Thread: Titanium?

I think it is just a coating. If i remember right they even mention in the commercials that the blade is "titanium coated". I could be wrong though. I thought i was wrong one time, but i was mistaken .

Originally Posted by John Crowley

So we have to find a titanium nitride razor - right? I had no idea that the Rockwell C scale was different for titanium than it is for steel. A rockwell 61c is different for steel than it is for other metals? I guess they should have called it the Rockwell C metal dependant sliding scale.

Perhaps I led you to a different conclusion. The Rockwell scales (also Brinel Vickers etc.) are standardized methods of determining hardness. Rockwell C scale at 45 on a titanium blade would be Rc 45 on a steel blade. The Rockwell test is not the problem.

Titanium is much more abrasion resistant than steel for a given hardness, so the edge will wear differently for a different reason than hardness alone. Then the Rockwell scale does not tell you what you need to know about that material's abilities.

As a very thin coating over disposable materials, like razors or drill bits, it works very well. But eventually, even when backed up by a steel edge, the normal wear and tear will require honing and then the titanium coatings, despite being tough, will abrade away, leaving exposed steel again.

The titanium knives have the advantage of being non magnetic. Good for EOD divers working around mines with magnetic triggers. I would agree that they are not the ultimate in performance edges.