, I'm curious to see what is found out. I'd have thought the Titanium a better idea than the Tungsten, but guess who's NOT an engineer. Remember the Damascus? They're out there and some guys like 'em.

X

Originally Posted by Hungryboxerdog

I recall reading (I do a lot of that) an article in some science magazine about a possible link between tungsten and aggressive tumor growth. I haven't a clue if tungsten is truly carcinogenic or not, but a web search will yield several government and news sites that are making implications. Of course, news sites love making implications. Personally, I'd want just a little assurance before using tungsten on my face.

Here's just one government site linking tungsten to cancer (however, long-term internal exposure):
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/press/011505.html

However, I am interested in the alternative metal angle...

Weapons grade anything is usually mixed with depleted uranium. There are also known issues with thoriated tungsten and TIG welding. Tungsten by itself or mixed with nickel is inert and will not cause a problem, which is why it can be used in jewelry.

Bill, I most certainly agree that the old ways are the best, and that's why I'm getting into this hobby in the first place. No harm in seeing how one can tinker with this.

As for the damascus steel, it does hold an edge a lot better than regular steel but it also looks extremely cool. I've been hunting around for a damascus lockback on e-bay for a while now... Anyway, I now have some measurements on a 6/8 Boker and I'm going to shoot those off to the company to see what they can do for us.

You know, we just shot past the most likely alternatives. There are all sorts of incredible new steels ot there that haven't even been thought about. People are experimenting with other cutlery, but razors?

I bet there are plenty of guys here who can think of some interesting steels. Bill Ellis?

This talk about Damascus steel just brought me back to it. That stuff is ancient. It goes back to the days before we could make furnaces hot enough to smelt steel. Yet, it's hard to beat in razors. Talk about liking what's old!

mgraepel, if they are serious to make this test batch, I sure want one to test... I think it's important to have "worldwide" test results Send one over here...

Nenad

Okay, looks like the last few steps here. I'm posting directly the information I received from American Cutting Edge. It looks like they want a blade to use as a template, so here's your chance to put in your own thoughts regarding this. What size blade do you want and is there a specific shape you would be interested? If somebody would be willing to send in an agreed-upon size, I'll get an address and we'll go from there.

I have reviewed the information and also asked our technical team the questions you posed and for the first, here is the response I received:

Tungsten Carbide is not really hazardous in the state our customers use as blades.
Once the carbide is sintered, it is a relatively inert substance.

It can be dangerous in it's "green" state (before sintering) or to the people who process or grind carbide.
Material Safety Data Sheets will recommend grinding carbide in well ventilated area with the proper use of dust masks.

As for the edge of a carbide blade, it will last sometimes up to three hundred times the life of a carbon steel blade, depending on the cutting application.

These blades are resharpenable, generally, up to 6 times, depending on widths you can withstand.

For us to accurately quote this blade I will need either a sample blade sent to me or a more detailed drawing given.

Please give me your company information as requested for our database and advise on how to proceed.

A 5/8 round tip is probably the most generic, user-friendly blade.

Sounds good to me. Remember, this blade is going to be considerably heavier than a regular 5/8ths, so a full-sized meat chopper would probably be really unwieldy. Does anyone have any detailed diagrams of a 5/8ths round tip or have a blade they would be willing to ship out? Or is there another thought on size? Also, does anyone think that any vendors like Ray would be interested in carrying these or should I not bother emailing him?

I think a 6/8 is a better size.

So there are only two opinions on blade size? I'd like to think more people would have input...

Originally Posted by mgraepel

Also, does anyone think that any vendors like Ray would be interested in carrying these or should I not bother emailing him?

I'd definitely e-mail Ray and John Crowley (straightrazorsandstuff.com).